I am looking for info on the WILLIS of Ohio. I have the following: unknown first name) Willis: children Samuel b. 1818; mar. Amanda Cyrus b.1824;mar Margaret Brown thomas, b.1833 John b.1832; mar. Elizabeth; John d. 1883 in Mich. he is my great,great grandad. John and Elizabeth"s children: John William, b. 1843, Ohio;mar. Nancy McCarty ( my great grandparents). John , d. Mi 1893; Nancy, d. MI 1923 Martha , b.1857, OH mar. Henry Mayguckin James Willis, b. 1859 sarah, b. 1863 MI John Wm. and Nancy's children: Eva b. 1866; d.1909, MI Hiram, b. 1873 Any help will greatly appreciated. Anita

Item I have noted for Daniel Mulligan Willis : Probate book E.1875-'77 Gaurdian Bond,dated June 03-1877 defendant Daniel M. Willis guardian for William B Yarber Mother Amanda Clark widow of Britton Yarber Daniel recieved $482.53 from her.Does anyone know what happened to this Wm. B. Yarber? ,,,,,,,, Note, taken from: First land grants in Gallatin Co Il 1814- 1876 Gold Hill Township T9SR9E under Willis: Jacob 1818 James 1814 under Moreland: Hazie Sr.1814 James1814 Hazie 1831-1833 Equelity(Does anyone know what this is?) Township T9SR8E under Willis: Littleton Willis 1832, Archabald Willis 1833, Henry Willis 1833 Jacob Willis Sr 1833 James Willis1836

I am posting from notes I kept, from long time ago, please feel free to correct any errors.I have Littleton Williamson Willis born in Logan (Login?) Co KY. Jacob purchased land there in 1827,His brother John who purchased land in Gallatin Co with Jacob,(1829, was there with him, in KY, John mar.Rachel Moreland ( from KY. b. 1801 ) on 8-15-1820 in Gallatin Co daughter of Hazel Moreland and Hannah Willis. Had, child ARLEMECY? b.1820 in Gallatin Co.died in 1850, TB~~Alexander b.1821 d. 1845 Gallatin Co TB.~~Hazel M Willis b.1833~~died 1845 TB ~~ Thomas b.1826, died 1849.TB   James 1836~~18 51 TB ~~Rachel died in 1850 from TB.at age 49.WAS REALLY AN EPIDEMIC!! I don't have if any of these were married, and/or their families died or lived. They are in Robinette Cemetery. More later.

Hi John, I have exactly same as you for the death, date and county.. Also do you have Jacob's will, dated 7-1-1835, Gallatin Co,certain land to wife till death, then divided among children. Left tracts to children. son, Jacob Wiseman Willis Littleton Williamson Willis Daniel M Willis Thomas Willis and daughter Elizabeth, Henry R and Martha already had deeds to tracts.I have good bit on his children. And where Daniel Mulligan Sr d. November 2 1893 Gallatin Co IL Buried Crawford cemetery.Maybe you can look there. Then I have lots on the death of William Henry Willis same county, listing Mt.Sterling Cemetery. Then in 7 Mile Babtist Cemetery, the graves of Henry R Willis May91861~~~2-20-1931 Isabelle Willis12-01-1866~~~04-09-1955 So that gives you three cemeteries in same county, with the family. Goodluck Stella

I am looking for the place of burial of Littleton Williamson WILLIS. he died December 17, 1879 most likely in Massac County, Illinois. The death was not recorded but the date of death was found in the probate file at the Massac County Courthouse. Also, I am looking for the date of death and place of burial of Rachel Ann EVANS, daughter of William EVANS. Rachel married Littleton WILLIS August 11, 1836 in Gallatin County, Illinois. I heard that Rachel may have died about August, 1850 possibly in Gallatin County, Illinois. Littleton and Rachel WILLIS had 5 children that I know of. 1 son and 4 daughters. I relate to their son George Washington WILLIS. Thank you. John W. PEGG

