Sorry, I have neither in my database. Sarah Edmondson ----- Original Message ----- From: "boboverby" <boboverby@home.com> To: <NCBLADEN-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Monday, September 03, 2001 2:39 PM Subject: Re: [NCBLADEN-L] Issac Davis / Edith Hester > HI: > > Do you have a Francis Ann Davis 1848 - 1883 married to a Danie(a)l L. > Everett 1844-1909? My g mother's parents. > thanks > > Bob Overby (boboverby@home.com) >

I will do some checking and get back with you. Margie

Hi Dayle, Mine line is in Columbus County and Robeson County. I have A. Rufus Noble, Alfred Rufus Noble, Albert Tilton Noble, Leroy Noble, John Clayton Noble. My mother was a Noble but this list is not just the direct line. Could you let me know your line. Margie Margie Davis Austin Roe

HI: Do you have a Francis Ann Davis 1848 - 1883 married to a Danie(a)l L. Everett 1844-1909? My g mother's parents. thanks Bob Overby (boboverby@home.com) ----- Original Message ----- From: "The Edmondson Family" <edmondson@jesup.net> To: <NCBLADEN-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Sunday, September 02, 2001 11:32 PM Subject: Re: [NCBLADEN-L] Issac Davis / Edith Hester > I have Isaac Davis born April 22, 1805, died Nov. 25. 1887. > Edith Hester born Jan. 12, 1809, died Sept.14, 1887 > Unfortunately, I do not have a list of all their children, just William Ross > and his descendants. If the son-in-law was John T. Butler who married > Elizabeth Ann "Betsy" Davis, his birth and death dates are July 22, 1824 to > Aug. 6, 1902. I did not have Elizabeth Ann attached as the child of Isaac > and Edith in my database as I had 2 Elizabeth Anns of about the same age and > did not know which was correct one. The children of John T. Butler and Betsy > Davis were John P., Narcissa Ann, Darius Alonzo, Edith Martilla, George > Washington, William Ayers, Dillon A., and Isaac Ross Butler. If this is the > correct Elizabeth Ann, your info helps me out a lot. Do you have birth and > death dates for her? > Sarah Edmondson > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Wandahammond" <shamm@bellsouth.net> > To: <NCBLADEN-L@rootsweb.com> > Sent: Sunday, September 02, 2001 12:05 PM > Subject: [NCBLADEN-L] Issac Davis / Edith Hester > > > > > > Would love to have any info on Edith Hester and Issac Davis . Edith was my > 3rd > > great grand aunt . I have no dates for Issac Davis or his son on law John > Butler > > > > Wanda Hester Hammond > > > > > > > > > > >

Hi What NOBLE are you reseaching. I have NOBLE connections in Columbus and Bladen County. Dayle Noble Biba

http://www.ncecho.org/ Listmembers, this url [with accompanying article of explanation] was included in the August 2001 issue of FOOTNOTES, the quarterly publication of the Duplin County Historical Society. This is a NC site chock full of information on NC and its records. Fran fpowellsr@starpower.net

Several asked for this information. ISAAC DAVIS was born 22 Apr 1805 in NC, and died 14 Sep 1887 in Bladen Co., NC.  He married EDITH HESTER Abt. 1827, daughter of Jasper Hester and Keziah Singletary. Children of Isaac Davis and Edith Hester are: 1. ELIZABETH ANN DAVIS, b. 22 Jun 1829; d. 11 May 1911, Bladen Co., NC. She married John T. Butler. 2. MARY JANE DAVIS, b. 06 Jun 1831, Bladen Co., NC; d. 31 Oct 1907. She married George Washington Jones. 3. WILLIAM ROSS DAVIS, b. 11 Apr 1835, Bladenboro, Bladen Co., NC; d. 01 Apr 1924, Bladenboro, Bladen Co., NC. He married Catherine McLean. 4. ISAAC AYERS DAVIS, b. 29 Apr 1843; d. 28 Sep 1917. He married Mary Ann Singletary. 5. EDWARD JACKSON DAVIS, b. 30 Sep 1846, NC; d. 14 Jul 1925, Bladen Co., NC. He married first Doritha (Dolly) Pitman and second Elizabeth Ann Freeman. Margie Davis Austin Roe Researching Davis, Hester, Singletary, Barnes, Noble

I have Isaac Davis born April 22, 1805, died Nov. 25. 1887. Edith Hester born Jan. 12, 1809, died Sept.14, 1887 Unfortunately, I do not have a list of all their children, just William Ross and his descendants. If the son-in-law was John T. Butler who married Elizabeth Ann "Betsy" Davis, his birth and death dates are July 22, 1824 to Aug. 6, 1902. I did not have Elizabeth Ann attached as the child of Isaac and Edith in my database as I had 2 Elizabeth Anns of about the same age and did not know which was correct one. The children of John T. Butler and Betsy Davis were John P., Narcissa Ann, Darius Alonzo, Edith Martilla, George Washington, William Ayers, Dillon A., and Isaac Ross Butler. If this is the correct Elizabeth Ann, your info helps me out a lot. Do you have birth and death dates for her? Sarah Edmondson ----- Original Message ----- From: "Wandahammond" <shamm@bellsouth.net> To: <NCBLADEN-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Sunday, September 02, 2001 12:05 PM Subject: [NCBLADEN-L] Issac Davis / Edith Hester > > Would love to have any info on Edith Hester and Issac Davis . Edith was my 3rd > great grand aunt . I have no dates for Issac Davis or his son on law John Butler > > Wanda Hester Hammond > > > >

Dee, Now I know why you are called "Angel". I certainly do appreciate the wonderful information you sent concerning the "Cox" families. Now I am sure that John Bruton Cameron misplaced my ancestor Amanda MELVINA Cox. I have proof she and her family were in Wayne County during this time period. However, JDC spelled her name MELVIAS, and I wanted to know for sure that there was NO COX family in Bladen during that time period. NOW I'm sure, with the help of 2 other "Angels", my brick wall has crumbled. Again, Many thanks, Marguerite -----Original Message----- From: Dee Thompson <d7777@worldnet.att.net> To: NCBLADEN-L@rootsweb.com <NCBLADEN-L@rootsweb.com> Date: Thursday, August 30, 2001 5:45 PM Subject: Re: [NCBLADEN-L] Look up request >There were no COX families listed in the 1830, 1840 or 1850 census >records of Bladen, nor are there any Wills, marriages, or deeds. >Gilbert Cox, John Cox, Simon Cox, and Thomas Cox are all listed in the >early Tax Lists of Bladen (1775 through 1789). In 1776 Gilbert, John >and Simon were shown as "molatoes" (sic), but they are listed as white >in a state-wide tax list for that same year. In 1779 Simon and >Gilbert are the only two listed, and in the tax list of 1786 John, >Gilbert, and Simon are shown as white. There are a few scattered >mentions of Cox in the Heritage book. >Dee >For details on sources used, refer to this link: >http://www.rootsweb.com/~ncbladen/lookups.htm >----- Original Message ----- >From: MWhitley <mwhitley@coastalnet.com> >To: <NCBLADEN-L@rootsweb.com> >Sent: Tuesday, August 21, 2001 3:36 PM >Subject: [NCBLADEN-L] Look up request > > >I am researching the Cox family, and need to know f there >were any Cox families in Bladen County around 1830-50. >Any wills, deeds ,census records,ANYTHING. >Thank you, >mwhitley@coastalnet.com > > > > > >

oops,that should have been Jeannette McDougal and Daniel Williamson.

