“It all started in Marion for one actress who was nominated for a Tony Award earlier this year.
Judith Ivey had never been in a play before she moved to Marion in the 11th grade and auditioned for a role in Marion High School’s production of “The Man Who Came to Dinner.”
That sparked a successful career in theatre for Ivey, a 1970 graduate of MHS. Continue reading
George Ralph Thurmond was born in Ewing, Illinois on January 6, 1896, the son of Elisha M. and Ida A. Ingram Thurmond. His father, Elisha, taught school and engaged in farming and raising livestock prior to bringing his family to Marion on October 1, 1909 to engage in the monument business by buying the Marion Steam Marble Works (monument makers). Continue reading
Elisha M. Thurmond was born in Franklin County March 6, 1864, and was the son of William H. and Sarah Elizabeth Thurmond. He attended the public schools in Franklin County and went to Ewing College.
He was married on April 8, 1886, to Miss lda Augusta Ingram in Franklin County. Ida was born in Macedonia, Illinois on August 16, 1870. Their fourth child, Clyde Thurmond died in 1894 at the age of 1. Continue reading
Ralph 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
Hosea 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