Hi List; I am looking for Willis info. in KY on the following people: Descendants of Hugh Jackson Willis 1 Hugh Jackson Willis b: Abt. 1816 in KY d: in St. Joseph, Missouri Burial: Oak Ridge Cem., Daviess Co., MO +Martha Cook b: Oct 21, 1818 in KY m: Abt. 1843 in Green Co. Kentucky d: Feb 10, 1880 in Daviess Co., MO Burial: Oak Ridge Cem., Daviess Co., MO _____2 Luckybelle Willis Burial: Cumberland Presbyterian Church Cem., Independence, MO _______ +Sam Kearns _____2 Andrew Jackson Willis b: Feb 4, 1845 in KY d: Apr 9, 1902 in Pattonsburg, Daviess Co., MO Burial: Oak Ridge Cem., Daviess Co., MO _______ +Susannah A. Ledgerwood b: Sep 20, 1852 in Buchanan Co., MO m: Nov 26, 1870 in Gallatin, MO d: Sep 19, 1921 in McFall, MO Burial: Oak Ridge Cem., Daviess Co., MO Father: John Ledgerwood Mother: Colen Walker _____2 John D Willis b: Sep 17, 1850 in Daviess Co., MO d: Apr 10, 1916 in St. Joseph, Buchanan Co., MO Burial: Apr 13, 1916 Cumberland Presbyterian Church Cem., Independence, MO _______ +Eliza Bell Blankenship b: Oct 12, 1860 in Daviess Co., MO d: Jul 31, 1917 in St. Joseph, Buchanan Co., MO Burial: Aug 2, 1917 Independence Presbyterian Church Cem, Hemple, MO Father: B. F. Blankenship _____2 William D. Willis b: Abt. 1851 _______ +Eliza _____2 Bartley Willis b: Mar 14, 1854 in Ray Co., MO d: Jan 9, 1913 in Buchanan Co., MO Burial: Jan 10, 1913 Hemple, MO _______ +Sarah Elizabeth Giles b: May 15, 1859 in Gentry Co., MO d: Aug 3, 1893 in McFall, Gentry Co., MO Burial: Oak Ridge Cem., Daviess Co., MO _____*2nd Wife of Bartley Willis: _______ +Rhoda Cassady b: Abt. 1879 in Buchanan Co. MO Does anyone see a connection? Does anyone have any information on these folks? Thank You Chuck Townsend Clio, Michigan ICQ# 4432153 <mailto:CDT3@PERCEPTIONET.COM>

>From Randy Willis Research Files www.randywillis.org Boston Marriages from 1700-1809 Joseph Willis and Mary Goodwin - September 15, 1730 (page 158) Benjamin Willis and Ann Letty - November 20, 1742 (page 273) Joseph Brown and Johanna Willis - September 22, 1719 (page 80) Credits: "A Report of the Record Commissioners of the city of Boston Containing the Boston Marriages from 1700-1809" Compiled by Edward W. McGlennen. Boston Printing office 1898 - Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc. Baltimore 1977. Comments from Randy Willis: The names Joseph Willis, Benjamin Willis and Johanna Willis are all found in the same city in a 23 year period. All three are given names that are associated with Rev. Joseph Willis' line. Conclusion: Additional research is needed to see if the mid 1750 Bladen County, North Carolina' Willises with the same given name are connected in anyway with these Boston' Willises.