Have recently discovered a citation that claims Daniel and Jeannette (Jennet, Janet etc.) McDougal (MacDougal, McDougald) settled in Bladen Co. as did Duncan Stewart. Descendants of Jeanette MacDougal 1 Jeanette MacDougal b: Unknown in Argyllshire, Scotland d: Unknown .. +Daniel Williamson b: Unknown .... 2 Mary Williamson b: Unknown in Willamsburg, VA ........ +David Bailey b: Unknown in Dundee, Scotland d: 1794 .... 2 Margaret Williamson b: Unknown ........ +William White b: Unknown *2nd Husband of Jeanette MacDougal: .. +William Stewart b: Abt. 1691 in Balquhidder, Perthshire, SCT d: August 02, 1778 in Raleigh, Wake County, NC .... 2 Ann Stewart b: 1767 ........ +James Caraway b: Unknown .... 2 Elizabeth Stewart b: 1769 d: 1825 ........ +Lovet Ventress b: Unknown .... 2 Jeanette Stewart b: 1765 .... 2 James Stewart b: 1763 d: 1818 ........ +Catherine Nolen b: Unknown m: 1791 in Wilmington, New Hanover County, NC .... 2 Penelope Stewart b: Unknown ........ +Thomas De Vaughn b: Unknown .... 2 Duncan Stewart b: 1763 in ,Bladen County, NC d: November 26, 1820 in , Wilkinson County, MS ........ +Penelope Jones b: 1779 in ,,NC d: February 22, 1843 in , Wilkinson County, MS m: October 14, 1797 in Wake County, NC .... 2 Catherine Stewart b: 1761 in , Bladen County, NC ........ +? De Vaughn b: Unknown .... 2 Charles Stewart b: 1761 ........ +Mary Jones b: Unknown .... 2 Eleanor Stewart b: 1771 d: 1845 Would be grateful for any hints, clues on the above -- and of course, delighted to share what I have. Cary

Would love to have any info on Edith Hester and Issac Davis . Edith was my 3rd great grand aunt . I have no dates for Issac Davis or his son on law John Butler Wanda Hester Hammond

Hi!, I am Sybil Dixon and am new to the list. I have been researching the Driggers family in SC. Now I need to move into NC. I found information (Tax) on Ephraim Drigger in Bladen County,NC in 1776. After that, he is in the SC 1790 census records. I would appreciate any Driggers information, any year.

My great-grandfather Robert Graham (b. Aug. 20, 1818; d. Feb. 10, 1890) (Four of his daughters married four of Rev. Daniel H. Willis, Sr.'s sons) by Randy Willis www.randywillis.org randy@randywillis.org Robert Graham was born in Mississippi on August 20, 1818. He moved to Texas in about 1836. He then moved to Natchitoches, La., about 1841. Robert Graham married Ruth Smith (b. Dec. 5, 1813; d. Jun. 2, 1869) about 1843. Soon after marring Ruth Smith (a trapper's daughter) from Natchitoches, they moved to Forest Hill, Rapides Parish, La. He was a successful farmer and cattleman there. Ruth told Robert that she wished to be buried at the top of a hill on their land, near Forest Hill. She died of Typhoid fever and was buried atop that hill which is known today as the Graham Cemetery. Robert is buried next to her. Four of their daughters married four of Rev. Daniel H. Willis, Sr.'s sons: Julia Ann Graham (1845-1936) married Daniel H. Willis, Jr. (1839-1900), Demerius Graham (1849-1886) married Calvin Willis (1855-1911), Annie Graham (1855-1936) married Robert Willis (1858-1939) and Mary Ann "Maggie" Graham (1853-1940) married Dempsey Willis (1854-1919). Additional daughters of Robert and Ruth Graham were: Elizabeth "Lizzie" Graham who married Joel Merchant, Katherine Graham (b. circa 1842) who married D. Sermons, Emily Graham (1846-1933) who married William Butter (1850-1923), and Lucy "Ruth" Graham (b. 1851) who married James Moore (1849-1913). Robert and Ruth also had two sons: William Graham (1843-1925) who married Laura Dyer (1849-1930) and Lorenzo Dow Graham (1848-1933) who married Victoria Pickren. They had a total of 10 children. Five of these marriages celebrated Golden wedding anniversaries. Robert Graham had two brothers: William Graham (who moved to Bell County, Texas) and Samuel Graham (who moved to Wisconsin). Robert Graham's father was another William Graham. This William Graham's father was Samuel Graham and Samuel's father was supposedly, yet another William Graham from Charlotte, North Carolina (circa 1765).

