Marion's Beginning

 

    This is one of the earliest photograph of Marion that I have seen.   The tall building on the right is the old Red Food store and later Western Auto store.

Formation of the Town of Marion

Since our town of Marion will be having a birthday on Feb. 22, 2026, her one hundred eighty-second, we just naturally need to think of the early beginning. Crittenden became a county in January of 1842, but Dr. John Gilliam in 1841 already had a plan in mind for the formation of a town, which would be Marion. The stage is set.

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The Act of 1841

At the Livingston County elections of May, 1841, Dr. Gilliam was overwhelmingly elected to succeed James Watts in the Kentucky Legislature, and he immediately started composition of an Act of that body in its Fall session of 1841.

The Act, creating the new county of Crittenden, in honor of the Governor of Kentucky at the time of its creation, from the northwestern portion of Livingston County, was passed in January of the next year, and was signed into law by Governor John J. Crittenden, January 26, 1842.

The Act establishing Crittenden County quite obviously was completed with the clear formulation of the plan to establish the new county's seat of justice at its only really acceptable site – the present location of the city of Marion.

The Act directed that the first county and circuit courts were to be held at the home of Samuel Ashley, which was the former tavern and voting place of Cross Keys, at about the territorial center of the newly formed Crittenden County. (This site was either at or very near the site of the late Fred Gilbert's residence. This site now is marked by a historical marker made possible by descendant Barry Gilbert). The location was only one and one-half miles north of the Salem-Bellville crossing on the Fords Ferry Road.

The Act also named a Selection Commission, and gave them power to receive donations of land for the erection of the planned public buildings of the county, and thus the stage was set for Dr. Gilliam's final step in the formulation of Marion.

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Selection of site for county seat

The Selection Commission met at the home of James Cruce on the first Monday in April 1842 and one of the first matters brought before them was Dr. Gilliam's offer of the donation of the cross roads site. (W. Bellville, Main Street, Fords Ferry Road and very near his log cabin structure).

The Commission, was made up of Thomas J. Flanary, Frederick D. Word, Robert N. Lewis, Robert T. Leeper and James Golson.

After three sessions, they recommended to the Court that Dr. Gilliam's offer of five acres of land be accepted, and on April 12, 1842, the following deed was recorded: John S. Gilliam & Nancy, his wife, for and in consideration of one dollar and donating to the county of Crittenden certain lands for the erection of public buildings for said county as provided for by an Act of the General Assembly of the Commonwealth Of Kentucky, have this day, with the advice and consent of the Commissioners appointed by said Act to locate said county seat, conveyed to the Justices of the County Court and their successors in office forever, for public use, all that certain piece or parcel of land situated, lying and being in the County aforesaid at the crossing of the Belleville and Main Road to Fords Ferry Road. One square being on the Southwest corner of said crossroads being laid off by said commissioners for a public square. Thus began the construction of the new county's Seat of Justice.

(Dr. John S. Gilliam, the Father of Marion, and his wife, Nancy S. Gilliam, at one time, had stones in the Old Marion Cemetery. Both of their stones are now on the list of the earlier stones that are missing or destroyed.)

***

Town of Marion was born

The Act of the legislature incorporating the town of Marion was passed and signed by the governor on February 22, 1844. The town was named after Gen. Francis Marion. a famed guerrilla general during the Revolutionary War. John S. Gilliam, Harmon Hubands and James Duvall were appointed to lay the town off, which they did.

***

The justices of the county courts in Kentucky of the 1840’s had the responsibility of total governmental administration to all parts of the counties not incorporated, thus Marion in the years of its formative stage, was under the supervision of the Crittenden County Court. The justices of the county were: Joseph Hughes, James Cruce, Robert H. Haynes, Abner Larrows(LaRue), Peter Clinton, John D. Gregory, Martin Williams, Robert Hill, Henry R.D. Coleman and Samuel L. Phillips.

***

In 1851 Marion was re-incorporated with the Laws of Kentucky and an Act to incorporate the town of Marion was written, thus the town would have its own set of laws and officers. They were approved December 20, 1851.

After this Act was passed the Crittenden County Court passed the town affairs to the newly appointed Board of Trustees. The elected officials were: Trustees John W. Blue, H. L. Leigh, William Rochester, W. C. Carnahan and J. N. Woods; Treasurer J. W. Wilson; Marshall John Fowler; Jess Tyner Assessor and R. L. Bigham City Clerk.

***

Original Incorporation Records

The original Articles of Incorporation for Marion, written in 1851, called for five Trustees and duties that the Trustees were given in the operation of the city. The board of trustees shall have power and authority to declare what fines shall be imposed upon all persons who shall be guilty of indecent of boisterous conduct, such as disturbs the peace and is against the dignity of the town.