Willis Families in the 1850 Rapides Parish, Louisiana Census Most of the Willis Families, in Rapides Parish, La., were neighbors in 1850. The dates in parenthesis are dates of birth and are estimates based upon census records in many cases. I've added additional "known" children born after 1850. Household numbers are in parenthesis. (649) Sally Willis (1798/1802). She may be a daughter of Rev. Joseph Willis. She was probably the Sarah Willis (1798) who married Nathaniel West. Their children were: Jackson West, William West (1828), Nathaniel West, Jr. (1834), John West (1836), Hettie West (1838), Andrew West (1840), Sophia West (1844) and Wade West (1852). (661) Francis E. Strother (1823) and his wife Mary S. Willis Strother (1827). There children were: Martha Ann Strother (1842), Elizabeth Strother (1844), Solomon Strother (1846), Mary Ann Strother (1847), Sophia Strother (1851), Francis P. Strother (1854), John Riley Strother (1859), Eliza Strother (1861), Henrietta Strother (1863). Francis E. Strother was Richard Strother, Jr.'s brother. Mary Willis was Agerton Willis' daughter and a sister to Rev. Daniel H. Willis (1817-1887), my great-great-grandfather. Agerton Willis was the eldest son of Rev. Joseph Willis. (660) Agerton Willis (1785) and his wife Sophie Story (1787). He was Rev. Joseph Willis' eldest son. Agerton Willis' son Rev. Daniel H. Willis, Sr.'s two eldest daughters were named Eliza Willis (1842) and Mary Jane Willis (1845). I believe Agerton named these two daughters after his sisters Eliza Willis (1818) and Mary Willis (1827). Family tradition states that Rev. Daniel H. Willis, Sr.'s sister would read the Bible while he preached because he was blind in his later years. Sophie Story was an Irish orphan brought from Tennessee by a Mr. Park, who then lived near Holmesville below Bunkie, Louisiana. (659) William Strother (1817) and his wife Mary Doyal/Dyer/Dyal ( 1826). Mary Doyal/Dyer was a daughter of Thomas Doyal/Dyer and Mary Willis. Mar y Willis (1787) is also listed. She was probably the daughter of Rev. Joseph Willis. Their children listed in this census are Nancy Strother (1846) (married John Droddy) and William Strother (1849-1932). (658) Joseph Willis, Jr. (1792) and his wife Jane/Jennie Coker (1810). He was a son of Rev. Joseph Willis. Their children were: Joseph P. Willis (1824), Charles Willis (1833), Lemuel Willis (1836), and Elizabeth Willis (1839). It would appear they also raised a granddaughter, Martha "Patsy" Coker (1830-1899). (657) Lemuel Willis (1812) and his wife Eveline/Emeline Perkins (1823 date listed in census has to be wrong). He was a son of Rev. Joseph Willis. Their children were: Mary Willis (1833), Hawkins Willis (1834), Martha Willis (1835), Sarah Willis (1837), Lemuel I. Willis (1839), Olivia "Olive" Willis (1841), James K Polk Willis (1845), Lucinda "Lydia" Willis (1847), Carolyn Matilda Willis (1855), Crawford Willis (died in the Civil War at Shiloh), Sidney P. Willis, and Shrilda Willis. Lemuel Willis and Eveline/Emeline Perkins' daughter, Carolyn Matilda Willis, married John Houston Strother, Sr. and their daughter Lucinda "Lydia" Willis had a daughter (named Matilda) by Richard Strother, III. (653) William Willis (1804) and his wife Rhoda Strother (1814). He was a son of Rev. Joseph Willis. She was Richard Strother, Jr.'s (listed below) sister. Their children were: William Willis (1835), Jackson Willis (1837), Sarah Willis (1839), Mary Willis (1841), Lemuel Willis (1843), Daniel Willis (1845), Joseph Willis (1847-1912), Jesse Willis (1850-1906), Matthew Willis (1853-1925), James Willis (1856), and Alexander Willis (1858). (652) Joseph P. Willis (1824) and his wife Mary Elizabeth Sweat (1828). He was Rev. Joseph Willis' grandson and a son of Joseph Willis, Jr.. Their children listed were: Josiah Willis (1844), Isaac Willis (1846), Mary Willis (1848) and Simon Willis (1851). (480) Jemima Willis (1796). She was a daughter of Rev. Joseph Willis. She married William Dyer and they lived on the Calcasieu River near Master’s Creek. Their children were: James Dyer (1823), Roland Dyer (1830), Joseph Dyer (1831), Elijah Dyer (1834), Elizabeth Dyer (1836), and Jemima Dyer (1839). (422) Rev. Joseph Willis (1758) and his fourth wife Elvy Sweat (1820 are listed. Rev. Joseph Willis' had 19 children by four wives. Rev. Joseph Willis, Sr. (1758-1854) had the following children: (1) Agerton Willis (1785), (2) Mary Willis (1787), (3) Joseph Willis, Jr., (1792), (4) Rachel Willis (1794), (5) Jemima Willis (1796), (6) Sarah Willis (1798), (7) Sally Willis (1802), [Although she could be the same as Sarah Willis (1798) above], (8) William Willis (1804), (9) Lemuel Willis (1812), (10) John Willis (1814), (11) Martha Willis(?) (1825), (12-15) (four females listed in the 1830 census between the ages of 5-20), (16) Samuel Willis (1836), (17) Aimuewell Willis (1837-1937), and two sons (18-19) that died "poisoned on honey and were buried a half mile from the present town of Oakdale, Louisiana. Rev. Joseph Willis' Other Possible Children: The 1850 Rapides Parish Census also lists an additional four males for Joseph Willis & household: James (1841), William (1845), Timothy (1847) and Bernard (1848). It would be unlikely that Joseph would have a second son named William. Aimuewell Willis (1837-1937) always said he was Joseph Willis ’ youngest son. Perhaps these last four males were grandchildren of Joseph. Historian Ivan Wise wrote in "Footsteps of the Flock: or Origins of Louisiana Baptist" (1910) that two sons of Joseph died "poisoned on honey and were buried a half mile from the present town of Oakdale, Louisiana." I have not been able to find their graves. Ivan Wise also said in 1910 that Rev. Joseph Willis had 19 children. It is of interest to note that Rev. Joseph Willis, Sr.'s sons Joseph Willis, Jr., William Willis and Lemuel Willis all had daughters named Sarah. Randy Willis www.randywillis.org randy@randywillis.org

