Archibald T. Benson, first president of the town of Marion and organizer of several churches in Williamson County, Illinois area, was born in December 10, 1816 in Springfield, Tennessee. He was the son of William Carroll and Bethany Spiller Benson, early settlers and donors of the land for the city of Marion.  Bethany was the daughter of Warrington King and Leannah Nichols/Nicholson Spiller.  He married Julia Ann Bower on December 17, 1844.  Julia Ann was born in 1824 and died in 1901 in Marion.  Continue reading →