Corder, Anderson P. 1811-1891, State Senator, Veteran of Two Wars

Of the many notable characters who have lived in Marion, Anderson P. Corder, could certainly be claimed as one of them.  Notes taken from the Nannie Gray Parks files at the Williamson County Historical Society says of him, “Many stories are told about Anderson P. Corder; John Gray and Carey E. Wiley knew him well. They said he was a very tall man and dressed well. He wore a “Stove Pipe” hat, a Prince Albert coat with a fancy vest draped with a large gold watch chain. He was considered a wit and smart in a way. Continue reading

1950, Doctor Baker’s Wonderful Pocketknife

During our recent ramble in the field of medical science we have thought now and then of Dr. G.J. Baker, the family doctor of our youth, and his wonderful pocket knife.

Doc Griff” Baker, who delivered all three of the Felts boys and wrestled them through most of the diseases of childhood plus a siege of typhoid, was Mother’s first cousin. Day or night, rain or shine, he came on foot, carrying a little black bag in his hand and wearing a leather medicine case slung by a strap from his shoulder. Once he arrived everybody felt better. Continue reading

Goodall, Sarah Ann Gannaway Scates Thorn 1825-1897

When Sarah Goodall died, her funeral card read: Sarah A. Scates, wife of John Goodall. Born in Virginia August 1, 1825. Died in Marion, April 26, 1897. Aged seventy one Years, eight months, twenty five days. Funeral at the Christian Church, Tuesday, April Twenty-Seventh at One o’clock. Interment at New Cemetery (Old Rose Hill Cemetery).

Not many words for a woman who had traveled twice in ten years from Virginia to Williamson County, Illinois, both times as a new bride. Continue reading

1954, Paving Machine Invented in Marion, Illinois

Paving Machine Invented in Marion Will Revolutionize the Industry

W.F. “Frankie” Merritt, 428 S. Future Street, Marion, has invented a machine which may revolutionize paving operations in the United States. Merritt, who is chief mechanic for the Regenhardt Construction Company of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, has developed a paving machine which requires no forms, but deposits the fresh concrete directly on the new road, saving approximately ten per cent in the cost of operation, and reducing the number of workers. With a traveling sub-grade machine, the results are practically the same as paving with forms. Continue reading