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A small group of Marion residents went SOUTH
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This story was featured in the August, 2008 issue of Marion Living Magazine
At the start of the Civil War, a small group of Marion residents went south, across the Ohio River, and enlisted in the Confederate Army. Mustering at Union City, Tennessee, they became Company G of the 15th Tennessee Volunteer Regiment of Infantry. That part of their story is well known, but what about the rest of their lives? What really happened to the Orphan Company of Men from Marion?
Their leader, Thorndike Brooks from Marion, was 33 years old when he led those 28 men away from Williamson County. He was elected Captain of the unit on the day that it was mustered into the Rebel Army. Brooks rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel during stiff fighting at Belmont, Shiloh and Perryville. Severely wounded at Murfreesboro, Lt. Col. Brooks was put on sick leave and didn’t return to active duty until February 1864. He commanded the 15th Tennessee in the field up until the end of the war, becoming the highest ranking Illinois soldier in the Confederate Army, and the only Illinois man to be in command of an entire regiment of the Army of the Confederate States of America. Receiving a pardon two months after the War ended, Brooks returned to his parents’ home in Baltimore, Maryland, and became a prosperous businessman, dying peacefully in 1893.
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Congrautlations, Captain Hancock —
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This story was featured in the August, 2008 issue of Marion Living Magazine
Daryl R. Hancock, formerly of Marion, and now stationed outside Washington, D.C., was recently promoted to the rank of Captain (O-6) in the United States Navy.
The son of Ray and Ruth (Sneddon) Hancock was a 1983 graduate of Marion High School and an active participant in many of our community’s educational and sports activities for young people. After graduation from the University of Illinois in 1987, Daryl was commissioned an Ensign in the U. S. Navy. He has served his country during the first Persian Gulf War, the current War Against Terrorism, and in various hot spots around the globe.
He has been to sea many times, including lengthy billets aboard the destroyer U.S.S. Scott and the aircraft carrier U.S.S. BonHomme Richard. He is currently assigned to the National Maritime Intelligence Center at Suitland, Maryland.
Many of his friends and relatives from Marion traveled to Washington, D.C. to participate in his promotion ceremonies held at the Center. Miss Elizabeth Hancock, the new Captain’s lovely daughter, played the National Anthem on the violin. Several of Daryl’s former shipmates and commanders spoke of his character, his industrious nature and his dedication to duty. After re-affirming his commissioning oath as administered by Rear Admiral Tony Cothron, Daryl received his new gold-braided shoulder boards, along with kisses, from his mother and his wife, Colleen (McCuan) Hancock, also a 1983 graduate of Marion High School. Following the ceremony, a reception was held in the Naval Intelligence Museum in the Suitland Federal Complex.
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This story was featured in the August, 2008 issue of Marion Living Magazine
In the Zion Church on West Cherry Street in Marion, there was once and may be still a mosaic mural of the history of the church. One of the items on the mural was a symbol denoting that in 1890 there was a movement of ethnic German families migrating to Williamson County from Washington, Madison and St. Clair counties. Apparently their main quest was farmland which would grow clover. This information came from a 1963 column by Homer Butler.
Some of the names involved in this migration are still well known in this County. Among them are Feurer, Broeking, Dahmer, Fluck and the subject of this article, Gilbert Boester.
Gilbert was born in Williamson County on June 17, 1925 to August and Sophia Dahmer Boester. The parents of August Boester were born in Germany, making August Boester a first generation American. The family consisted of Gilbert and three brothers and two sisters.
Gilbert now lives east of Marion on Crabtree School road and grew up on a farm about a mile south of where he now resides.
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Marion's jewelry tradition
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This story was featured in the August, 2008 issue of Marion Living Magazine
Story by Kevin Clark
Diamond Designs
901 North Carbon Street
Marion, Illinois 62959
(618) 997-5983
In this fast-paced world of today, it is a great joy to discover a business which offers experience as a part of their everyday values. With more than 28 years in business, Diamond Designs, 901 North Carbon Street, in Marion have built a list of customers which spans nearly three decades.
Diamond Designs owner, Steven McNeill, draws from experience as second generation jeweler and gemologist. Following in his father’s footsteps, Steven took over the business from Don about 16 years ago, but has been in the industry for nearly thirty years.
The specialty jewelry store near the Town and Country Shopping Center, at the intersection of Boulevard and Carbon Streets, employ a bench jeweler, diamondologist and gemologist on staff to assist you in your needs. None of the staff are commission salespeople, and you will quickly realize that everyone at Diamond Designs is well trained and highly qualified. They are ready to help you make a selection which is sure to be perfect for a man or women.
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A thrilling Williamson County incident of the Civil War
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This story was featured in the August, 2008 issue of Marion Living Magazine
Story by the late Mrs. John A. Logan
Probably the most important and exciting incident connected with the Civil War preparations in all of Illinois took place on the Public Square in Marion shortly after the outbreak of the Rebellion when John A. Logan, the Congressman from this district, returned from Washington to plead with his constituents to cast their lot with the Union cause. His beloved widow was a loyal to Little Egypt. We must remember that this portion of Illinois settled in an early day by Southerners was strongly inclined to the Confederacy. It required a brave man indeed, to face his former closest friends, who were now the worst secessionists and ask them to give up their ideas and go against the land of their fathers. The thrilling midnight ride alone across these prairies by Mrs. Logan to Carbondale to meet her husband and escort him to Marion where he addressed the impatient crowd on the Square mounting a farm wagon as a platform, reads like the most exciting piece of fiction.
A thrilling Williamson County incident of the Civil War
He mounted the wagon, and after waving a salute to the throng who surrounded him, he began to speak in a voice so clear and full of volume that every person, even those farthest from him on the outside of the crowd, could hear him distinctly. In a few moments,a death-like stillness prevailed, the most turbulent spirit in the crowd was as quiet as the dead.
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This story was featured in the July, 2008 issue of Marion Living Magazine
Story by: Don Gasaway
Beautiful scenery and outdoor recreation attracts thousands to Southern Illinois
Mild temperatures, coupled with the scenic beauty of Illinois, attracts thousands annually each Fall to Southern Illinois. Some come for some late season fishing, others are early season hunters. Some come to hike, and still others to view the historical sites of the area. Whatever the reason, fall visitors find the restaurant, motel and campground facilities in Williamson County an excellent base from which to begin their adventures.
From a comfortable base in Marion, Illinois, it is possible to forage out in all directions for a day of adventure and return to Williamson County in the evening.
Anglers find excellent fishing for largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, bluegill, white bass, hybrid stripers and sunfish in the waters of southern Illinois. Lakes ranging from a few acres to over 10,000 acres can be found within a short distance of the County. Large tracts of public water await any angler in search of a trophy or just some relaxing time on the water. Both the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers are only a short drive away. Numerous marinas are to be found in the area which will supply boats, bait and tackle as well as offer information on where the fish might be biting.
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