They shall have power to declare fines to be imposed on persons who shall be guilty of boisterous conduct on the Sabbath, running horses, public swearing in a clamorous manner, fighting, shooting with guns or pistols, making reports by burning powder, blowing of horns, crying aloud by day or night in a disorderly manner, and all riotous conduct in said town; the fines in such cases, and for such offenses, to be ascertained by a jury, under the direction of the police judge of said town, as in cases of breeches of the peace, in any sum not exceeding twenty dollars for each and every offense, and in default of payment ten days imprisonment, or both.

Records also state that a clerk, assessor, treasurer, and marshal for the said town will be appointed. They will perform the duties of their respective offices according to law, and to the best of their abilities. (some of their duties abbreviated)

The Clerk duties shall be to attend all meetings of the board, and to preserve the books, papers, and records belonging to the office.

The Assessor, shall be be to call upon all persons in said town of Marion, who are subject to be taxed, and make out a true list of their taxable property.

The Treasurer duty shall be to receive and give receipts for all money’s paid him and keep a fair record of the fiscal concerns of the board.

The Marshal of the town of Marion shall hold the office two years, and he shall have the same powers, have the same jurisdiction, exercise the same authority, perform the same duties as a constable of the county of Crittenden, he shall be a peace officer of the town of Marion, with authority to command the power to suppress riots, fighting, or any manner of disturbance of the peace.

***

Present Form of City Government Created in 1898

Crittenden Press, Jan. 1, 1898 – Marion is now a full fledged city, with her own mayor and board of council. The new board met Monday evening last, with new mayor, R. L. Moore in the chair. The following officers were elected: Marshal and Street Inspector -B. L. Wilborn; City- Clerk H. Koltinsky; Treasurer- G. G. Hammond; and City Attorney- John A Moore.

***

I’m thankful for all these past leaders and citizens to have the foresight and courage to start the town of Marion all those many years ago. You are not forgotten.

History of the "First Schools"

 

Back in the 1930’s Rev. James F. Price wrote a series of articles called Facts and Reminiscences About Crittenden County. It’s a wonderful series of articles that contains facts about our schools, churches, the formation of the county, early settlers to the area and much more. This is a small section that he wrote about the first schools in the Marion area.

The schools of Crittenden County have a varied history from the most meager beginnings to their present efficiency. Some dates and facts may not be strictly correct, but this has been compiled from the best data obtainable.

The first school in Crittenden County was taught in a building opposite the Harry Perry house, one mile south of Marion.(The now empty field next to Norman Dr.) It was taught by James Hanks in 1842. The year in which the county was organized.

James Hanks’ father’s name was George Hanks; his grandmother’s name was Ann Hanks. They came from Claytonville, Anderson County, S. C. Ann Hanks had a daughter named Nancy Hanks. According to tradition she was Abraham Lincoln’s mother. At least James Hanks claimed to be a cousin of Lincoln.

The next one who taught in the building was J. O. Hadden. We have no data to enable us to determine how long any of these early teachers taught; probably from one to three years.

Hadden was followed by James Duvall, and he was followed by George W. Cone. During the time Cone taught the school was moved into the town of Marion. It has not been determined in what building the school was held after its removal. Mr. Cone taught four or five years.

The next instructors for Marion were Mr. Primer and Miss Carey, both from the State of New York. They taught in what was called The Old Seminary, where the Methodist parsonage now stands. At some of these early schools board and laundry for students cost only $1.25 per week. In music instructions were given on the accordion.

In these days they held what was called "loud school;" that is, the pupils studied out loud. The strongest voices would nearly drown out the weaker ones. If there came a lull of voices in the school room the teacher would stamp his foot and cry out, "Get to your lessons." Then such a bedlam of voices would burst forth that would almost make a thunderstorm pale into insignificance.

The next teacher at Marion was Clark Johnson. He was the first man that ever examined the writer for a certificate. He was very droll in his ways, but a fine scholar and an excellent teacher. The writer remembers that he had a box about five feet in every dimension, full of books, mosly Latin and Greek. He taught in the building called "Long Tom". (It was located were Gilbert’s Funeral Home is now.)

After this Mrs. White taught for two years; then Prof. A. Wood taught for a time. From 1869 to 1873, Prof. John L. Cade taught in a little brick building where the Graded School building now stands.(where Marion Jr. High School use to be, an empty lot now.) Mrs. Meary was his assistant. She was a very fine teacher.

The government of the school was by a system of merits. You would be given so many merits at the beginning of the week. Every failure in recitation or any act of misconduct would take away a merit. Some pupils would have few merits left at the end of the week. Bud Bigham had more money than most of the boys and he did like to talk to the girls. He would buy merits from some of the boys so he could have some at the end of the week, for every loving chat cost him one or more merits.

