Attention Chamness Descendants

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Literally thousands of Chamness family descendants might be interested to find out that a book is available called “Celebrating Chamness Roots (from 1750 to Present).”

The book begins with the kidnapping of a young boy off the London Bridge (Anthony Chamness), his indenture time in Maryland to gain his freedom in America, the marriage to the “love of his life,” the birth of their children in Maryland, Virginia, and later Cane Creek, North Carolina.  The book discusses Quaker beginnings and the descendants’ movement to Tennessee, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Arkansas, Texas and westward.  The book recalls the story of the branch of family, John Chamness and Sally Berry, which was lost for more than a hundred years, its hardships, celebrations and pioneer life.

The book was compiled by former Marion native Sue Grisham Hardwig who now resides in Bloomington, Illinois and is available in a deluxe hardbound edition for $65 plus shipping and handling through the author.

For more information about the book, contact the author by clicking here.

WCHS Board Member Change

A board member change occurred at the February 29th board meeting of the Williamson County Historical Society. Local author, Harry Boyd was replaced as a board director by Dr. Colleen Norman.

Boyd has published three books over the years related to local history. One book was about the Second Baptist Church in Marion, one contained news clippings published in the Marion Daily Republican related to county servicemen during WWII and the last was an exhaustive three volume set listing every veteran of any American war who is buried in Williamson County.

Dr. Norman is a lifelong Marion resident and a graduate from SIU. She holds a Masters Degree in anthropology and a doctoral in Health Services. Norman has also taught beginning and advanced level genealogy courses at J.A. Logan College and has been active in the historical society for years.

Museum’s Hours Extended Starting on March 2, 2015

We were once again fortunate enough to receive a stipend from the City of Marion which enables us to keep the doors open for extended periods during the warm months of the year. Typically in cool months the heat bills run about $400 to $450 and that is with thermostats set to 52 degrees and working in one heated room only.

Beginning March 2, 2015 we will resume our six day a week schedule as follows:

Monday thru Friday, 9:30 AM to 3 PM

Saturdays, 10 AM to 3 PM