Long, James D. 1875-1950, Marion’s First Fire Chief

James D. Long was an early City Marshall, Marion Chief of Police and according his obituary, the first Fire Chief of Marion. He was born on June 17, 1875 in University City, Tennessee to Arthur R. Long and Louise E. Warren.

Five years after James’ birth, the 1880 census found the Long family living in Stewarts, Kentucky. His father, Arthur, was listed as a mechanic. The entire family was, oddly enough, only listed by initials Continue reading

West, Jackie D. 1946-2013, Vietnam Veteran

Jackie D West 1946-2013Jackie Dean West was born on October 23, 1946 in Herrin to Dean West and Vada Newton. Jack’s father, Dean West, served as Williamson County Sheriff from 1958-1962.

He was a graduate of Marion High School in the class of 1965 along with his sister, Judy, and was on the MHS football team all four years.

Jack was in the United States Navy and served two tours in Vietnam and was a lifetime member of the Marion VFW. Continue reading

1960, City Council Annexes 279 Parcels in NE Section

Marion Council OKs Annexation Step

The Marion City Council Monday authorized abstractor John K. Miller to begin preliminary work towards annexation of a northeast section of the city.

Miller said there are 279 parcels of property involved in the area east of Fair Street and North of the Missouri Pacific Railroad. Continue reading

Edwards, Charles “Yobbie” 1915-1968

Charles “Yobbie” Edwards was a WWII veteran, deputy sheriff under two Sheriff terms and served as Marion Chief of Police from 1954 to 1967. He was born in Galatia on October 1, 1915, a son of Delmon Lee Edwards (1887-1923) and Myrtle Miller. Four years after Charles was born, his father, Delmon, filled out his WW I registration card and noted that he was 27, he was married, had four children and lived on E. DeYoung in Marion working as a self-employed teamster which probably meant he had his own truck. Continue reading