The Life and Times Daniel Hubbard Willis, Jr. & Julia Ann Graham Willis by Randy Willis www.randywillis.org randy@randywillis.org He was born April 2, 1839 and died May 22, 1900 She was born February 22, 1845 and died September 28, 1936 They married on January 5, 1867 in Forest Hill, La. Both are buried in the Graham Cemetery, Forest Hill, La. Daniel Hubbard Willis, Jr. was the eldest son of Rev. Daniel Hubbard Willis, Sr. (b. Dec. 28, 1817; d. Mar. 27, 1887) and Anna Slaughter (b. May 29, 1820; d. Mar. 24, 1876). Rev. Daniel Hubbard Willis, Sr. was the son of Agerton Willis and Sophie Story. He was born on Bayou Boeuf in Louisiana and is buried, along with his wife Anna Slaughter Willis, at Amiable Baptist Church Cemetery near Glenmora, La. He established many churches and was blind the last 22 years of his life. His daughter would read the scriptures and he would preach. He settled on Spring Creek, near Longleaf, La., at a community called Babb’s Bridge. Daniel Hubbard Willis, Jr. was also, a great-grandson of pioneer Louisiana Baptist preacher, Rev. Joseph Willis (b. circa 1758; d. Sept. 14, 1854). He was the first Baptist preacher west of the Mississippi River. Daniel Hubbard Willis, Jr.'s siblings were: Eliza Willis, Mary Jane Willis, David Willis, Martha Willis, Matthew Willis, Dempsey Willis, Calvin Willis, and Robert Willis. Daniel was raised near Sugartown, La. and then settled on Barber Creek near Longleaf, Rapides Parish, Louisiana. Julia Ann Graham Willis was the daughter of Robert Graham (b. Aug. 20, 1818; d. Feb. 10, 1890) and Ruth Smith (b. Dec. 5, 1813 d. Jun. 2, 1869). Robert Graham moved to Louisiana from Texas in 1841. Soon after marring Ruth Smith (a trapper's daughter) in Natchitoches, La., they moved to Forest Hill, La. He was a successful farmer and cattleman there. Ruth had told Robert that she wished to be buried at the top of a hill on their land near Forest Hill. She was and that hill is known today as the Graham Cemetery. Robert Graham's father was William Graham. Robert Graham had two brothers: another William Graham and Samuel Graham. Robert and Ruth Graham are both buried at the Graham Cemetery. Julia Ann Graham Willis' siblings were: Annie Graham Willis, Emily Graham Butter, Maggie Graham Willis, Demerius Graham Willis, Elizabeth Graham Merchant, Katherine Graham Sermons, Lucy "Ruth" Graham Moore, William Graham, and Lorenzo Dow Graham. Daniel Hubbard Willis, Jr. married Julia Ann Graham on, January 5, 1867, soon after the end of the Civil War. Daniel Hubbard Willis, Jr. in the Civil War Daniel Hubbard Willis, Jr. enlisted, September 29, 1861, at Camp Moore, La., in the Confederate Army as a Pvt. 5th. Company Battalion, Washington Artillery of Louisiana. He was (Mar. 16, 1864) in Raxdale's Company E, 16th. La. Regiment, Gibson's Brigade, Army of Tennessee. He was promoted to 2nd Sergt. on Mar. 5, 1865. He was captured and made a prisoner of war. Daniel was paroled at Meridian, Mississippi on May 14, 1865. (Also see Andrew B. Booth, "Records of Louisiana Soldiers and Louisiana Confederate Commands," (New Orleans, La. 1920) Vol. I: 1115) Daniel Hubbard Willis, Jr. fought in many of the great battles of the Civil War, including Shiloh, Bull Run, Perryville, Murfreesboro, Missionary Ridge and Chickamauga. Excerpts from Daniel H. Willis, Jr.'s obituary: Alexandria Town Talk, 23 June 1900: "He participated in all the hard battles of that army and for bravery, soldierly bearing, discipline and devotion to duty, he was unexcelled in his entire Brigade. He was made Orderly Sergeant of his Company at an early period of the war. It has always been said by his surviving comrades that when any particularly dangerous service was required, such as scouting parties to ascertain the position and movements of the enemy, he was always selected for the place, and never hesitated to go, let the danger be what it may. He was for a long time connected with the famous Washington Artillery, and at the battle of Chicamauga so many horses of the battery to which he was attached were killed that they had to pull the guns off the field by hand to keep them from falling in the hands of the enemy. He was paroled at Meridian, Miss., in May of 1865, and brought home with him a copy of General Gibson's farewell address to his soldiers and of him it can be truly said that through the remaining years of his life he followed the advice then given by his beloved commander. His love for the Southern cause, and for the men who wore the gray, was not dimmed by years, but he lived and died firmly convinced of the justice of the cause for which the South poured out so much of her best blood and treasure...Before death he expressed a wish that he might see his children who were at home, especially Randall L., his baby boy, whom he had named in honor of his beloved Brigadier General, Randall Lee Gibson. He also requested that his Confederate badge be pinned on his breast and buried with him." Gibson, later helped establish Tulane University and was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1883. I was named after my grandfather, Randall Lee Willis, who was named after Randall Lee Gibson, in 1886. Current, ed., "Encyclopedia of the Confederacy" (also see "Army of Tennessee Louisiana Division The Association and Tumulus" by Jerry Johnson Wier, The Center for Louisiana Studies, University of Southwestern Louisiana, 1999). Can You Feed Her Son? Soon after the Civil War, Daniel Hubbard Willis, Jr., became the first of four Willis’ brothers to marry four Graham’ sisters. He married Julia Ann Graham on January 5, 1867. (Daniel called her affectingly Julieann). When Daniel asked Julia Ann's father, Robert Graham, for her hand in marriage; Robert asked him if he could feed her. Daniel replied "that he had a horse, a milk cow, a barrel of corn and a barrel of molasses." Robert responded "my goodness son you have enough to marry several of my daughters." They were married at Robert Graham's home near Forest Hill. Later, three of Daniel's brothers would marry three of Julia Ann's sisters. Calvin Willis married Demerius Graham , Robert Willis married Annie Graham and Dempsey Willis married Maggie Graham. A fifth brother, Matthew Willis, also asked a fifth sister, Lucy "Ruth" Graham, to marry him. She said no and later confided in her sisters, "he was just too ugly." Ruth Graham later found her true love, James Moore, and married him. Daniel made good his promise to "feed" Julia Ann and on January 16, 1868 (just a year after their wedding) he sold his father-in-law, Robert Graham, 119 acres "in the fork of Barber Creek," for $350.00. A sum that would have been a years wages for many at that time. When Daniel died, in 1900, he left Julia Ann, $35,000.00 in gold, a home, land, and the woods full of cows, on Barber Creek, near Longleaf. The Law, Cattle, Barber Creek & Home After the end of Civil War, in 1865, Daniel H. Willis. Jr., was made Constable of Spring Hill, Rapides Parish. Julia Ann often spoke of the time Daniel captured an outlaw from Texas who was hid out in the piney woods of Louisiana. She said it was to late to make the horseback trip to the jail, in Alexandria, therefore Daniel handcuffed the outlaw to the foot of their bed for the overnight stay. Daniel told the outlaw he better not make a sound. She said Daniel slept soundly, but she did not sleep a wink all night. He later was a successful rancher. He and his sons would buy cattle in East Texas and then drive them to the railroad at Lecompte, La. to be shipped north. Once, on a cattle drive from Texas, in 1898, the cattle stampeded in the woods. My grandfather, Randall Lee Willis, who was only 12 at the time and riding drag, thought his dad, Daniel, had been killed; but then he could see his father's huge white hat, waving high in the air, in front of the cattle. Julia Ann's grandchildren recalled that she would read her red-lettered New Testament Bible daily on the front porch of the "Old Willis Place" near Longleaf on Barber Creek. She would then open her trunk and pull out Daniel's photo, who had preceded her in death, and a tear would often be seen in her eye. Julia Ann also loved oranges. She would eat them, lay the peals on the window seal and later eat the peals. When asked