•February 28, 2018•

By Ellen Ferrera
for the News Progress

Sullivan had J. B Titus, who built an opera house, and his talented daughter, Winifred. Bethany had the brilliant Dr. James H. Vadakin who also built an opera house and his equally talented daughter Diamond.

Dr. Vadakin was born March 30, 1861 in Sullivan. His grandfather Philip was one of the earliest settlers in Moultrie County, and he laid out a town in East Nelson. By the time he died, Dr. Vadakin had owned an entire block of stores in Bethany, built an opera house, invented “Casterole”, “Vadakin’s Instant Relief” and “Sticking Fly Paper”. He received his medical degree with highest honors and was a skilled surgeon. For many years he ran a drug store and ice cream parlor. He was an accomplished pianist and often sang solos for high school graduations.     Login or Subscribe to read the rest of this story.