Mitchell, J.C. 1925-2006, Mitchell Law Firm

J.C. Mitchell was born in Marion on February 2, 1925, the son of Everett Edward and Margaret Helen (Hartman) Mitchell.

One of Mitchell’s great-grandfathers, William N. Mitchell, first moved to the Williamson County area near Corinth about the year 1830. He was a school teacher at the time. He later studied surveying and when Franklin County split in two and formed Williamson County in 1839, Mitchell ran the survey line between the south boundaries of Franklin County and the present north boundary of Williamson County. He also served in the Civil War as Captain in the Union Army. He was a postmaster and after service during the Civil War was County Clerk of Williamson County. Continue reading

Redickas, Thomas J. 1927-2002, Civil Defense Director

Tom RedicasThomas Joseph Redickas was born April 11, 1927 in Chicago to Charles V. and Mabel M. (Harvey) Redickas. His father, Charles, was a Lithuanian immigrant and his mother, Mabel, was born in Illinois to full blooded Irish immigrants.

In the 1930 census, Tom was three years old. His parents were renting a home at 5629 Elizabeth St. in Chicago and paying $40 per month for rent. His father was a typesetter at a printing shop. Continue reading

Duncan, Robert W. 1920-2013, WWII Flying Ace

Robert DuncanRobert W. Duncan, age 92, lifelong resident of Marion, IL except for the time he served in the Navy, passed away peacefully with his family by his side at 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 12, 2013, at his home.

He was born in Marion on Monday, December 20, 1920, the son of Absalom Wesley and Nellie Mae (Drake) Duncan. Continue reading