My Genealogy Hound

William H. F. Marion, carpenter and builder, and a man prominently connected with that industry in Washington County, is a native of Sullivan County, Tenn., born September 11, 1835, the son of John and Lydia Louisa (Hicks) Marion, both descendants of old families of that State, and grandson of John Marion, Sr., who was a native of South Carolina, and a relative of Gen. Francis Marion, of Revolutionary fame. Lydia L. Hicks’ father, James Hicks, was a native of North Carolina, and a farmer by occupation. William H. F. Marion was educated in his native State, and served an apprenticeship at the mill-wright trade with Mr. Odell. He obtained a thorough knowledge of the business, and in September, 1858, left Rogersville, Tenn., where he spent three years in professional work, came to Fayetteville, Ark., and remained engaged in his trade until July 5, 1861, when he entered the ranks of the Confederate army, serving under Gens. Eagan and Hawthorne, Churchill’s division and King’s regiment. He served at Oak Hill, Elkhorn, Prairie Grove and many minor engagements; was in active and honorable service until the close of the war, and his regiment was the last to surrender at Fort Smith. When peace once more settled-upon the nation Mr. Marion went to Missouri and Montana, where he was engaged principally in his professional work for thirteen years. He then returned to Fayetteville (1881), and has since been engaged in the building business. He was married in this city to Miss Elizabeth Van Hoose, sister of J. H. Van Hoose [see sketch]. They have an interesting family of children: Lena Annette, Henry Monroe, Willie, Frances and Annie. One child, Mabel, died at the age of three years in Montana, and was buried in the beautiful valley of Gallatin, near Fort Ellis. Another, Lula, died at the age of fourteen, after his return to Fayetteville. She was a natural musician, as are the other children. Mr. Marion is a member of the K. of L., and is an attendant at the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, of which his wife and children are members.