what she was doing she replied "I don't know for sure, but I think these orange peals are good for you." She once was bitten by a ground rattler, at age 75, and survived. Julia Ann swam in Barber Creek, twice a day, until age 90. There is a huge gravel pit where their home, the "Old Willis Place" once stood. The gravel pit has destroyed the timber and Barber Creek. It became overrun with sand and silt; literally smothered to death. The EPA finally made them shut down, but it was too late. My late cousin, Ilie Willis Close (1907-1995), wrote to me about the Old Willis Place: "The home was a gathering place for all the family. There was always food cooked for family and friends. There was lots of blackberries, huckleberries and fruit of all kinds for good pies. The home was about a quarter of a mile from Barber's Creek, known to be one of the coldest and clearest waters in the area. Grandma [Julia Ann Graham Willis] would walk down and swim sometimes twice a day. She said that was what had prolonged her life. All of the children and grandchildren loved to go swimming with her. She was reared a Methodist but later joined the Baptist Church and was a devoted Christian. She read the Bible daily. We use to joke and say 'she didn't think there would be anyone but Baptist in Heaven.' Her hobby was making quilts and she kept the family supplied with her hand work." Tragedy Daniel and Julia Ann were not immune from tragedy. On a trip away from home in 1880, Julia Ann told Daniel "I feel something is wrong at home." After returning, they found their eight year old son, David Eugene, deathly ill with appendicitis. He soon died. Julia Ann would later tell her grandchildren, that she vowed that if she every lost another child, she would never let herself grieve as she did for David Eugene. The next year, 1881, her four month old baby, Stella, died. Many years later, on December 23, 1935, she lost another son, Dr. Daniel Oscar Willis, in an auto accident. He was born three years after David Eugene. Julia Ann would live only nine months after his death. Daniel Hubbard Willis Jr. died, from kidney trouble, at his son, Dr. Daniel Oscar Willis' home near Leesville, La., on May 22, 1900. Julia Ann Graham Willis died of old age on September 28, 1936. Both Daniel and Julia Ann are buried at the Graham Cemetery near Forest Hill, not far from their beloved Barber Creek. Daniel Hubbard Willis Jr. and Julia Ann Graham Children: 1) Henry Elwa Willis was born 6 OCT 1867. He died 18 JAN 1945 of pneumonia. He was a farmer and cattleman. He is buried at the Paul Cemetery in Lecompte, La. He married Sarah F. Duplissey, Dec., 1890. Henry Elwa Willis and Sarah F. Duplissey had the following children: Clarence I. Willis (b. Jan. 18, 1892; d. Dec. 4, 1940), Viola Willis (b. Dec. 28, 1893; d. Dec. 14, 1973), Elbert K. Willis (b. Feb. 26, 1897; d. Dec. 19, 1974), Henry Willis (b. Mar. 30, 1899; d. Sept. 29, 1977), Mae Willis (b. May 1, 1902), Kit C. Willis (b. May 8, 1905), Bessie Willis (b. July 8, 1908), and Frank Willis (b. Dec. 2, 1915). 2) Carvelia S. Willis was born 10 FEB 1869. She died 31 MAR 1941 of liver disease. She never married. She is buried at the Graham Cemetery in Forest Hill, La. Her date of birth on her grave marker is incorrect by 10 years. 3) Minnie R. Willis was born 7 MAY 1870. She died 18 SEP 1921. She married Charles H. Benedict. She is buried at the Greenwood Cemetery in Pineville, La. Minnie R. Willis Benedict and Charles H. Benedict children were: Arthur Charles Benedict (July 4, 1891; d. Jan. 21, 1969), and Lester B. Benedict (d. April 26, 1899; d. May 10, 1918 of meningitis). 4) David Eugene Willis was born 19 JAN 1872. He died 13 FEB 1880 of appendicitis at age eight. He is buried at the Graham Cemetery in Forest Hill, La. 5) Corine Willis was born 27 SEP 1873. She died 6 OCT 1873 as a young baby. She is buried at the Graham Cemetery in Forest Hill, La. 6) Daniel Oscar Willis, MD was born 8 MAR 1875. He died 23 DEC 1935 from injuries sustained in an auto accident at LeBeau, La. He died at the hospital in Bunkie, La. He married his first wife Ella Elizabeth Lamberth (b. Jan. 16, 1871; died July 1, 1921) on Dec. 24, 1895. Daniel and Ella had three children: Murphy Daniel Willis (b. Nov. 13, 1897; d. Oct. 15, 1930 after suffering with Hodgkin's disease for 14 years), Horace Oscar Willis (b. Dec. 30, 1898; d. Sept. 22, 1936) and Pearl Willis (b. Oct. 24, 1900; d. Apr. 20, 1988 in Baton Rouge, La.) Pearl Willis was a music teacher for many years at LSU. Daniel Oscar Willis then married his second wife Mary Hamilton in 1928. They had one child: Hamilton Barrow Willis (b. Nov. 25, 1931; d. Abt. 1990 in St. Francisville, La.). Daniel Oscar Willis was buried on what would have been his and Ella's 40th. wedding anniversary, if they both had not died prematurely. They are both buried in the Leesville Cemetery, Leesville, La. He began his medical practice in 1904 and was the first medical doctor in Vernon Parish, La. He also owned the first automobile in Vernon Parish. He was in United States Army Medical Corps in World War I and was commissioned as a Captain in August of 1917. He owned the Hotel Leesville in Leesville, La. He once (after being slandered by a young lawyer in a trial in Leesville) bodily removed the young lawyer from his room at the Hotel Leesville and through him in the street. The young lawyer's name was Huey P. Long. 7) Robert Kenneth Willis, Sr. was born 15 JAN 1877. He died 30 JUNE 1951 of a heart attack. He was a butcher and cattleman. He married Eulah "Eula" Rosalie Hilburn in 1903. Eula was born Mar. 10, 1884 and died Feb. 6, 1919, at age 34, of the flu (she is buried at Lecompte Cemetery). Eula is buried next to her parents, Charles Hilburn (1858-1943) and Francis Hilburn (1860-1930). Robert Kenneth Willis, Sr. and Eula Rosalie Hilburn Willis had the following children: Flossie Litton Willis (b. Aug. 5, 1905; d. Sept., 1985 - married a Tomlinson), and Ilie Jewel Willis (b. Mar. 8, 1907; d. May, 1995 - married Carl Close). Robert Kenneth Willis, Sr. then married Julia Mae Johnson on Jun. 13, 1922. Julia Mae was born Sept. 4, 1899 and died Feb. 17, 1934, at age 34. Both of Robert's wives died at age 34. Robert Kenneth Willis, Sr. and Julia Mae Johnson Willis had the following children: Robert "Bobby" Willis. Jr. (b. Feb. 2, 1923; d. Dec. 7, 1941 at Pearl Harbor - buried on the USS Arizona), Glenn Dewey Willis (b. May 8, 1924), and Billy Edward Willis (b. Jun. 2, 1925; d. Aug. 6, 1991). He is buried in the Greenwood Cemetery in Pineville, La. 8) Ruthey Madella Willis was born 20 JUN 1880. Ruthey Madella Willis died of cancer. She married her first husband, Henry Buckaliew, on 20 AUG 20 1898. She then married her second husband, H. C. Matthews. Ruthey Madella Willis had one child by her first husband, Illie Jewel Buckaliew (b. Apr. 10, 1900; d. Feb. 3, 1902 - buried in Graham Cemetery). She had one child by her second husband, Willie Matthews. 9) Stella Willis was born 21 AUG 1881. She died 10 DEC 1881 as a young baby. Buried at the Graham Cemetery in Forest Hill, La. 10) Julia Coatney Willis was born 11 MAR 1883. She died 16 AUG 1945 of a heart attack. She married Harry Scarbrough. She is buried at Mountain View Cemetery in San Bernardino, California. They had one daughter named Audrey Ethel Scarbrough (b. Mar. 1, 1907; d. Oct. 22, 1980) who married Kent Hayden (b. Jun. 18, 1906; d. Nov. 16, 1984). Audrey and Kent Kane Hayden, Sr. had two sons named Charles Hayden and Kent Kane Hayden, Jr. 11) Randall Lee Willis (my grandfather) was born 20 MAR 1886 in Forest Hill, La. He died 14 MAY 1940 of stomach cancer. Married Lillie Gertrude Hanks on 11 JAN 1914. Buried at the Graham Cemetery in Forest Hill, La. He was named after his father's commanding General in the Civil War: Randall Lee Gibson who founded Tulane University. He was a farmer and logger. He died of stomach cancer and she died of a heart attack. Randall Lee Willis and Lillie G. Hanks Willis had the following three sons: Howard Lee Willis (b. Feb. 15, 1915; d. Oct. 2, 1993), Herman Floyd Willis (b. Sept. 17, 1918; d. May 15, 1977), and my father Julian Everette Willis (b. Oct. 5, 1919; d. Jun. 13, 1995). All three sons are buried in the Butter Cemetery, Forest Hill, La.