Hi all. Would anyone have any information to exchange with regards to the WILLIS family of Berks or Wiltshire England. I have Henry WILLIS born about 1811 in Baulking, Berkshire living in Cricklade, Wiltshire in 1851. Henry was a tailor and grocer by trade. Thanks Jackie

Hi, thought I'd post my Willises again just in case someone is finally looking for them besides me! Isaiah Willis, bca 1760-1770 (don't know where). He is listed in Wilkes Co., GA, and Pistol Creek, Lincoln Co., GA. md. Susannah Cooper. ...daughter: Jane "Jenny" Willis, bca 1797 ......................md. Parrum Sudduth. Some early Willis marriages in Lincoln County, GA include: Polly Willis & John Saunders -- 11-12-1812 Martin Willis & Elizabeth Russell -- 8-29-1815 Jesse Willis & Elizabeth Dent --8-21-1817 Ennis Willis & Sally Pullin -- 3-18-1821 Susannah Willis & Guilford Pullin -- 2-3-1820 Thomas Willis & Polly Robinson -- 5-6-1822

I have recently had a computer crash and had to replace my computer. A lot of my information was lost. Fortunately I had just backed up my Family Tree Maker file so I didn't lose that. I was given this information by another Willis researcher regarding Bird Thomas Willis b. 1805 d 4-9-1892. His first wife was Emiline Phillips. "He is buried in the Phillips-Willis Cemetery, The Phillips Cemetery is located in Southwest Hardin Co. near Millerstown." What I am looking for is some directions to this cemetery, if it can be visited or if it is now on private land. Can anyone help me with this? Thanks Henrietta Newton Deale Researching Newton, Denison, Doyle, Shackelford, Camp, Cleaver, Phillips and Willis in South Central Ky. Brumleve and Guenthner in Jeff. Co.

Seeking what Willis line Mrs. Narcissa Willis is from. The Moody Mansion and Museum is located on the corner of 26th and Broadway, in Galveston, Texas. This estate was designed by William H. Tyndall and complete about 1895 for Mrs. Narcissa Willis. William L. Moody, Jr. acquired the home in from the Willis' heirs after the 1900 hurricane. Moody's oldest daughter, Mary Moody Northern, was the last family member to live in the home until 1983 when Hurricane Alicia caused some damage. Mary Moody Northern passed away in 1986 but the mansion underwent eight years of restoration and opened to the public in 1991. Randy Willis www.randywillis.org

I am looking for Richard WILLIS who was the youngest child of Squire T. WILLIS and Rutha SPEARS. Richard (Dick) would have been born around 1880 in Woodford Co. or Anderson Co., Kentucky and was possibly a mail carrier in Versailles, KY. before moving to Pittsburg, OK where he was living when his mother died in 1900. Any hints or ideas welcome. Thanks, Doug

HI list: Looking for anyone who may have knowledge of a marriage between Benjamine Harrison Willis and Lillie Hubbard about 1913 in Tahlequah, Okla. Supposedly there were children from this marriage but nothing is known of them. Harrison was born to Levi Willis and Amanda Woods about 1891 and died in Stilwell, Okla. date unknown. Nothing is known about Lillie. Would appreciate any information at all about them. Thanks Cliff.

