Jack Wilson Cary was born on 10. Sep. 1924 at 605 Bensyl Street, Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois. He was the son of
John Alexander Cary and
Anna Abigail Cary. Jack Wilson Cary married
Madeline Virginia Pichon, daughter of
Joseph Peter Pichon and
Minnie Veronica Burow, on 7. Dec. 1946 at Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois.
Jack was born at home 605 Bensyl street, Danville, Illinois. Went to grade school first at McKINLEY Grade school in West Danville (Heights). Next went to Diamond Grade school. The family moved to East Winter street, and went to school at Lamb school. The family lived here for two years then next moved to Newtown. Jack went to Craig school in Newtown. Attended Oakwood High School for one year and three days, before dropping out. Worked at many various jobs before entering the military for WWII.
Jack worked for Ralph Culp on a farm for 50 cents per day. He also worked on a farm for Carl Liggett for $1.00 per day. Worked for Allith Corporation 1941/42.
Worked in East Chicago for General American Transportation Corporation on Euclid Ave., also for Continental Roll & Steel Foundry. He quit this company after seeing his replacement for working overtime killed in an Industrial Accident.
He then worked for American Bridge Company in Gary, Indiana for 3 months.
His draft board sent him notice to report. He got a deferment, then went to work for Ed Chestnut and other farmers. He received another notice to report for the draft and it too was deferred. Within a week of that he went to his draft board in Hoopston, and was drafted.
He reported to Camp Fannin, Texas for basic training in the US Army. Then was sent to Fort Ord, California. He was then sent to Camp Stoneman. Afterwards was sent to Pittsburgh, California (near San Fransisco) where he boarded a ship headed to the Aniwetok in the Marshal Islands. Shipped out again going by New Guinea, then on to Manila in the Philippines. Spent some time in the Islands, then off to practice for the Invasion of Japan. The war ended and they went back to the Philippines and picked stuff up before heading to Japan. Shipped out on the USS Darke and arrived in Tokyo on September 1, 1945. Spent eight months in Japan (Chiba). Left Japan April 28, 1946 head back to the States. Arrived May 10, 1946, then headed for Jefferson Barracks, Missouri where he was discharged.
When Jack was discharged the family was living at the mouth of Jordan house South of Oakwood.
Jack and Madaline Pichon got married Dec 7, 1946, lived on Western Ave then with her mom and dad on Oakwood Ave. in Danville. In 1948 moved to FairOaks Housing, then moved out to Oak Chestnuts house. Brenda was born sometime during this period. In 1950 move to Hadleys on 722 Sheridan St. Danville. Later moved back to another house Oak Chestnuts this time working as a farm hand in Newtown. Move to another house of Oaks in Newtown. Quit Oak and moved to Keesler Hill near Oak Hill Cemetery. In 1957/58 moved over to Anderson Hill next door to Joe and Minnie Pichon's. Lived their until about 1962 when the family moved to 307 N. Sandusky in Catlin.
Some of the companies and jobs Jack worked at were LE Meyer Construction - Electrical Poles Lines and Towers, Coffing Hoist Company in Danville, Mel's IGA in Danville, Industrial Glove, Hyster Company, Material & Fuel - truck driver, Clyde Miller Trucking - hauling brick, Western Brick Company, self employed as C&P motors (Cary & Pichon), LF Miller - wholesale fruit, Windbreaker, Veterans Hospital, 300 Room Bowling Ball, Taxi Driver- Veterans Cab company, Danville Manufacturing 1950, Oak Chestnuts - farming, Coke Bottling Company, Heagler Zinc company in Heagler.
Spent 30 years working for Allith Prouty, later Allith Corporation. They closed the plant down, then worked for Burkley Davis company making welding jigs. Last major job was with Quaker Oats Company in Danville. Worked until health wouldn't permit work any more. Did some work for Bob Songer in his old car dealership.
Jack always wanted to go back to work.