Val Wasson, son of Dr. John and Martha Hall Wasson was born on a farm
in Pope co., Ill., 25th July 1863. Departed this life at his home in Carrier
Mills, Ill., 7th Nov 1931, aged 68y 3m 13d. On 22nd Dec 1892, he was united
in marriage to Mellie E. Parker of Murray, Ky. To union five children born,
three sons: Fred H., Chester P. and Dewey L. Wasson. Two daughters, Carrie
Belle and Mrs. Mabel Dean. These with nine grandchildren and devoted wife
survive. He was a member of a family of thirteen children. All of whom grew to
maturity except one sister, Clara, who died in infancy. Of these, four
brothers, Columbus, Alexander, John F. and Chas. F. and one sister, Martha Elizabeth
preceded him in death. Three brothers living, W.E., A.J., and Rev. M.C.
Wasson, all residing in the old home community near Hartsville in Pope county.
Four sisters living, Mrs. Sarah E. Williams of Des Moines, Iowa, Mrs. Julia
Gibbons of Herod, Illinois, Mrs. Amanda Jane Williams of Karbers Ridge, Illinois
and Mrs. Lora Wasson of Eldorado, Illinois, Route #1. Member of Methodist
Episcopal Church in Carrier Mills. Members IOOF Lodge No. 874 and Modern
Woodman of American Camp No. 13 at Raleigh. Uncle Val as his friends and
neighbors called him, moved from the farm in Pope county to Raleigh, Ill. in
fall of 1908, where he operated a general store until the spring of 1915 when he
moved to present homestead in Carrier Mills. In 1913 he opened a store at
Wasson, Ill. this store still operates, then when Wasson No.2 Mine was opened
at Carrier Mills he opened a store at that mine, later moving into the town,
where now the large dept. store is located. He was a man of very limited
education and not a financial genius, but rugged honesty and straightforward
manner won the confidence of those with whom he was associated in any way and
today the name of Val Wasson stands as pure gold with the greatest business
organizations of the country, as well as the poorest customer who buy from his
stores.
Copied: Herald-Enterprise ~ Nov 19 1931-