Since I sent this to some of my cousins, I thought I would send it to the list also in case someone else might like the information. Oma Hello to you all, Yesterday, I received my fiche that I ordered, and today I went to the library so I could read it. Here is some of what I found. Goochland Co, Va. Marriages, 1733-1815 22 July 1789 Joseeph Walker & Susanna Willis, daughter of Ellender Willis. Sur. Zach Alvis. Wt. William Willis page 41 27 Jan 1778 John Redd & Mary Willis, daughter of Ellin'r Willis,. Sur Pleasant Willis. Wit. John Saunders & William Pierce P 270 3 Feb 1801 Obadiah Nuckols & Elizabeth Willis, daughter of Sarah Willis. Sur. Spotswood Childress. Wit. Mary Bartlett p 77 9 Apr 1793 John Davenport & Nancy Willis, daughter of Salley Willis. Sur Philip A Ricer. Wit. Molley Redd. Benjamin Davenport & Bartlett Willis. John is the son of Benjamin Davenport. Married April 20 by Rev William Wabber. (Order Book 9, page 328) Goochland Co. marriage register p 51. 30 Jan 1787 Jesse Clarke & Lucey Willis, daughter of Ellender Willis. Sur. William Willis. Married 31 jan by Rueben Ford. (Deed Book 15, page 41). Goochland Co. marriages book p 36 26 Dec 1795 Obadiah Utley & Jane Willis married by William Webber. Goochland Co minister's returns p 339. Richmond City, Va Marriage Boands, 1797 - 1853 May 9, 1823 Thomas A Rust to Abby Livermore Williams May 18, 1834 Thomas Adams Rust to Harriet Willis Freeman Sep 17, 1850 Woodberry B Bigelowe to Cornelia L Rust, daughter of Thomas Rust July 3, 1804 James Godan to Martha Willis, ward of John Davenport Feb 13, 1805 Mansfield Watkins to Polly Redd Willis, ward of John Davenport. Jan 20, 1848 Gilliam S Anderson to Mary Willis Oct 24, 1822 John H Willis to Mrs Maron Murry Feb 9, 1842 George W Walker to Martha Marian, widow of John H Willis April 26, 1842 Charles C Lipscomb to Lucinda S Willis. July 2, 1850 John J Bunting to Jane S Willis, Daughter of Mrs Marion Walker Oct 25, 1837 William Willis to Elizabeth Elliot Feb 1, 1849 Nasarua Bangley to Mary Adeline Cooper Nov 3 1829 Samuel Skinner to Martha Cooper. Marriages of Goochland Co, Va 1733-1815 13 December 1794 Barttlet Willis & Rebecca Faris, 21 years of age. Sur. Lemuel Faris. Wit. John Davenport. Married 22 Dec. by Rev. William Webber who says Bartlett Willis page 55 18 December 1788 Edward Willis & Susanna Smith. Sur. George Payne. Wit. John L Harris page 40 27 December 1809 John Willis & Celey Word (or Sealey). Sur. Garland Kersey. Wit. William Poindexter page 105 1 December 1808 Joseph Willis & Polly Witt, daughter of Benjamin Witt. Sur. Samuel Martin. Wit. J Witt. page 102 10 February 1813 Pleasant Willis and Lucy W Redd, of lawful age, daughter of Mary Redd. Sur. George Perkins page 118 17 August 1805 William Willis & Susanna Page, daughter of William Page. Sur. William Miller. page 91 Kingston Parish Mathews County, Virginia 1679- 1796 Chap XLI An act for dividing the county of Gloucester (Passed the 16th of Dec, 1790) Sect. I. BE it enacted by the General Assembly, That from and after the first day of May next, the county of Gloucester shall be divided into two distinct counties, that is to say, all that part of the said county lying to the eastward of a line, to begin at the mouth of North river, thence up the meanders thereof to the mill, thence up the eastern branch of the millpond to the head of muddy creek, thence down the said creek to Plankatank river, shall be one distinct county, and called and known by the name of Mathews, and the residue of the said county shall retain the name of Gloucester." I thought the information of Goochland marriages was interesting because of the similarity in names. Hope this helps someone. Oma

