Frank Ernest Parks was born on October 24, 1883 in Williamson County, Illinois. … Continue reading
Archibald B. McLaren was born in Dunfermline Fife, Scotland on January 6, 1873 to William E. and Mary (Kennedy) McLaren, both full blooded Scots. Continue reading
Shannon Holland was born near Morgantown, West Virginia, February 2, 1846, and came with his parents to Illinois at the age of 15 years in 1861 settling near Attila in the western side of Williamson County. Continue reading
Although this family only lived in Marion, Illinois for about 18 years, I wanted to include his contribution. A large number of pictures taken by J. W. Wilder, at the turn of the century, are the family photos and professional business and government photos that we are looking at today. Continue reading
James W. McKinney 1873-1950
James W. McKinney, minister, educator, and County Superintendent of Schools, was born March 13, 1871. He was the eldest son of James H. and Minerva McKinney, and was born and raised on their family farm near Hudgens in Southern Township a few miles south of Marion. His father, James H. McKinney, enlisted at Marion in Company B, 81st Illinois infantry. His desire to defend the Union cost him months of imprisonment at Andersonville Prison. Continue reading