J. J. Nall and R. H. Adams took charge of the school in the fall of 1876. It was called the Male and Female Academy. One taught in the little brick building which stood on the present Graded School grounds; the other taught in the brick Presbyterian Church building which stood in the old cemetery. (on the corner of Moore St. and Hwy. 60 W)

Two early schools in Crittenden County made of logs.       Lilly Dale

                                                                   Sisco Chapel

The Tornado/Cyclone of 1890 through Crittenden County

 

The devastating tornado/cyclone of March 27, 1890 has a history well documented on the internet. From what little information I can gather, it must have followed the Ohio River in Illinois, crossed over to Crittenden around Carrsville, continued it’s path through mostly northern Crittenden county. I have only sketches of information, as there are no Crittenden Presses available for 1890 until September of that year. This is one reason why local newspapers are so important for our past history. Most of the history of this event are lost forever.

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The Beginning

The tornado outbreak of March 27,1890, was one of the most prolific, deadly, and damaging to ever strike the middle Mississippi and lower Ohio Valleys.

In a triangle roughly bounded by Saint Louis, Louisville, and Huntsville, no fewer than two dozen tornadoes of at least F2 strength raked across the countryside. Many more weaker tornadoes, records of which have been lost to time, may have struck as well

Early on the morning of the 27th, a deep low pressure system was spinning over central Kansas. A warm front reached to the east, splitting Kentucky in half length-wise. A cold front hung to the south into Texas.

The counter-clockwise turning of the Kansas low brought plenty of moisture northward from the Gulf of Mexico. As the moisture interacted with the low and its fronts, showers and storms broke out

The low over Kansas deepened and headed northeast into central Illinois by evening. As it did so, its cold front advanced into the Mississippi River valley. As the front encountered a very moist and unstable atmosphere that afternoon, numerous super-cell thunderstorms exploded from southeastern Missouri into Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee.

The first tornadoes developed south of St. Louis around 3pm. As the outbreak spread to the east, additional tornadoes struck. The final twisters occurred east of Nashville around 10pm. Louisville was near the eastern edge of the outbreak, with its tornado disaster taking place about 9pm.

***

From an Illinois newspaper - Coming over the hills at Carrsville, it took up Deer Creek, and therefore allowed Hardin county to escape, although the wind blew and hail fell as large as quail eggs.

It passed on through Kentucky felling timber and demolishing houses and etc. Dutch Sullenger, living near Tolu was killed and his house blown to fragments.

John Robinson’s daughter was killed also, and many injured. (I was unable to find any more information about who Dutch Sullenger was, or about the daughter of John Robinson.)

From local information - The tornado made a path through the around Mt. Zion church and cemetery, it destroyed the church.  (From History of Mt. Zion Church)

It not only destroyed the church and the neighborhood, it picked up Dr. Moreland's wife, Susan and their daughter, Gladis, whom she had clutched tightly in her arms and carried them to a neighboring community called Tradewater in Union County about seven miles from Mt. Zion.  When they were found, Susan was still holding her little girl.  They are buried together in the old part of the cemetery.  Their monument reads, "God would not let thee cross the dark abyss alone, but on they mother's breast did waft three home."

Their tombstone with the inscription, Susan M. Moreland (Sept. 29, 1865-March 27, 1890 and Gladis Gazelle Moreland, Infant (Oct. 14, 1899-March 27,1890) "Killed in Cyclone"

We will probably never know the total amount of deaths, for without the local paper, I can find no more records.

*****

This entry was in Crittenden County Order Book 1889-1900, dated March 29, 1890. Ordered by the court, that fifty dollars be appropriated for the tornado suffers of the county.

A flyer was also issued: A CRY FOR HELP! To the People of Crittenden County:

At a meeting of the citizens of Crittenden County, at Marion, on March 29^th, the following resolutions were adopted:

    Whereas a destructive tornado swept across the county on the 27^th, killing a number of our fellow citizens, wounding and disabling others, destroying the homes of many, leaving men, women and children, without food or raiment and in a suffering needy condition, therefore

    Resolved that those of the county who escaped this great calamity, be appealed to for relief for the distressed and suffering in this their great time of need, by making immediate contributions of money, food, clothing, bedding or other articles of household necessity and comfort,

    Resolved that the people be requested to hold public meetings in their respective neighborhoods for the purpose of facilitating this great work of charity, as the cry for help is urgent and relief must be speedily given.

    Resolved that J. A. Moore and Geo. C. Gray be and are appointed a committee to receive, at Marion, the donations of those who may live a distance from the field of want, and to forward the same to the sufferers.

The people of every neighborhood are earnestly requested to give this important matter their immediate attention, the immediate wants of our friends and neighbors are pressing. Let us heed their cry for help with open hearts.