Excerpted from: JOSEPH WILLIS (The Apostle to the Opelousas) was The First Baptist Preacher of the Gospel of Jesus Christ West of the Mississippi River by Randy Willis Joseph settled at Bayou Chicot in 1805. The next year the Mississippi Baptist Association was organized. Though a licensed minister, a church had never ordained him. It was his belief that the church should ordain him and that such should be done too give him the authority too organize a church. Some have questioned this and have asked why he did not just organize one anyway without his ordination. The answer is clear that he felt that to do so was wrong. He had learned in North Carolina the hard way to dot every "i" and cross every "t" and later he learned the value of being a strong member of the Bethel Association in South Carolina. He knew well the importance of banding together with other believers, but there had been no need for ordination before because the population at that time in Louisiana was very sparse. He had only six members in 1812 when he organized Calvary Baptist Church. He had lived there for seven-years already. Before that, his ministry was on a one-on-one or one-on-two basis. But now, Louisiana was growing at a rapid pace. In 1812 the state population was slightly over 80,000. Eight-years later it was over 200,000, yet this section of the state was still thinly populated with churches twenty to fifty-miles apart and having little communication with each other. W. E. Paxton wrote of Joseph’s heart: "…he was a simple-hearted Christian, glowing with the love of Jesus and an effective speaker." His youngest son Aimuewell said before his own death in 1937 "the secret of his father's success was personal work." He said that as a boy he saw his father go to a man in the field, hold his hand and then witness to him until he surrendered to Christ. Today, many generations later, his influence can still be seen. One grandchild said he would be reading the Bible and talking to them. A few of them would slip away and he would say "children you can slip away from me, but not from God." According to Paxton: "Joseph was never ‘daunted’ for his was a high calling, a single-mindedness of purpose." Rev. Joseph Willis & The Churches After the rejection in Mississippi, he was advised by a friendly minister to obtain a recommendation from the people he worked among. This he did and presented it to the Mississippi Association. The association accepted the recommendation, ordained Joseph, and constituted a church called Calvary at Bayou Chicot on November 13, 1812. Calvary Baptist Church is still active today. Louisiana had been a state barely seven-months and was in a state of turmoil. Great Britain did not consider the Louisiana Purchase legally valid and Congress had declared war on Great Britain the past June; The War of 1812. Just a month and a day earlier on the Boque Chitto River in what is now Washington Parish, Half Moon Bluff Baptist Church was organized. Located approximately eight-miles from the Mississippi border, Half Moon Bluff was the first Baptist Church organized in what is now Louisiana but was east of the Mississippi River. Some fifteen to twenty-miles southwest of Half Moon Bluff Church, Mount Nebo Baptist Church was organized on January 31, 1813. Half Moon Bluff is extinct but Mount Nebo is still active. The Methodists established a church even before these dates near Branch, Louisiana, but the first non-Catholic church in Louisiana was Christ Church in New Orleans. Its’ first service was held November 17, 1805, in the Cabildo, and it was predominantly Episcopal. Paxton wrote "The zeal of Father Willis, as he came to be called by the affectionate people among whom he labored, could not be bounded by the narrow limits of his own home, but he traveled far and wide." Once when he was traveling and preaching, he stayed at an Inn. There were several other men staying there. One of these men was sick and Joseph read the Bible to him, prayed with him and witnessed to him about Christ. The next morning all of the men were gone very early except the man who was sick. He told Joseph that the night before he had overheard the men talking about Joseph and that they had gone ahead to ambush him. He told him about another road too take and Joseph’s life was spared. Those who loved him called Joseph Willis the "Apostle to the Opelousas" and "Father Willis." According to family tradition, strong determination and profound faith were his shields. He would often work barefooted, walking great distances too visit and preach to small groups. He rode logs in order to cross streams or travel downstream. He would sometimes return home from a mission tour as late as one o'clock in the morning and awaken his wife to prepare clothes that he might leave again a few hours later. By 1818, when Joseph and others founded the Louisiana Baptist Association at Cheneyville, he had been instrumental in founding all five charter member churches. They were Calvary, 1812; Beulah, 1816; Vermillion, 1817; Aimwell, 1817 (also called Debourn); and Plaquemine, 1817. Aimwell was about five-miles southeast of Oberlin, Beulah at Cheneyville, Calvary at Bayou Chicot, Vermillion at Lafayette, and Plaquemine near Branch. In 1824 he helped establish Zion