There is an Elias Willis listed on page 114 in the White Co probate book dated 1876. Also Elios Willis is listed as executor of estate of Nancy Stewart 1874 on page 95. It might be helpful to get copies if it list children's names, maybe he named one of them after his father or grandfathers, it could be another clue. But you might try looking in surrounding counties. I know I saw those names during the years I was tracking down my Willis line over in those counties.