Category Archives: Government

Marion City government, its officials, departments and buildings.

Maynard, Clyde O. 1912-1999, Civic Leader

Posted on by February 11, 2014

Clyde O. Maynard 1912-1999
Clyde O. Maynard 1912-1999
Louise (Frick) Maynard 1911-2014

Clyde Owen Maynard, one of the original Marion Park District Commissioners in 1957 and an active civic leader, was born April 18, 1912, in Herrin to Otis A. Maynard (1882-1926) and Nellie Williams (1887-xxxx).

The 1920 federal census found 7 year old Clyde in his parents’ home at 1004 S. 13th Street in Herrin, Illinois, which they owned free of mortgage. His parents were aged 36 and 32 respectively and his father was working as a mine boss. Siblings of Clyde living in the home were Ruth 14, Leonard 13, Paul 11 and Marvin age 4. Continue reading →

Jones, John W. “Willie” 1912-1968, Civic Leader

Posted on by February 28, 2014

John W. Jones 1912-1968
John W. Jones 1912-1968
John W. Jones 1912-1968

John William “Willie” Jones, beloved Marion citizen, active civic leader and the first black man to obtain membership in any Marion service club, was a native of Marion born on January 12, 1912 to William Jones and Mrs. Alice Crossland. Jones was hailed by Marion editor and news publisher, Oldham Paisley, as being a force of one in maintaining racial tension in Marion and promoting development of the black community. Continue reading →

Rodd, Harry R. 1912-1987, Marion Mayor 1947-1951

Posted on by January 30, 2014

Harry R. Rodd 1912-1987
Harry R. Rodd 1912-1987

Harry R. Rodd was born August 15, 1912 in DuQuoin to Roy Edgar Rodd (1880-1968) and Lela May Calvert (1886-1974). Harry’s father, Roy, was born on a farm in Williamson County in 1880 in the now defunct Western precinct that we know today as Blairsville Township in the northwest corner of the county. He spent most of his life living in Marion and worked as an insurance salesman. Continue reading →

1951, Black Liquor License Practice Under Fire

Posted on by January 30, 2014

Marion Charges No License for Negro Tavern

Springfield, Ill., Oct. 5, 1951 – The Illinois Liquor Control Commission fired criticism today at the practice of the city of Marion which permits one Negro to operate a tavern without paying a license fee so Negroes would stay out of other taverns.

The Commission voiced its disapproval in an order directing the Marion Liquor Control Commission, Mayor William Shannon, to rescind the local license granted to John Willie Jones, a Negro. Continue reading →

Shannon, William C. 1888-1976, Marion Mayor 1951-55

Posted on by January 30, 2014

William Shannon 1888-1976William Clark Shannon, who held public office in Williamson County for more than a quarter of a century, including those of Marion Mayor, City Magistrate, County Sheriff and County Treasurer, was born in Cannon City, Colorado to Abraham and Mary Shannon on March 13, 1888.

William’s father, Abraham was a full blooded Irish coal miner who was born in Northern Ireland in 1861 and immigrated in 1876, at the age of 15 to America to work the mines. He became a citizen in 1884. William’s mother, Mary, was full blooded English, but was naturalized by the process of her parents becoming citizens. Continue reading →