Hill Church at Beaver Dam along with William Wilbourn and Isham Nettles. He went "far and wide" establishing a church October 21, 1827, just seventeen-miles from Orange, Texas, and the Texas State line near Edgerly, Louisiana named Antioch Primitive Baptist Church. Joseph kept a diary. These notes were arranged in 1841 by W. P. Ford and copied by Paxton in 1858. Paxton admits most of his facts concerning Central Louisiana Baptists are from this manuscript and Louisiana Association Minutes. This manuscript is lost today. Mr. Ford also made remarks in this manuscript. One of Ford's observations made in 1834 is recorded by Paxton and is very revealing concerning Joseph: "Nearly all the churches now left in the association were gathered either directly or indirectly by the labors of Mr. Willis. Mr. Ford remarks of this effort: ‘It was truly affecting to hear him speak of them as his children; and with all the affection of a father allude to some schisms and divisions that had arisen in the past and to warn them against the occurrence of anything of the kind in the future. But when he spoke of the fact that two or three of them had already become extinct, his voice failed and he was compelled to give utterance to his feelings by his tears; and surely the heart must have been hard that could not be melted by the manifestation of so much affection, for he wept not alone." No church ever split while Joseph was its pastor. Baptist historian John T. Christian remarks in his book "A History of Baptist of Louisiana" (1923): "It must steadily be borne in mind that in no other state of the Union have Baptists been compelled to face such overwhelming odds; and such long and sustained opposition...The wonder is not that at first the Baptists made slow progress, but that they made any at all." It was at Bayou Chicot that most of his children were born. Miss. Mabel Thompson, of Ville Platte, has in her possession the diary of her great-grandfather who was the schoolteacher in that area. In his diary he listed the patrons of the children who attended school. Joseph Willis is listed as a patron on July 12, 1814. Blessed is the man who has his quiver full of them Between 1799 and 1802, Joseph’s second wife Sarah died. Joseph later remarried a third time and a son was born on January 6, 1804, to this new wife. He was named William Willis and is buried at Humble (formerly called Willis Flats) Cemetery next to the Bethel Baptist Church in Elizabeth, Louisiana. This third wife was probably a Johnson and her given named was probably also Sarah. She was born in South Carolina, but it would seem that Joseph met and married her in Mississippi or Louisiana. It was to this third wife that many of Joseph's children were born. Along with William Willis, other children born to this union were Lemuel Willis, born circa 1812 (died 1862); John Willis, born circa 1814, Martha Willis, born April 9, 1825 (four females were listed in the 1830 census between the ages of five and twenty). There is also a Sally Willis listed in the 1850 Rapides Parish census as age forty-eight and living near William Willis. Joseph Jr., William and Lemuel all had daughters named Sarah. The last two "known children" of Joseph were born to his fourth wife Elvy Sweat. They were Samuel Willis, born circa 1836, and the youngest Aimuewell Willis, born May 1, 1837, and died September 9, 1937. Joseph would have been about 79-years-old when Aimuewell was born. The 1850 Rapides Parish Census also lists additional four males in Joseph Willis’ household: James born circa 1841, William born circa 1845, Timothy born circa 1847, and Bernard born circa 1848. It would be unlikely that Joseph would have a second son named William. Aimuewell Willis always said he was Joseph Willis’ youngest son. Perhaps these last four males are grandchildren of Joseph or children of Elvy Sweat from a previous marriage. Historian Ivan Wise wrote in "Footsteps of the Flock: or Origins of Louisiana Baptist" (1910) that two sons of Joseph died "poisoned on honey and were buried a half mile from the present town of Oakdale, Louisiana." I have not been able to find their graves. This third wife died and is buried at Bayou Chicot, but the location of her grave is unknown. This personal tragedy, along with the loss of his other three wives and children, would have destroyed most men. One historian said Joseph Willis had 19 children. Most of Joseph’s children, who were still living, followed him when he would later move to Rapides Parish. Many were neighbors with him as late as 1850 as the census reveals, as well as several grandchildren who were grown by then. Joseph’s eldest child Agerton (sometimes misspelled Edgerton) married Sophie Story, an Irish orphan brought from Tennessee by a Mr. Park, who then lived near Holmesville below Bunkie, Louisiana. Agerton’s son, Daniel Hubbard Willis, Sr., was the first of many descendants to follow Joseph into the ministry. Daniel was called by Paxton "one of the most respected ministers in the Louisiana Association." He established many churches himself and was blind in his later years. His daughter would read the scriptures and he would preach. He was pastor of Amiable and Spring Hill Baptist Churches for many years. He was my great-great-grandfather. He