Joseph Willis and General Francis Marion AKA the "Swamp Fox" by Randy Willis www.randywillis.org randy@randywillis.org "The British soldier trembles When Marion's name is told." -- Bryant. The movie "The Patriot" was filmed in Chester, York, Charleston, and Georgtown counties in South Carolina. The biggest part was filmed on the Guy Darby Farm on the Chester/York county line. Just as the movie portrays, Joseph Willis and General Francis Marion also operated out of the South Carolina swamps. Joseph Willis was a Patriot during the Revolutionary War. Joseph and a friend from Bladen County, Ezekiel O’Quin, left North Carolina for South Carolina to join up with General Francis Marion, the "Swamp Fox." Marion operated out of the swampy forest of the Pedee region in the lower part of South Carolina. His strategy was to surprise the enemy, cut his supply lines, kill their men and release any American prisoners they might have. He and his men then retreated swiftly back again to the thick recesses of the deep swamps. They were feared, very effective and their fame was widespread. They also took great pride in themselves. Marion’s orderly book states, "Every officer to provide himself with a blue coatee, faced and cuffed with scarlet cloth, and lined with scarlet; white buttons; and a white waistcoat and breeches…also, a cap and a black feather…" Joseph would later proudly tell the family, "We were called Marion men." The lessons learned with Marion would serve him well his entire life. Joseph was proud of his service under Marion, and risk his life to be a Patriot, for at the time in Bladen County, 1777, it was estimated that two-thirds of the people were Tories. An oath of allegiance to the state was required in North Carolina and those refusing to take it were required to leave the state within sixty-days. How did Marion, a scrawny, semi-literate man, become one of the greatest generals of the American Revolution? The American colonists and soldiers loved him and he earned the nickname "Swamp Fox" from the British soldiers. Marion was so popular that children and cities were named after him. Francis Marion was born in 1732 in what was to become South Carolina. As a baby, Marion was tiny, frail and sickly, and it was said he was no bigger than a lobster. It is probably not surprising that he was a sickly child due to the swampy areas around which he grew up. As Marion got older, he enjoyed playing in the swamps. He learned about the local Indians, how they fought and survived in the swamp. He knew the swamps like the back of his hand and it was said that he never got lost. Little did he realize how much this would help him in the future. At the age of 15, Marion wanted to become a sailor. So, against the wishes of his family, he set sail on a ship bound for the West Indies. On his first voyage, the ship sank and Marion, along with several other crewmen, were adrift at sea for a week before their lifeboat finally drifted aground. It was lucky for Marion, who didn't know how to swim. By 1760, the Cherokee War hit South Carolina and Marion became a lieutenant in the militia. He proved himself to be a good horseman and marksman, again qualities that were to be of use in the future. After this brief war, Marion retired to the life of a farmer, becoming quite successful and owning lots of land. But the growing storm that was to become the Revolutionary war brought Marion out of retirement. Like many others, he considered himself a Patriot and loved his freedom. Based on past experience, Marion was made Captain in the Continental Army. Because of his success, he climbed the promotional ladder to Major, Colonel, and, eventually, to General. Marion decided the only way to effectively battle the British was with guerrilla tactics. Many of his officers and men questioned this style of fighting at first. To them, it wasn't honorable to strike, then retreat without giving a full fight to the English army. Eventually, they realized that this was a smart way to fight and was the best suited to their style of warfare. Marion and his soldiers would concentrate their attacks on British supply camps and the supply lines themselves. They would rest during the day and march at night, quite often attacking at midnight. Marion was able to cut the supply lines linking the British occupied cities and chased and harassed various British leaders, most notably Colonel Banastre Tarleton. Marion displayed a natural talent for strategy and tactics and was known for his personal bravery. He is considered by most to be the father of the U.S. Army Special Forces because of his unique innovations. For example, scouts would always ride ahead to prevent ambushes. Some of them would hide in the top of tall trees and signal with shrill whistles. This was done at night when Marion would march and attack. If a bridge had to be crossed near an enemy post, blankets would be laid on the wooden planks to muffle the horses hoofs. A campfire was never used twice and when planning a raid, Marion kept the target to himself until the last moment. This strategy bewildered the British who would chase after Marion into the swamps, only to loose him. The British complained that it was an unfair method of fighting a war and they felt that the Americans didn't play by the rules of "civilized warfare." Eventually, British Colonel Tarleton, who often chased Marion into the swamps, gave Marion the nickname of the "Swamp Fox." "The devil himself could not catch that old fox," said Tarleton. This name stuck and colonists thought it was humorous that their hero was compared to a fox. As the Revolutionary War raged on, Marion's success grew. He fought in battles at Kings Mountain, Cowpens, Guilford Courthouse, Georgetown, and finally Eutaw Springs in August 1781. All of this led up to the British surrender in October of that same year. After the war, Marion retired back to his plantation where he married Mary Videau. Marion also showed his love and loyalty to country by serving terms in the South Carolina Senate until South Carolina became a member of the union. Marion lived the rest of his life on his farm. He was loved by the community and often helped his fellow veterans in time of need. As the memory of war faded, Marion's exploits became more famous. What were once small skirmishes turned into big battles. He became a hero of the Revolution, second only to George Washington. On Feb. 27, 1795, Francis Marion died at the age of 63. He was remembered as an honorable citizen as well as a gallant soldier. Marion epitomized the successful citizen-soldier. For this reason, years after the war, thousands of parents named sons Francis Marion. Not only were children named after him, but scattered over the present United States, there are over 29 cities and towns and 17 counties named after Marion. If you'd like to learn more about Francis Marion, there is a complete history available: http://foclark.tripod.com/revwar/marion.html Notes: Over the years, numerous descendants of Rev. Joseph Willis have asked me if any "absolute" proof exist of Joseph Willis' service in the Revolutionary War. Most have desired this information to join: Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution , National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) and/or National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (NSSAR). Marion's troops were basically a guerrilla force, raised irregularly from the backwoods of South Carolina, no roster was kept. The only published record of the men who fought under him comes from the claims that were later filed for militia pay against the state of South Carolina. Joseph Willis, Richard Curtis and Ezekiel O'Quinn said they fought under Marion in the Revolutionary War; but none of them filed for militia pay. William W. Broddie complied a book, from the stub indents of the militia pay, entitled "Marion's Men, A List of Twenty-five Hundred" (1938). Only those who filed for militia pay are in it. Several early-1800 and mid-1800 authors, including W.E. Paxton, recorded that Joseph was a Marion man; but more important is Joseph Willis' own testimony to his friends, children and grandchildren. In addition, many courthouses with vital records were lost, eight decades later, in the Civil War as a result of General Sherman and other northern forces burning the courthouses