J. A. Moore, Chairman,

T. J. Nunn, Secretary

Past Efforts To Save Marion High School

 The old Marion High School building was torn down in the spring of 2024.  It was sad to see it go.  It's only a memory now, as a graveled lot is in it's location.

I  happen to run across these old articles in the archives of the Crittenden Press and found it interesting to read  how some caring folks did try to save it several times and make it useful again, but it just never happened, on account of the cost.

The first I found was in Sept. 24, 1998.  Murray  State University wanted to make a satellite campus for the Murray State University.  I'm not sure what happened with this project, but it never came to  pass.

Here are two other articles I found interesting.

Crittenden Press, June 18, 1992

Plans Made To convert School Into Elderly Housing

Marion’s old Junior High School would be converted into 12 to 14 one-bedroom apartments under a plan being developed by Crittenden County Elderly Housing Corp.

Lois Hicks, president of the not-for-profit public corporation, announced last week the group is applying for a $562,000 low-interest loan from the Farmers Home Administration to buy and renovate the for,mer school, located across the street from the Marion Post Office.

the building, last used as a school in 1981, is now owned by Marion businessman Tommy Wright, Wright has used the building over the past few years as a retail store, for a storage and for light industry

.

The proposal would convert each of the 700 sq. ft. classrooms into a one-bedroom apartment with a kitchen, bath and living room.

The gymnasium would likely be used as a community meeting room.

The three-floor building would be made entirely handicapped accessible, and all apartments would be designed to accommodate people with wheelchairs and walkers.

The Elderly Housing Corp. was organized about a year ago, Hick said, on the suggestion of County Judge Executive John May, who noted a need for alternative housing for the county’s elderly.

Other corporation directors are Peggy Howton, vice president, Jean Greeman, secretary treasurer, Charles Aldridge, Elmer Ibert, Guy and Nellie Lowery, Mickey Myers, Janice Newcom, Edith Russell, Sheryl Watson and Ina Mae Little.

Many Litchfield of PADD said a survey was conducted and confirmed a need for at least 12 additional rental units.

Four other sites were surveyed for either renovation into elderly housing or for new construction. Those were the old hospital building, vacant lots near Fohs Hall and the courthouse, and the Fohs Hall annex, which has since been bought to house the Element Mineral Museum.

The old Junior High building was picked because it was near the downtown, near stores, churches, the post office and other government agencies, and was structurally sound.

It’s a tremendous building, it was said of the structure which was built in 19 38-39 by the WPA. It’s reinforced concrete would cost a ‘zillion’ dollars to try and build it today.

The group should learn, Litchfield said, whether the loan will be funded by late September or early October.

The local project has to compete for about $1.2 million available statewide for FmHA for non-profit elderly housing.

But, at present, Lietchfield said she was aware of only one other application for money.

If the loan is approved, interim financing would be arranged, probably through a local bank, until the construction project could be completed and the loan taken over by FmHA.

Construction could begin with 60 days of loan approval, and could be expected to be completed in six or seven months.

The exterior of the building would not be changed substantially,. Windows would be replaced with new, energy efficient ones, parking would be developed along with landscaping.

(This project failed as the grant never came through)

Crittenden Press, October 18, 2001

Plan would revive old school as new location for city hall.

One of Marion’s oldest and prized landmarks may again have a chance at new life if local officials follow through on a plan to save the historic building.

On Monday night, Marion’s city council gave Mayor Mick Alexander the authority to enter into an option agreement with Tommy Wright for the City of Marion to purchase the old Marion High School on South College Street. If feasible, the city could soon call the deteriorating building home, converting the former school into Marion City Hall.

The council is also eyeing a building owned by Frances Grady behind the school that was formerly used as a bandroom and special education building. Both option agreements would give the city one year to make a decision on the properties at an agreed price.

Alexander would not disclose the discussed purchase price for either property, saying that information could jeopardize the deal with Wright and Grady.

Bart Frazer, legal counsel to the city of Marion, said the parking lot located on the school’s grounds would not be a part of the potential purpose. That paved lot is currently owned and used by the Marion United Methodist Church.

Last year, attempts by local officials to purchase the school and its surrounding property for use as a joint city-county justice center were hampered by real estate acquisition discussions involving the parking lot.

Frazer said the plan to purchase the school is not intended to exclude the county from joining the city in any future ventures on the property. He said the primary reasons for seeking purchase of the property at this time are to save the building from further deterioration and to give the city a potential prime location for new offices.

"One consideration is to put in a drive-thru window," Alexander said, "That is really needed: for payment of utility bills and similar transactions."

Alexander said he would not know to w hat extent the city could utilize property until an architectural study could be completed.

