Denhams and Craigs of Herrin, Illinois

I am researching my family history. I have never lived in Herrin. I was raised not far from Champaign IL. Where are some good places to seek out info? Any good people to contact that know a lot about Herrin and it's history. I am researching the Denham and Craig families. Let me know if you know anything about them.

According to a death certificate my great great grandfather lived at the address
621 South 9th Street
Herrin, Illinois
Does anyone know if this house still stands or if is there something else there. He died in 1955 so it may be gone or new house rebuilt there.

My other great, great grandpa was Elmer Craig. He was married to Nellie Craig. Her maiden name was Cudney I think he spent some time in prison for manslaughter. I found where he was at the Southern IL Pen which is now Menard Correctional about 1915/1916 for the crime he did around Herrin. Not proud of it but want to find out the info, it is part of my families history. Let me know please. Thanks for any info or a point in the right direction.

Mike, I can drive by that address and see if the house still stands. I don't live too far from where you are talking about. I will get back to you about it tomorrow afternoon. I do know there are LOTS of Denham's in the Hurst/Bush area which is a small town close to Herrin in which the kids there would go to Herrin Schools. I will see what I can dig up to help :)

Mike, I'm reasonable sure that block of houses was purchased by Norge, later Maytag, for expansion. I do know of a Robert (Bob) Craig and of a David Craig, attorney, both from Herrin. If this is someone you wish to contact, let me know and I will provide that information. Best of luck in your search!

Thank you for the comments. I know of Bob Craig, however I didn't know whether to talk to him about the manslaughter thing or not. I believe Elmer was his dad and I don't know if it's even the correct Elmer Craig listed at the Penitentiary. Plus it may be a sensitive subject if it is the correct person. Is the Bob your thinking of around 80+ years old? Thank you very much for the help.

Bob Craig that I know is mid 60's and has a son which is Jr. There are 4 or 5 in Herrin alone. I spoke with my father about your search, he was a paperboy in Herrin in the mid 50's. He knew of a Loren Denham, deceased, would have been late 80's and delivered to his parents house on E. Stotlar. That address is about 4 blocks from 621 S. 9th. He said that Loren lived in the 100 or 200 block of S. 9th. Loren had a daughter named Patty, could not find any other info on her. My aunt went to school with a Janet Denham Carleton, now resides in Waterloo, IL that is a school librarian, she might be a good contact! He also stated that for years there was a Denham's Grocery Store in Herrin, I'm not sure if you could find out any info on that or not! Best of luck!

Thank you so much. Yes I know Janet Denham. I still talk to her. She was my grandpa's sister. Loren Denham would have been my grandpa's uncle. I know there is a Bob Craig down in that area who is in his 80's. His wife just past away in the last couple months. I don't know about the grocery store. I do appreciate the info. Anything else you think of, I would love to hear.

Thanks

Mike..I know quite a bit about the Denhams and the Craigs...would love to talk

Mike..would your Grandfather be Richard..if so, we are related

Louise wrote:

Mike..would your Grandfather be Richard..if so, we are related

Richard Denham was my Grandpa's brother. So I guess we are still related. How are you connected to Richard. I know of one son and one daughter. I didn't know Richard so I am not real familiar with him or kids.

Let's see..that would make you Gene's grandson... Correct? Your Grandfather would have been my Great Uncle...did he work in the coal mines and has since passed?

This was is The Southern Illinoisan today...
HERRIN -- Bob Lee Craig, born Bobby Lee Craig, 84, passed away at 3:05 a.m. Thursday July 7, 2011, in VA Community Living Center.
Bob was born Oct. 28, 1926, to Elmer and Nellie (Cudney) Craig.
He married his childhood sweetheart, Patsy L Craig, on Feb. 24, 1946. The two shared 64 wonderful years of marriage before Patsy passed away in 2010.
In February 1944, Bob joined the Navy. He spent three years and seven months during World War II and among other medals he also received the Philippine Liberation Medal.
After returning home, Bob worked at Norge as a foreman for several years, owned and operated Craig's Beauty Supply and Craig's Laun-dry Mats, both in Herrin.
Bob was a life member and past commander of VFW Post 1567 in Herrin.
Besides being a great father and an "all around nice guy," he enjoyed many things. He loved to play golf, swim, play cards with friends, dancing, fixing up things around the house and especially liked taking care of his yard and his garden.
He is survived by his children, Robert Craig and wife, Vicki, of Herrin and Kathy Shelton and husband, Ron, of Tampa, Fla.; four grandchilren, Ryan Craig and wife, Michelle, of South Bend, Ind., Rebecca Herrman and husband, Andy, of Mishawaka, Ind., Derrick Shelton and wife, Allison, of Tampa, Fla., and Craig Shelton and wife, Hillary, of Gurnee; several great-grandchildren and nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his wife, six siblings, parents and grandparents.
The family would like to especially thank his great-niece, Lori Denham of Crenshaw, who was by his side almost every day for the last year of his life. She always made him smile.
The family wishes to thank the VA Hospital and staff in Marion. The services they provided Bob in the last year have went above and beyond. Also a thank you to Addus Health Care Service, who provided Bob with the best three people who became like family including Yavonna, Marsha and Ramona.
Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. Monday July 11, in VanNatta Funeral Home in Herrin with the Rev. Donny Colson officiating. A prayer service and military rights performed by VFW Post 1567 and American Legion Post 645 will be after the service at Herrin City Cemetery.

Louise wrote:

Let's see..that would make you Gene's grandson... Correct? Your Grandfather would have been my Great Uncle...did he work in the coal mines and has since passed?

Yes, Gene was my grandpa. I am his oldest grandson. He did work in the coalmines and passed away in 1999. His wife Vada passed in 2006. May I ask how you knew him? I would love to hear what you know about the Denhams and Craigs. I could give you my e-mail or something.

Misty....Thanks for posting the obit.

Mike...if you post your email I will send you one back...thank you so much

Mitzki5@frontier.com

If you could, please put something about Gene or one of his close family members in the subject of the e-mail that I should know and hasn't been posted in this forum posting. This way, I know it is you and not someone messing around giving me false info. Thanks I look forward to hearing from you.

call the herrin vfw...Bob is ther in the mornings. He is very good with famialy history.

Louise.....I am waiting to hear from you. I'm not sure if you've already sent an e-mail. I have not received one. I look forward to hearing from you. My e-mail address is listed above.

Thanks
Mike

Mike...I went back and read your post and saw that you talk to and know Janet Denham. She would be able to tell you probably more than I would because your Grandfather is her brother. I never knew my Grandfather Elmer..he died before i was born. Elmer's last son, Bobby Lee Craig, passed July 7..he wouldn't have been able to have helped as he has been ill for some time. Chris is right..you could contact Bob Craig at the Herrin VFW...he might be able to help you...he's pretty much there 24-7. Try in the mornings though! If you do fine out more I would love to hear about it if you don't mind posting...good luck with your search! By the way...Nellie Craig Bird (Elmer's wife) was a very special lady..I loved her dearly!

I have a ton of info already but I am always open to hear more. Any stories you have would be great. I have researched Nellie and found out some interesting info about her. Please e-mail me and I will share more info with you. I have very interesting info on your grandfather Elmer also.

I would rather e-mail you the info, rather than post it all here. If you are relation, I could send you an invite to look at the family tree I have created on Ancestry.com if you would like. I look forward to hearing from you.

So, you must be my grandfathers cousin. You must be the daughter of Myrtle, Pearl, Lora Belle, Donald, Elmer Jr or Bob Craig? Ethel Roberta was my grandpa's mom.