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" From: 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.

Re: General John Willis From: 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).

ROBIN WILLIS b. 13 Oct 1900 Washington, DC and d. 1973 S. Australia married ALICE MAY BURKE b. 22 May 1900 Oklahoma and d. 7 Jan 1987 Harris Co., Texas. Colleen Kitch GuyCol@webtv.net

BAILEY WILLIS b. 31 May 1851 NY and d. 19 Mar 1949 Los Angeles Co., Ca. married 21 Apr 1898 Washington, DC to MARGARET DELIGHT BAKER b. 30 Jun 1874 Washington DC and d. 22 Mar 1941 Los Angeles Co., Ca. Children: Cornelius (Neil), Margaret, Robin. Colleen Kitch GuyCol@webtv.net

Seeking information on my great-grandparents, Daniel Hubbard Willis, Jr. (b. Apr. 2, 1839; d. May 22, 1900) and Julia Ann Graham Willis (b. Feb. 22, 1845; d. Sept. 28, 1936). Daniel Hubbard Willis, Jr. was the eldest son of **Rev. Daniel Hubbard Willis, Sr. and Anna Slaughter. He was raised near Sugartown, La. and then settled on Barber Creek near Longleaf, La. (**Rev. Daniel Hubbard Willis, Sr. was the eldest son of Agerton Willis and grandson of Rev. Joseph Willis.) He married Julia Ann Graham (b. Feb. 22, 1845; d. Sept. 28, 1936) on January 5, 1867. Daniel Hubbard Willis Jr. and Julia Ann Graham had 11 children. Daniel Hubbard Willis Jr. and Julia Ann Graham's 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 w ho 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. Randy Willis www.randywillis.org randy@randywillis.org randywillis@ev1.net

Hello, My grandpa was Virgial Lee Willis b- November 16, 1911 in Chipley, FL and died October 14, 1992 in Lakeland, Polk County, FL. His father was Remer J. Willis born abt. 1891 in GA and died December 10, 1921 in Lakeland, Polk County, FL. Remer was married to Ellie M. Elkins b-July 12, 1896 in GA and died May 5, 1973 in Lakeland, Polk County, FL. I don't know if Remer and Ellie had other children or not. I received Remer's death certificate today and it shows his father as Will Willis born in GA and mother unknown. Does this ring a bell with anyone. Thanks, Kim

Houston WILLIS was 9 years old on the 1920 Mills Co. TX census. He's listed with a brother, John, 16, and his father, William E. WILLIS, widower. His birthplace is shown as Texas. I'd appreciate any information on this family. Thanks, Jan

Re: ROBESON COUNTY HERITAGE BOOK 2002 Hi, Currently we are trying to get enough support to put together a Heritage Book for Robeson County, and we need your help. If you are interested in participating [i.e., serving on a committee, submitting a story about your Robeson County connections, or just purchasing a book at a prepublication price] just e-mail me your names and mailing addresses by private e-mail to: SAWESTGTWY@gateway.net, and as soon as we have a brochure from the publishers we will mail you one. Also, please forward a copy of this e-mail to anyone else that you know that is interested in Robeson County Genealogy and/or History. If you, or anyone you may know lives within a close traveling distance of Robeson County, we will be having our next Robeson County Heritage Book Meeting on this coming Tuesday, July 10th, 2001 at 7:00 p.m. in the McLean Room of the Robeson County Public Library, 101 North Chestnut Street, Lumberton, NC. We would be pleased for any and all interested people to come to this meeting. Thank you for your time. Sam West 556 Pittman Road Lumberton, NC 28358

Hi, I am new to the list. I am looking for anyone with information on the Alexander Thomas Willis (b 1812 in Ky) family. Alexander was married at least two times, his wives names were Nancy Jane Ewing and Elizabeth Matilda Cox. His father Alexander Wally Willis was born in 1775 in Virginia. His mother is believed to be named Sally. The descendants of this family were located in Ky and southern Mo and Tx. Would like to find information on Sally and also on AT’s brothers William Alexander and Milton W whose families went on to Texas. I would appreciate any help anyone can provide. Thanks, Carmen Willis ladyonion@home.com <mailto:ladyonion@home.com>

Hello, I believe it was on the WILLIS and LOUISIANA rootsweb lists recently that I was made aware of the movie, "MY LOUISIANA SKY," which was made from a book written by one of the listers cousins and took place in Louisiana in the 1950's. Just yesterday, I was fortunate enough to see it on SHOWTIME and it constantly moved me to tears with memories of my grandmothers, Allie Artimissa PARKER (MYRICK) and Ethel Rosalea HATTEN (WOMACK) (SLAUGHTER) and my parents and my wonderful aunts and uncles and my cousins that I visited near Oak Grove, West Carroll Parish, LA as I grew up in the 50's and 60's. My mother, grandmothers and aunts are/were all the epitome of "Steel Magnolias," as are the ladies in this real life story. The heroine of the piece, "Tiger Ann," was exceptional as was the young actress that played her as well as everyone else in this wonderfully authentic piece. Her grandmother was played by Shirley KNIGHT who was so very excecptional, as always, in her authenticity and Juliette LEWIS did a lovely job as the aunt. Unfortunately, I do not remember the names of the actors who played Tiger Ann's parents, the father is a regular on "X-FILES," but they were, also, wonderful in their roles. It was believable....not overdone. Thank you for letting us know about the movie. I recommend that everyone see it. And, also, if you didn't see "PEARL HARBOR" this weekend, don't let some of the lukewarm reviews of the critics stop you as it is a wonderfully made movie that is so very moving. Sincerely, Bellinda Myrick - Barnett