If feasible, he said, it is possible that the administrative offices and the police and fire departments could all be moved. In that case, the current city hall building could be razed to make way for another structure or parking.

He added, however, that a more likely scenario would be to keep the fire department at its present location, allowing room for expansion when other offices move out of the building.

The mayor said the city has enough money in reserve to get the building "stabilized," repairing the roof and other structural problems that have arisen in nearly 20 years without regular maintenance. Several exterior problems are obvious, broken windows, crumbing woodwork and unattached gutters – but extensive water damage exists inside on either end of the building covered by a flat roof.

Alexander said any use of the property by the city would maintain the historical integrity and outward appearance of the structure.

Though Frazer said the city would welcome the county’s involvement with the development of the property, inviting the jail to the site is not a part of the plan. Under the previous city-county justice center plan, the jail, city police, sheriff’s department and administrative offices of the courts would have been located on the property.

Frazer said relocating the administrative offices of the courts – or circuit clerk’s office – to the old high school would still seem a viable option.

This most recent effort to save the historic school marks the third time in four years the property had been considered for the development by local officials. Prior to last year’s justice center plan, a 1998 study looked at converting the structure to a center for higher education.

***

This project was finally closed in the year 2003, the city had spent about $50,000 studying the building renovation and an estimated cost for the project came close to $9 million dollars. Council members decided it was a lost cause to try and renovate the old building.

Hanging of Thorton Wallingford - 1852

The following is from the files of the Crittenden Press November 5th and 12th, 1920. It tells the story of the first man legally hanged in Crittenden County.

THE HANGING OF THORN WALLINGFORDBy: R. C. Haynes

The first legal hanging in Crittenden County was that of William Thorton Wallingford. The execution took place on Friday, September 17, 1852.

Wallingford lived on a farm near Pickering Hill on the Fords Ferry Road, some seven or eight miles from Marion, the place that was afterwards owned by John Robinson. He was married and at this time had a wife and one child, a baby scarcely a year old. The house was a log building with two rooms in front and with other rooms back on each side. Wallingford and his family occupied only one end of the building, the rooms in the other end being vacant. Wallingford also had a blacksmith shop near his residence, and did work for the public.

Thorn Wallingford, though descended from a good and respected family, was generally looked upon by his neighbors with disfavor, though no crime had heretofore been charged against him. Added to his other shortcomings as a citizen and a husband, he was unfortunately addicted to the immoderate use of strong drink, which it seemed, more than anything else, led to the brutal crime for which he suffered the extreme penalty of the law. He seems to have been so constituted that when under the influence of liquor he was entirely deprived of reason, judgment and all the better feelings of humanity.

One morning, leaving his wife and child at home, Wallingford went to Weston, remaining all day, during which time he frequented the tavern bar. Such visits to the saloon were of common occurrence from him and the people of that town thought nothing of it. Long after nightfall, he left Weston and started for home.

It happened that some movers, consisting of a man and his wife and a number of children, on their way to Missouri, late that evening stopped and asked for shelter during the night. Mrs. Wallingford gave them permission to pass the night in the unoccupied section of the building. This they accepted gladly.

Wallingford, arriving home about midnight, insanely drunk and possessed with the demons of darkness, found his wife and baby in bed and perhaps asleep, murdered them in a most brutal way. Finding out in some way that the movers occupied the other end of the building, dragged his wife from bed and tramped her to death on the floor. He then took the baby, threw it in the fire heating the house. The movers, hearing the cries, rushed into the room, but too late to save the life of the wife or child.

Quickly notifying the neighbors, a warrant was issued for the arrest of Wallingford, and by daylight, Sheriff M. B. Haynes and one or two deputies went out searching for him. They went to the scene of the tragedy, but Wallingford was nowhere about the place. Following what they took to be his footprints, they came to a woods, and after searching for some time, found Wallingford on a pile of rails asleep. They arrested him and told him that he was charged with the murder of his wife and child. He appeared unconcerned and told the officials he knew nothing about the crime.

The sheriff took the prisoner to Marion and turned him over to the custody of Jailer John H. Bruff. The jail was a log structure, two stories high. The walls of the building were of three thicknesses. The inner and outer walls were built of large logs lying horizontally, while between these two walls was another wall made of logs equally as large, standing upright. There was no chimney or flue and no means of heating the building.

There was no local newspaper in Marion at that time, yet the news of the crime spread, much excitement prevailed, and for a time mob violence was feared.