General John Willis by Randy Willis www.randywillis.org randy@randywillis.org John Willis was born 1759, in Robeson County, North Carolina, and died April 22, 1802. He was the son of Daniel Willis and Elizabeth (Betsy) Moore. John Willis married, Asenath Barnes, in 1779 (she was born in 1763, NC; died 1806, Natchez, MS). John Willis, helped emancipate, his first-cousin and my ancestor, Rev. Joseph Willis of Bladen County, North Carolina. John Willis became a member of the General Assembly of North Carolina in 1782, 1787, 1789 and 1791, a member of the Senate in 1794, and of the House of Representatives in 1795. In the same year that he helped obtain Joseph Willis' "legal freedom," 1787, he was appointed as one of a committee of five, from North Carolina, to ratify the Constitution of the United States. This was done just in time for North Carolina to enter the Union, as the twelfth state, and to assist in the election of Gen. George Washington as the first President. In 1795, Governor Samuel Ashe commissioned John Willis as a Brigadier General in the 4th Brigade of the Militia, Continental Army. The land that the county seat of Robeson County, Lumberton, North Carolina is located on was donated by him, from his Red Bluff Plantation. The area, in recent years, has become infamous as the location for the trial of the men responsible for the death of the father of basketball star Michael Jordon. A plaque of General John Willis stands there today. Gen. John Willis moved to Natchez, Mississippi, from North Carolina, in about 1800 and died soon thereafter, in 1802. He is buried behind the Natchez Cathedral. He also had a son named John (see children below). Another son, Thomas Willis, was almost Attorney General of Louisiana, he was a circuit judge in Mississippi and died in Copiah County, Mississippi. Children of Gen. John Willis: 1. Alice Willis 2. Sarah Cain Willis 3. Martha Willis, born 22 Dec 1780; died 1870. 4. Elizabeth Willis, born 1782; married in 1823 to William Patton. 5. John Willis, born 1784, died unknown; unmarried. 6. Mary Willis, born 1786. 7. Col. William Willis, born 1788; married May, 1816 to Martha Vick. 8. Ann Marie Willis, born 28 April 1791; married 1st: 24 Nov. 1817 to Abraham Barnes; married 2nd: 1 Sept 1834 to Richard Archer. 9. Thomas Abram Willis, born 22 Feb 1794; died 25 Oct 1847, in Crystal Springs; married Margaret Holden. 10. Emily Jane Willis, born 1795; died 9 Feb 1815; married Thomas Freeland. 11. Daniel Willis, born 1796; married 1st: 3 Feb 1825 to Elizabeth Copeland, Claiborne Co., Ms; married 2nd: Helen Bridgers, 15 Sept 1856, Claiborne Co., MS. 12. Harriet Willis, born 1798; married 27 Feb 1823 to Thomas Barne. Siblings of Gen. John Willis: 1. Daniel Willis, born circa 1759 in Robeson County, NC., married to FNU Rowland. 2. Joab Willis, born in Robeson County, NC., married to Martha Barnes, niece of Asenath Barnes. 3. Ahad Willis, born in Robeson County, NC., 4. Robert Willis, born circa 1740, in Robeson County, NC., died between 1787-1788; married Ann Willis (born ca. 1739). 5. Sarah Willis, born in Robeson County, NC., married Thomas Rowland 6. Elizabeth Willis, born circa 1740 in Robeson County, NC., married John Newberry. 7. Mildred/Amelia Willis, born circa 1750 in Robeson County, NC., married to FNU Clark. 8. Nancy Willis, born in Robeson County, NC., married to FNU McDavid. 9. Dianna Willis; married Moab Stevens 10. Ann Willis, born ca. 1736 11. Jacob Willis As mentioned before, John Willis, was the son of Daniel Willis and Elizabeth (Betsy) Moore. John Willis' father, Daniel Willis (born circa 1716; died 1785), had three brothers: Agerton Willis (born circa 1727; died 1777), Benjamin Willis (III?) (born circa 1725; died 1785), and George Willis (born circa 1730). The one known sister of these four brothers was Joanna Willis (born circa 1730; died 1791).