In a message dated 05/27/2001 11:01:51 Eastern Daylight Time, WILLIS-D-request@rootsweb.com writes: > Thank God for Elvis' servant's heart. To > learn more about Elvis and his music, please visit http://www.elvis.com. > Thank You for sharing that story of Elvis Good heart on Memorial Day Randy. Fellow Willis Kin. Lorraine Schwartzkopf Panozzo ggrandaughter of Lewis S. Willis

My 1st cousin once-removed, Robert Kenneth "Bobby" Willis, Jr., joined the Navy in August of 1939, after graduating from Natchitoches High School. He served for 16-months on the U.S.S. Arizona, which arrived at Pearl Harbor on Saturday, December 6, 1941 and was sunk the next morning by the Japanese. He enlisted in the Navy, in Rapides Parish, Louisiana and was the first casualty of that Parish in World War II. The American Legion Post in Pineville, Louisiana was named the Robert K. Willis Jr. Post, in honor of his service and duty to his country. He is entombed in the U.S.S. Arizona, at the bottom of Pearl Harbor. On March 25, 1961, Elvis Presley gave a benefit performance in Hawaii, raising $64,696 or over 10% of the total cost to build the Arizona Memorial. Elvis had returned from duty in the Army the year before. Both Col. Tom Parker and Scotty Moore had served in the military in Hawaii. Scotty described the concert as having a "homecoming feel to it". The memorial was dedicated on Memorial Day 1962. Thank God for Elvis' servant's heart. To learn more about Elvis and his music, please visit http://www.elvis.com. Randy Willis www.randywillis.org www.riatatalent.com www.darrellroyal.org

iam looking for anyone researching paul j willis about 1860 in lauderdale co ms. any help appreciated

Hello, I am researching the family of John Middleton (possibly Milton) Willis of Virginia. He was born 1855 and died 1928. He married Nannie Sheild and they had the following children: John b. 1880 Aimee b. 1881 John Melville b. 1883 William Royall b. 1886 d. 1917 Samuel Sheild b. 1887 d. 1890 Edmund Sheild b. 1890 d. 1920 Elsie b. 1892 Is anyone familiar with this family? Taylor Addams

Wow, Sue, what a coincidence. Although my Willis line is in Virginia, I grew up (b. 1949 Kansas, 1954-1968-Portage) in Portage, Wisconsin followed by UW-Madison, and thence to Maine. I'd suggest you contact the Columbia County Historical Society located in Portage. They run, among other things, Ft. Winnebago on Route 33 just a few miles outside Portage. The Willis name is not familiar to me. Like most small (10,000) communities in southern Wisconsin, the most prevalent names are German and Slavic in origin. We were one of the few Anglo-Saxon families and the only Shaw family. I wish you well in your hunt. Jane Luise Shaw, 12th generation direct descendant of Roger Shaw (1594-1661). Researching: Behr, Buck, Campbell, Garnett, Graves, Hunter, Logan, Rice, Shaw (Hiram, 1800-?) and (Roger), Taylor and Willis.

George William Willis, born about 1876 in Portage, Wisconsin of the parents G.W. Willis and Alice Teresa Nolan. Does anyone know anything about this family? Sue

Looking for information on McGurcus WILLIS, born 1859 in Texas. His father was Milton K. WILLIS. Thanks for any help. Jan

Willis featured in movie Mother's Day. My first cousin, Kimberly Willis Holt, first book "My Louisiana Sky," was recently made into a movie that will air as a Hallmark production on the Showtime network tomorrow, Sunday night (Mother's' Day). It was directed by Adam Arkin, of the 1990's TV series, "Chicago Hope," and the executive producer is Anthony Edwards, star of the network TV show, "ER." The cast includes Juliet Lewis (Daughter in the Robert DeNiro version of "Cape Fear") plays the sophisticated aunt from Baton Rouge (she made an appearance on David Letterman last night and talked a little about the role); Shirley Knight (middle aged now) plays the role of Granny; and Chris Owens has the role of the father, Lonnie. The character in the Granny role (Shirley Knight), is based on my Aunt Zora Willis. The inspiration for the book came from something Kimberly saw, in Forest Hill, Louisiana when she was a child, and she confesses that the fictitious setting of the book, Satter is Forest Hill, and the home place of the fictitious family is the Elwood, Louisiana community. Randy Willis www.randywillis.org randy@randywillis.org

Does anyone know of a list of those buried, dates of birth and death, in the Willis family cemetery near the Lonesome Pine Country Club in Wise Co. Va ? Paul