Owing to the absence of the movers as witnesses, the case was continued for a number of terms of court. Finally, however, the case came up for trail at the fall term of the Crittenden Circuit Court, Sept., 1852, Judge R. K. Williams on the bench; Oscar Turner, Commonwealth Attorney, and Sumner Marble, County Attorney. Mr. Turner being ill, the court appointed Wiley P. Fowler to represent the commonwealth. The defense was represented by Nathan R. Black and Chester C. Cole, both members of the Marion bar. Other county officials than those we have named were R. G. Steward, circuit clerk; Berry S. Young, county clerk; David B. Carter, county judge; William Hogard, assessor, and A. J. Brasher, coroner.

When Judge Williams had called the court to order the case of the Commonwealth vs. William T. Wallingford was read from the docket. The accused was brought in by Jailer Bruff and the charge of willful murder pleads not guilty. After much consultation with witnesses the attorneys on both sides announced ready for trial. The most noted trial that had ever come up in Crittenden County Court was now on, and the courtroom was packed with people from all over the county. Two days of the court were taken up in impaneling a jury, since, owing to the nature of the crime and the publicity given it, so many of those summoned by the sheriff to act as jurors had previously ''formed or expressed an opinion in the case." At last, however, the panel was made up all of whom, collectively and individually, the attorneys of both sides "liked." The gentlemen who served as jurors were as follows: John L. Adams, foreman; P. A. Johnson, William Banks, Andy Woodall, James Harvey Travis, William P. Stallions, William H. Minner, James B. Foggs, William Fritts, Thomas S. Alvis, Richard Williams and A. B. Perkins.

After the jury had been sworn and had taken their seats the witnesses in the case were called and responded to their names as follows: B. S. Pickering, Rose Williams, George M. McDowell, Jesse McMillian, Charles Lisenby, G. H. Williams, James Pickering, Lena Pickering, Thomas L. Dean and Alex Dean.

It was a hotly contested legal battle, the best of talent and ability being engaged on both sides. Just what nature of testimony given, the records do not show; but after the evidence on both sides had been given and the attorneys had "rested," the court gave his instructions to the jury.

Four speeches were made to the jury, two on each side, Nathan R. Black and Chester C. Cole for the defense and Wiley P. Fowler and Sumner Marble for the Commonwealth. Sheriff Duke Haynes took the jury to their room to deliberate and the crowd in the courtroom waited anxiously and impatiently to hear the result. The accused man was apparently the most unconcerned man in the courtroom.

"Gentlemen have you reached a verdict?" inquired the court. "We have," answered the foreman. "And do each of you gentleman concur in the verdict rendered?" inquired the court. "We do." answered each of the remaining eleven jurors.

Amid almost breathless silence Circuit Clerk Stewart read: "We the jury find the accused William T. Wallingford guilty as charged and fix his punishment at hanging by the neck until he is dead." The condemned man sat in stolid indifference.

Turning to the prisoner at the bar the court asked, "Have you any statement to make or reasons to offer why the sentence of death should not be passed upon you?"

Rising to his feet, Wallingford said, "I am innocent, or, if I killed my wife and child I was too drunk to know anything about it." Judge Williams fixed the 17th day of September as the day of execution.

Friday, Sept. 17th, 1852 was a notable day in Crittenden County. Unlike the executions of today, it was public and the occasion drew people from all over this and adjoining counties. A larger crowd was in Marion on that day, it is said, than there ever was before or ever has been since. Everybody went, men, women and children. Slaveholders gave their colored people a holiday and they made the occasion a day of jubilee.

When the hour of execution drew near, an oxcart in which a coffin was placed was driven to the jail by a man named Vickers, and Wallingford was placed upon the coffin. Vickers then started the ox team and the procession moved on down the Fords Ferry Road, proceeded by a company of two hundred militia under the command of Major Franklin and followed by an immense crowd of people.

Down the road a half-mile or more in a field to the left of the road, now owned by Mrs. J. P. Pierce, stood a tree with large branches outspreading. This tree was chosen as a scaffold. When the procession neared the scene Major Franklin with the Militia formed a circle around the scaffold to keep back the crowd, the team of oxen drawing the cart on which the condemned man sat was driven under the limb. In every direction from the scaffold was an immense crowd of people, expectantly waiting. Parents held up their little children in their arms that they might get a better view.

In those days there was no official hangman and it devolved upon the sheriff to tie the knot around the condemned man's neck. Sheriff Duke Haynes was a man so constituted that he shrank from taking the life, though legally, of a fellow human being, and he shrank from the imposed duty. Deputy Sheriff J. H. Walker would rather resign than to tie the knot. There was therefore nothing else to do; the sheriff must "face the music" and tie the fatal knot around the victim's neck.

While Wallingford sat upon his coffin apparently unmoved and unconcerned, the sheriff stood by with the rope, his hands trembling and his knees shaking. At this time a man pushed through the crowd, passed through the circle of militia and stepped up to the sheriff. The man was William Perkins. "Duke," said the man to the trembling official, "give me five dollars and I will tie the knot." Without any equivocation as to the price, the sheriff accepted the terms and gave the rope to Perkins.