REV. JOSEPH WILLIS The Apostle to the Opelousas The First Baptist Preacher of the Gospel of Jesus Christ West of the Mississippi River By Randy Willis www.randywillis.org randy@randywillis.org Joseph Willis’ monument at his grave reads: “First Baptist Preacher of the Word West of the Mississippi River.” This fact is of historical interest but is of lesser importance when compared to this remarkable man’s life. His life reads as a history book and a dramatic play performed on the stage of life. He was born an Indian slave to his own father. His family took him to court to deprive him of his inheritance – a battle that involved the governor of the state. He fought in the Revolutionary War under the most colorful of all the American generals, Francis Marion, “The Swamp Fox.” He crossed the most hostile country and entered a land under a foreign government while the dreaded “Black Code” was in effect. He preached a message there that put him in constant danger for his life. He fought racial and religious prejudice of the most dangerous kind. He lost three wives and several children in the wilderness but never wavered in his belief in God. But our story does not begin here. It begins in Southeast Virginia in the Chesapeake Bay area, the same area that the pilgrims first settled. There in the 1740’s, in Isle of Wight County and Nansemond County (now the city of Suffolk) was the place that Joseph Willis’ father, three uncles and one aunt called home. The family had come to America from Devonshire, England. I believe, but I cannot prove it beyond the shadow of a doubt, the English father of these five children was Benjamin Willis, Jr. (born circa 1690) and the grandfather was Benjamin Willis, Sr. (born circa 1670). The four Willis brothers were Joseph’s father Agerton Willis (born circa 1727; died 1777), and his brothers Daniel Willis (born circa 1716; died 1785), Benjamin Willis III (born circa 1725; died 1785), and George Willis (born circa 1730). The one known sister of these four brothers was Joanna Willis (born circa 1730; died 1791). Joanna married James Council (born circa 1716) of Isle of Wight County, Virginia in about 1751. James was the son of John Council and Benjamin Willis Jr.’s sister Josie Willis (born circa 1681), and grandson of Hodges Council. Hodges had also immigrated from Devonshire, England to America. In the early 1750’s, the family including James and Joanna moved south. Between 1740 and 1770, hundreds of Virginians moved to North Carolina as a result of the Virginia legislature passing a law requiring all non-residents to acquire ten acres of land for each head of stock ranging in the colony or to become citizens. Thus the family left Virginia, probably by sea, and landed down the coast at New Hanover (now named Wilmington), North Carolina. New Hanover had North Carolina’s most navigable seaport and even though it was not used much for transatlantic trade, this meant the area of the state was easily accessible from all other English settlements along the coast. Well-to-do North Carolina Planters It was here that Joseph’s father, Agerton, first bought land in North Carolina. On December 13, 1754, he purchased 300 acres in New Hanover in what is now southeastern Pender County “on the East Side of a Branch of Long Creek.” Pender was not established until 1874. New Hanover included what is now Pender and parts of Brunswick County. Agerton was taxed on this property the next year, 1755. There were only 362 white people taxed in New Hanover that year. About twenty families owned a great number of slaves there during that time. These families and others like them in southeastern North Carolina controlled the affairs of the counties in which they lived and set the standards of morals and religion. Between 1755 and 1758, Agerton moved to Bladen County, just to the northeast. Daniel, Benjamin and Joanna and her husband James Council, had been living there since 1753. It was there between 1755 and 1758, that Agerton’s only son, Joseph, was born. Joseph would someday play a major roll in early Louisiana Baptist history. Most of the early Bladen County deeds before 1784 were lost due to a series of fires; thus we are unable to find Agerton’s first purchase of land in Bladen County. Nevertheless a description of the bulk of his lands can be gleaned from later deeds. He purchased 640 acres from his brother Daniel on May 21, 1762, on the West Side of the Northwest Cape Fear River. He then purchased an additional 2,560 acres between October 1766 and May 1773, which was on both sides of the Northwest Cape Fear River near Goodman’s Swamp. Altogether, Agerton’s holdings formed a very large and nearly contiguous extent of land on both sides of the Northwest Cape Fear River near the current Cumberland County line in present-day northwest Bladen County. Agerton, Daniel, Benjamin, James, and Joanna were neighbors on the Northwest Cape Fear River. The other brother, George Willis, came first to New Hanover, obtaining a land grant on Widow Creek in 1761 and selling out in 1767. He then moved to Robeson County (formerly part of Bladen County) not very far west from the rest of the family. The four brothers were all well-to-do planters with large land holdings. As a planter, Agerton owned slaves many of which were Indian. At this time in North Carolina many slaves were Indian; in fact as late as the 1780’s in North Carolina a third of all slaves were Indian. Indians were made slaves by the whites from the very beginning. A Trail of Tears It was to an Indian slave of Agerton’s that his only son, Joseph, was born. The relationship of Agerton and Joseph’s mother can only be speculation, but under the North Carolina laws of 1741 all interracial marriages were illegal. Since Joseph’s mother was a slave he was born to a slave status. It is clear that his father considered him as an only son and loved him as one. This fact did not sit well with some other members of the family. Clearly, Agerton intended to free Joseph, but this presented great legal problems. The laws of 1741 in North Carolina stated in “An Act Concerning Servants and Slaves” “That no Negro or Mulatto Slaves shall be set free, upon any Pretense whatsoever, except for meritorious Services, to be adjudged and allowed of by the County Court and License thereupon first had and obtained.” In her book, North Carolina Indian Records, Donna Spindel writes about the Indians of this area of the state: “The Lumbee Indians, most of whom reside in Robeson County, constitute the largest group of Indians in eastern North Carolina. Although their exact origin is a complex matter, they are undoubtedly the descendants of several tribes that occupied eastern Carolina during the earliest days of white settlement. Living along the Pee Dee and Lumber rivers in present-day Robeson and adjacent counties, these Indians of mixed blood were officially designated as Lumbees by the General Assembly in 1956. …Most of the Indians have Anglo-Saxon names and they are generally designated as ‘black’ or ‘mulatto’ in nineteenth-century documents; for example, in the U.S. Censuses of 1850-1880, the designation for Lumbee families is usually ‘mulatto.” According to one of North Carolina’s top genealogists and historians, the late William Perry Johnson, “ . . . In North Carolina, American Indians up until Mid 1880’s, were labeled Mulattos…” Joseph’s mother may have very well been related to these Indians. Joseph could not be freed solely by Agerton’s wishes. Agerton was in poor health and Joseph was still too young to prove “meritorious Services,” therefore Agerton attempted to free him through his will written September 18, 1776, and also to bequeath to him most of his property. Just eighty days before this will was written, the Declaration of Independence was signed and times were, to say the least, chaotic. This was not the time to get anything through the court and time was running out, for Agerton would be dead within a year. My Cousin’s Keeper The problem for Joseph was that the family was advised that this part of the will could be overturned, and thus, Joseph would not be freed according to his father’s wishes. This was an important legal point for a slave could not legally inherit real estate at this time in North Carolina. Therefore, if Joseph was not freed he could not be a legal heir. Since Agerton had no other children, this would make his eldest brother “legal heir at law” under the laws of primogeniture in effect until 1784. Agerton had intended the trustee to obtain Joseph’s freedom and then he could obtain his inheritance, but Agerton’s brother Daniel ignored these wishes as the following letter to the governor of North Carolina reveals: Daniel Willis Senr. To Gov. Caswell Respecting Admtn. & C. (From MS Records in Office of Secretary of State.) “Oct. 10th 1777. MAY IT PLEASE YOUR EXCELLENCY I have a small favr. [sic] to beg if your Excellency will be pleased to grant it Viz. as my Deceas’d [sic] Brother Agerton Willis gave the graitest [sic] Part of his Estate to his Molata [sic] boy Joseph and as he is a born slave & not set free Agreeable to Law my Brothers heirs are not satisfied that he shall have it. I am One of the Exectrs. [sic] and by Mr. M. Grice’ s Directions have the Estate in my possession as the Trustee Refused giving Security that the boy should have it when off [sic] Age If he Could Inherit it and now this seting [sic] of counsel some of them Intends to Apply for Administration as graitest [sic] Credittors [sic]. I am my Brothers heir at Law and if Administration is to be obtained I will apply myself Before the Rise of the Counsel and begg [sic] your Excellency will not grant it to any off [sic] them Untill [sic] I Come your Excellency’s Compliance will graitly [sic] Oblige your most Obedient Humble Servt [sic] to Command DAN. WILLIS, SEN. Pray Excuse my freedm. [sic]” The term “Molata boy” used by Daniel could indicate his attitude toward Joseph, although virtually all Indians of mixed-blood were known as mulattos in North Carolina at that time. Daniel’s petition to the court also reveals that Joseph was not of legal age as of the date of the will, September 18, 1776. Legal age was then twenty-one; therefore, Joseph could not have been born before September 18, 1755 as some have supposed. It should also be pointed out that technically this case should have proceeded to the District Superior Court at Wilmington, but this court was in abeyance until 1778 following the collapse of the Court Law in November 1772. Therefore, Daniel was writing to the Governor and Council instead. The Bladen County tax list of 1784 indicates that the case had been decided by then since Agerton’s property was taxed in that year under different family member’s names. Even though Agerton’s will had been probated and Joseph was living as if he were free, as he had always done, he was still technically a slave. In November of 1787, Joseph’s first cousin John Willis, by then a member of the General Assembly of North Carolina and ironically the eldest son of Daniel, introduced a “bill to emancipate Joseph, a Mulatto Slave, the property of the Estate of Agerton Willis, late of Bladen, deceased.” The bill passed its third reading on December 6, 1787, and Joseph was free. The following quotes from the settlement listed in the final act are of interest: “Whereas, Agerton Willis, late of Bladen County…did by his last will and testament devise to the said Joseph his freedom and emancipation, and did also give unto the said Joseph a considerable property, both real and personal: And whereas the executor and next of kin to the said Joseph did in pursuance of the said will take counsel thereon, and were well advised that the same could not by any means take effect, but would be of prejudice to the said slave and subject him still as property of the said Agerton Willis; whereupon the said executor and next of kin, together with the heirs of the said Agerton Willis, deceased, did cause a fair and equal distribution of the said estate, as well as do equity and justice in the said case to the said Joseph, as in pursuance of their natural love and affection to the said Agerton, and did resolve on the freedom of the said Joseph and to give an equal proportion of the said estate…Joseph Willis shall henceforward be entitled to all the rights and privileges of a free person of mixed blood: Provided nevertheless, That this act shall not extend to enable the said Joseph by himself or attorney, or any other person in trust for him, in any manner to commence or prosecute any suit or suits for any other property but such as may be given him by this act…” There is a lot revealed in this document. First, note that they call themselves the “next of kin” to the said Joseph. The “fair and equal distribution” that is spoken of turns out to be considerably less than the “graitest Part” mentioned in Daniel’s letter. A later deed reveals that Joseph got 320 acres as settlement and the above document indicates he also received some personal property as “consideration” for what “…he may have acquired by his own industry…” As we are about to see, Joseph Willis could certainly relate to another Joseph, from the Bible, who later in his life would say “they meant it for evil but God meant it for good.” The other property that Joseph should have received is described as “unbequeathed lands of Agerton” in later deeds because this part of the will was overturned. These deeds reveal that Joseph should have received at least 2,490 acres and other deeds are no doubt lost. There was also a vast amount of personal property that Joseph did not get. There was also an additional 970 acres deeded directly to other members of the family. Agerton’s will is lost and this information is gleaned from other documents and later deeds. Nothing but a Horse, Bridle and Saddle Many years later in Louisiana, Joseph would tell his grandchildren, Polk and Olive Willis, who were tending to him in his last months, that he left North Carolina “with nothing but a horse, bridle and saddle.” Polk and Olive later told their nephew Greene Strother this fact and Greene Strother told me (also see Greene Strother’s Unpublished Th.M. thesis About Joseph Willis and his book: "The Kingdom Is Coming"). Different grandchildren also asked him from time to time about the family, and he would tell how his mother was Indian and his father was English, and that he was born in Bladen County, North Carolina. Family tradition is consistent among all the different branches of the family that I have traced. Every branch of the family, including some that have had no contact during the twentieth century, has this identical family tradition handed down. Whatever became of Joseph’s first cousin, John Willis, who helped emancipate him? He became a member of the General Assembly of North Carolina in 1782, 1787, 1789 and 1791, a member of the Senate in 1794, and of the House of Representatives in 1795. In the same year that he helped obtain Joseph’s “legal freedom,” 1787, he was appointed one of a committee of five from North Carolina to ratify the Constitution of the United States. This was done just in time for North Carolina to enter the Union as the twelfth state and to assist in the election of George Washington as the first President. In 1795, Governor Samuel Ashe commissioned John Willis as a Brigadier General in the 4th Brigade of the Militia Continental Army. The land that the county seat of Robeson County, North Carolina (Lumberton), is located on was donated by him from his Red Bluff Plantation. The area, in recent years, has been more infamous as the location for the trial of the men responsible for the death of the father of basketball star Michael Jordon. A statue of General John Willis stands there today. John Willis moved to Natchez, Mississippi, in about 1800 and died April 3, 1802. He is buried behind the Natchez Cathedral. His son Thomas was almost elected Attorney General of Louisiana. CONTINUED at www.randywillis.org

