Norman, Ralph 1884-1963

Norman Ralph 1884-1963Ralph Norman was born January 28, 1884, in Crab Orchard, Illinois. He served on the school board in Marion for 40 years and was a former city commissioner.

Norman was the son of the late Leroy Norman and Clementine Hastings. He was married in Marion December 2, 1905, to Sarah T. Jordan which appears to be about the time he and his wife started living in Marion. Continue reading

Ferrell, Hosea V. 1880-1955

Ferrel Hosea 1902Hosea V. Ferrell was born on October 6, 1880, in Carterville, Illinois to Dr. Hosea V. Ferrell (1844-1918) and Mildred Cassandra Davis (1888-xxxx). Dr. Ferrell was a civil war veteran and prominent figure in the Carterville area. When the First National Bank of Carterville was organized in 1905, Dr. Ferrell served as its Vice President and in 1908 was elected the bank’s President with J.V. Walker as Vice President. Continue reading

Butler, Homer 1904-1982

Eva and Homer ButlerThe following compilation consists of three articles describing Homer Butler and lastly, his obituary. Two articles were large, front page stories that were issued on the day of Homer’s death. The last article was composed by Pearl Roberts and printed in the 1989 Williamson County Sesquicentennial book commemorating the people, places and events of the county. Continue reading

Goddard, Leroy A. 1854-1936

Leroy A Goddard 1854 1936Leroy A. Goddard was born in Marion, Illinois, June 22 1854, the son of James T. and Winifred (Spiller) Goddard. His grandparents from Virginia settled in 1832 near where Marion was afterwards located. Mr. Goddard’s father opened a general store in Bainbridge, near Marion, in 1841, and later moved to Marion and erected a three story brick building where the Marion State and Savings bank was located. Continue reading