A short religious service was held. Rev. Joel Grace, pastor of the Crooked Creek Baptist Church, read a portion of scripture and began a discourse. He was an able preacher, but the surroundings and the solemnity of the occasion were too much for the minister. He shook, as if with an ague. Finding he could not proceed, he called on Rev. Aaron Moore, pastor of the Marion Methodist Church, to conclude the service. Bro. Moore responded by singing "There is a Land of Pure Delight", and offered a prayer for the soul of the condemned man.

The crowds were immense. Every tree available was filled with boys, black and white. A limb of an apple tree standing near broke under the weight on it, throwing a number of boys to the ground.

The sheriff told Perkins that the hour of execution had arrived. The newly made deputy tied the knot in the rope and put the noose around Wallingford's neck. The sheriff turned his back to the scaffold, refusing to witness the death scene. Vickers started the oxen, the cart rolled from under the limb, and Wallingford dangled in the air, the fall breaking his neck. In a few minutes two physicians, Dr. John S. Gilliam and the other probably, Dr. J. C. Elder, pronounced him dead. Thorn Wallingford had paid the penalty for his crime, the friends of the murdered wife and child had been avenged and the "majesty of the law" had been upheld.

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Note: The property owned by James Perry Pierce (1841-1916) began near where U. S. 60 East and Fords Ferry Road intersect. The large brick house on the lot formed by Fords Ferry Road and Pierce Street was built for J. P. Pierce by F. B Heath in 1880. Farther down Fords Ferry Road across from the Church of God is where the hanging took place.

Marion In 1941

 An interesting little item from The Crittenden Press August 22, 1941

One of the most pleasant "home" towns in Kentucky.

Approximately 2,400 inhabitants.

Splendid new school buildings and 12 churches.

Two bus lines.

Illinois Central Railroad.

Postal Telegraph.

Southern Bell Telephone.

Kentucky Utilities Light and Power.

A Million Dollar Bank.

Live Kiwanis Club and American Legion Auxiliary.

Modern water plant with 100 per cent pur water.

Concrete streets and adequate sewer system.

One of the best weekly newspapers in Kentucky.

A great spar mining center.

Up-to-date stores and shops - A good place to trade.

A friendly and cultured people welcomes you to Marion.  Here you will find good churches, homes and schools.  

Here would be a good place to spend the rest of your life.

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Two bus lines.  It seem at this time Marion had two bus lines that came through Marion.  Greyhound and Southern Limited.  The Southern Limited was also handled through Mrs. Lawson Faxon and its headquarters were at Faxon Drug Co, (which was Orme Drug Store, where the Marion Cafe' used to be  and Botanicals is today).  It only was here for a few years, and then Greyhound Bus lines was the only one and they moved to the location on W. Carlisle Street.  Mrs. Faxon was the Greyhound agent in Marion for 12 years. 

A Glance At The 1896 Town Records

 

A Glance in Our Past

The following article is from the archives of The Crittenden Press. It was written Dec. 10, 1896. It says “Just a glance at the town records of an early date, 40 years ago. A two cent advalorem tax, and a mud hole of note.”

This would have made the article written starting in the year 1856. Some very interesting and worthwhile business activities were being done all those many years ago. And we are fortunate that someone took the time to write the article so we can have a glimpse of the happenings from that time period.  Many of these early pioneer names are unfamiliar to us today. 

***

Some of Marion early pioneer business men and town officials and their duties.

It appears from the old records that the town of Marion had some of the same possessions forty years ago that it has now. It had a board of trustees about that time.

On March 19, 1855, the following officers steered the municipal affairs as trustees: John W. Blue, Henry L. Leigh, Wm. Rochester, Wm. C. Carnahan, John. N. Woods. All are now dead except Messrs. Blue and Woods. John W. Wilson, long ago dead, kept the town’s funds then, and John Fowler wore the star of authority as marshal;  (Most of these early founding fathers are buried in the Old Marion Cemetery on Moore St.

Warren Wager, who died in Florida several years ago, presided over the destinies of the police court, and Jeff Tyner was the assessor, while Robert L. Bigham was city clerk.

***

The town had bylaws then, and some of them are like those that irritate the Dr. McGraws of today. For instance, bylaw number one provided that any free person of color who shall be found loitering about said town unemployed in some visible laudable occupation, shall be fined ten dollars, and in default of payment shall be committed to the jail of Crittenden County, not exceeding one day for every two dollars of the fine.”