Thanks Angel Dee. I knew you would know the answer. How can we all ever repay you for all you do for us? Take Care, Sharon Dover Romanek Fax:( 305)675-8045. e-mail: PRIMARY sromanek@salisbury.net sromanek@hotmail.com Researching: Romanek, Gucwa, Dover,Shrader, Tyner, Johnston, Williams, Edge, Smith, Kirksey, DeMers, Murphy, Allen ----- Original Message ----- From: "Dee Thompson" <d7777@worldnet.att.net> To: <NCBLADEN-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Thursday, August 30, 2001 4:51 PM Subject: Re: [NCBLADEN-L] question for Dee, please Hi Sharon, I don't think there's any such thing as a dumb question in genealogy. We're all "flying blind". First, the Georgia Archives is HEAVY in North Carolina holdings including family files, vault records and a ton of state and county books. So many North Carolina families had relatives that at some point wandered into or through Georgia that its a super place for NC research. Plus all the DAR records (that room use to scare me to death, but I've mastered it finally!), tons of church records, immigration, etc. In a word: yes. As for the formation of the North Carolina counties: the records would have stayed in the county "of instance". For instance, if there was a marriage recorded in Bladen in 1753 and the couple lived on land in Bladen County that became Cumberland County in 1754, the marriage record would still be shown (but not always held) in Bladen County. Whatever the county was at the time is what will always be shown on the document. But keep in mind that some records are not held in the county's records, they might have been held in Raleigh and were never returned to the counties as instructed by the court. By "held" I mean the original document or a copy on file. The big problem is whether the records still exist. Fires are the enemy of all researchers. Dee For details on sources used, refer to this link: http://www.rootsweb.com/~ncbladen/lookups.htm ----- Original Message ----- From: sromanek <sromanek@salisbury.net> To: <NCBLADEN-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Wednesday, August 29, 2001 9:20 AM Subject: Re: [NCBLADEN-L] question for Dee, please Dee, This may sound like a dumb question, but I do not know the answer so am asking whom I consider to be an expert. Would they have at the GA archives NC documents? I have never visited a State Archive so wondered. I plan to visit the NC archives this winter and wonder if they have kind of the same set up? Also, while I am on the subject of dumb questions. I know different counties formed at different time periods. If someone was born in what was Bladen County, and then part of it became another county, would the records stay with Bladen County or would they go to the newly formed county. I have been doing genealogy for about three years now, and I know this seems like a silly question, but it came to my mind the other night while I was trying to figure out some different avenues and I thought it might explain some brick walls. Would appreciate your feedback. Thanks, Sharon Dover Romanek Fax:( 305)675-8045. e-mail: PRIMARY sromanek@salisbury.net sromanek@hotmail.com Researching: Romanek, Gucwa, Dover,Shrader, Tyner, Johnston, Williams, Edge, Smith, Kirksey, DeMers, Murphy, Allen ----- Original Message ----- From: "Dee Thompson" <d7777@worldnet.att.net> To: <NCBLADEN-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Thursday, February 01, 2001 9:46 PM Subject: Re: [NCBLADEN-L] question for Dee, please The vaults are the holding places for all original or old copies of original documents. A lot of handwritten documents, war records (if they are in a family file), military awards, letters, grants, etc. You have to know that something is there that you want and then you write up a request form, submit it and wait for your appointment time. At the appointed hour you go up a very private elevator to the vault floor, pass through chain link walls and gates to the security checking. Sign for the your request, and you're shown to a private table where you again must match your pass form to your request form and sign off on it once more. You sit down and look at a cart on your left which will hold the boxes that contain each of the files you have requested. Some of the documents are placed on a suede-like book brace. You request copies of anything that you want, some are so fragile that they have to be taken to a special camera on another floor (with guard). Then you reverse the procedure to leave. For details on sources used, refer to this link: http://www.rootsweb.com/~ncbladen/lookups.htm ----- Original Message ----- From: Fred & Fran Powell <fpowellsr@starpower.net> To: <NCBLADEN-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Thursday, February 01, 2001 8:29 PM Subject: [NCBLADEN-L] question for Dee, please Dee, greetings! Have you written on the Bladen and/or other lists of locating certain items in a vault at the GA State Archives? If so where is this vault located within the Archives? What materials are stored in this vault? How does one access this vault? I have written to the Archives staff on the web e-mail address and the reply was that I need to be more precise in my question. Thanks for taking time out of your busy day to reply. Grateful for all you have done for me. Fran fpowellsr@starpower.net

There were no COX families listed in the 1830, 1840 or 1850 census records of Bladen, nor are there any Wills, marriages, or deeds. Gilbert Cox, John Cox, Simon Cox, and Thomas Cox are all listed in the early Tax Lists of Bladen (1775 through 1789). In 1776 Gilbert, John and Simon were shown as "molatoes" (sic), but they are listed as white in a state-wide tax list for that same year. In 1779 Simon and Gilbert are the only two listed, and in the tax list of 1786 John, Gilbert, and Simon are shown as white. There are a few scattered mentions of Cox in the Heritage book. Dee For details on sources used, refer to this link: http://www.rootsweb.com/~ncbladen/lookups.htm ----- Original Message ----- From: MWhitley <mwhitley@coastalnet.com> To: <NCBLADEN-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Tuesday, August 21, 2001 3:36 PM Subject: [NCBLADEN-L] Look up request I am researching the Cox family, and need to know f there were any Cox families in Bladen County around 1830-50. Any wills, deeds ,census records,ANYTHING. Thank you, mwhitley@coastalnet.com