A bylaw that confronted the hotel keeper when he sold liquor in those good old days provided that he should first pay a license tax of fifteen dollars; however, if he sold in quantities of not less than a quart, it only cost ten dollars, and if he failed to pay he was promptly fined the princely sum of thirty dollars. A plain town drunk was fined one dollar and a half, and he who “cussed” was made to pay the fiddler to the tune of five shillings.

A bylaw like the latter, if enforced, would fill the town treasury now in 24 hours, and readily provide water works, electric lights and street rail ways within a year.

***

On Jan. 3, 1856, the board tackled the claim of J. W. Rutherford for services as assessor for the year 1855. It was agreed to allow him a reasonable compensation and he was allowed $2.50.

At the meeting on the 11^th day of Dec. 1856, the following order was made:

“It is ordered that Wm. H. Rochester, Captain of patrol, together with all the citizens of the town of Marion, be and they are hereby appointed a patrol for the town. Said patrol, or a sufficient number thereof, under the direction of said captain, shall patrol the town every hour during the night from this time until the said body of police shall be dissolved by this board under the direction of said captain, he or they shall have power to search any negro suspected of having weapons or ammunition, or either and may also search the quarters, boxes, etc., of any negroes for concealed weapons.

***

After this meeting the board appears to have held only six meetings until 1859, and after a long rest the dog tax question was discussed, and the tax on the curs that year was fixed as follows:

“For one dog nothing, for the second dog 25 cents, for the third dog 50 cents, and all about that $1 each.”

Within the past few months some of the citizens have preached the funeral of the present board of trustees for directing the owners of certain property to build their own sidewalks, the owners holding that the town should at least furnish the curbing, that this was the law and the custom, but the records of July 6, 1859, bear this order:

“It is ordered that each proprietor make a substantial brick or stone pavement in front of his property on each side of Main street.”

Then follows the name of the citizens who are to execute this order. So the records are against those who want the town to build the sidewalks.

***

August 5, 1859, the trustees met and ordered a hitch rack to be put up on the north side of the public square and lo, for these thirty years horses have been hitched there. At a meeting a week later the county surveyor was ordered to survey the town.

From 1859 to 1862 there is no record; it is probable that the trustees got the town in good shape and took a three years rest. From 1862 to 1867 the record in blank. In 1867 the town legislature met and found that one member had moved away, another had died, and Messer’s. A. S. Threlkeld and J. W. Blue were elected to fill the vacancies, and E. H. Perkins was appointed city marshal.

***

On April 16, 1868, a claim of $42 in favor or E. R. Pickering for work done on the streets in 1855 was allowed. No man who has claims against the town these days let whiskers grow on those claims like Mr. Pickering did.

In Nov. 1868 the board agreed to pay Dave Woods $85 for a street through the lower part of his garden. Our fine school building is now near that street.

***

In January 1869 James W. Bigham, now the famous Methodist preacher, was appointed town attorney. All the town attorneys have not made preachers, though the present one is secretary of a church conference and has plenty of time to reform and get into the ministry.

In May 1869 Wm. S. Carnahan was appointed town marshal Vice E. H. Perkins resigned, and in December he gave way to T. L. R. Dickerson. At the same meeting Wm. Hughes was allowed the price of his tavern license for filling a mud hole near Nathan R. Black's. This license carried with it the privilege of selling ardent spirits by the drink. If the taxes on the license was as high then as it was subsequently, that must have been a famous mud hole for that day and generation, though it doubtless would not compare in magnitude with some of its more modern progeny. Whatever may be said of the degeneracy of our own race, the mud holes have more than held their own; in fact, they have kept pace with the march of civilization, with an ease and suavity of manner that is astonishing.

The election of April 1870 resulted as follows: Police Judge, John G. Hoover, Marshal, T. L. R. Dickerson; Assessor, John E. Black; Town Clerk, Dave Woods; Trustees, John W. Blue, John H. Cameron, John N. Woods, Aaron S. Threlkeld, Berry S. Young.

***

On July 28, 1870, a preamble and resolution was adopted setting forth that the peace and good order of the town on Monday, August 1^st, the day of the election, depended on the sobriety of the citizens, and there fore the “saloon and hotel keepers and druggist” are requested to suspend the sale of liquor on that day. There is nothing to show how the matter terminated. It may be that white winged peace spread her snowy opinions over the town at that election and may be otherwise.

***

On November 30, 1870, the treasurer was ordered to collect from a man whom we will call “John Smith,” deceased, $15, his town tax for selling liquor for the year 1869. What the result was when the treasurer presented the bill to the dead man, we are unable to say; the records throw no light on the transaction, but we will venture the assertion that this was one occasion in Marion where a bill was presented and the man who owed it did no “Kicking.” And as the probabilities are so strong that the thing occurred just this way, it forms an epoch in our history, and we draw the curtain, and leave the next epoch to future historians.