settled on Spring Creek, near Glenmora, at a community called Babb’s Bridge. Joseph’s daughter Jemima Willis, married William Dyer and they lived on the Calcasieu River near Master’s Creek. Joseph’s daughter, Mary Willis, married Thomas Dyal/Dial (her first husband was a Johnson) from South Carolina, and they both were living in Rapides Parish in 1850. Rev. Joseph Willis’ son Joseph Willis, Jr. married Jennie Coker at Bayou Chicot and later moved to Rapides Parish and settled near Tenmile Creek. Joseph’s son, Lemuel Willis, married Emeline Perkins from Tenmile Creek and settled in the Oakdale/Elizabeth area. The late Dr. Greene Strother, Southern Baptist missionary emeritus to China and Malaysia, was a grandson of Lemuel. Joseph’ s son, William Willis, married Rhoda Strother on the "Darbourn" on the upper reaches of the Calcasieu. Joseph’s youngest son, Aimuewell Willis, married twice and settled in Leesville. His first wife was Marguerite Leuemche, and his second wife was Lucy Foshee. Many of the descendants of these children live in these same areas today. Eight generations have lived in the Forest Hill/Spring Creek area, beginning with Joseph himself. Oakdale, Louisiana probably has more descendants of Joseph than any other area. I visited with Aimuewell’s daughter, Pearl, in Denver, Colorado in December of 1980, and a short time later with Aimuewell’s son Elzie Willis, near Leesville, Louisiana. It was a strange feeling to talk with someone whose grandfather was born in the 1750’s. Joseph was about 79 when their father was born and, Aimuewell was in his eighties when they were born. No photograph exists of Joseph. The photograph in Durham and Ramond’s book, "Baptist Builders in Louisiana" (1934), is of Aimuewell, listed as Joseph in error. In Service of America Not surprising, many descendants are Baptists, but far from all are. Many have fought in the major wars and served this country well. Joseph fought in the Revolutionary War. Daniel Hubbard Willis, Jr., Aimuewell Willis, William Willis, Crawford Willis (killed at Shiloh), and Lemuel Willis served in the Civil War for the South. Daniel Oscar Willis, M.D. and Dr. Greene Strother served in World War I. Dr. Greene Strother, Joseph’s great-grandson, captured more Germans than any other soldier, besides the famed Sgt. York, in World War I. He was awarded the French Croix de Guerre, the Distinguished Service Cross and the Purple Heart. He also served as chaplain to General Claire Chennault’s "Flying Tigers" while in China as a missionary. A host of descendants of Joseph Willis fought in World War II including Robert (Bobby) Kenneth Willis, Jr., who was the first soldier killed in action in World War II from Rapides Parish, Louisiana. The Pineville, Louisiana American Legion Post (now closed) was named in his honor. He was killed by the Japanese on December 7, 1941, during the surprised attack on Pearl Harbor. His body is entombed at the bottom of Pearl Harbor aboard the USS Arizona. After moving to Spring Creek, east of Calcasieu River near Glenmora, Louisiana around 1828/ 1829, Joseph began to establish churches in that area as well. The first church established was Amiable on September 6, 1828, near Glenmora. He next established Occupy Baptist Church in 1833 near Pitkin, and then he established Spring Hill Baptist Church in 1841, near Forest Hill. Joseph was about 83 when Spring Hill was established and his health was failing. The Baptist churches of that day did not necessarily meet weekly. Preachers would have to travel long distances. Those who met weekly might have a preacher only once a month or every other month. Discipline was stern with members being excluded (fellowship being withdrawn by the church) for gossiping, drinking too much, quarreling, dancing, using bad language and in one case at Amiable, for "having abused her mother." But the churches were also forgiving, if you admitted you were wrong and promised not to do it again. The Amiable Baptist Church minutes in 1879 declared their position in no uncertain terms: "On motion be it resolved that we as a church are willing to look over and forgive the past and we as a church for the time to come allow no more playing or dancing among our church members if they do they may expect to be dealt with." The Amiable minutes record that one dear member was admonished at a church service for dancing. He then stood in the church isle, did a jig and walked out. Pastors were usually called too preach by the church for a one-year period. In 1857, Amiable voted to give Pastor Daniel H. Willis $100 "to sustain him for the next twelve months…it being the amount stated by him." In 1833 Joseph became pastor of Occupy Baptist Church near Pitkin, Louisiana. The church is presently located about one-half mile from Tenmile Creek. He served as pastor there for about 16-years. It was there also that he married his last wife Elvy Sweat, who was many years younger than him. She is listed as age 30 in the 1850 census; Joseph is listed as 98 in the same census. According to family tradition and several historians she was not good to him. As a result of this and Joseph’s failing health, his son Lemuel went and got him and took him to his home in Oakdale, where he lived the remainder of his life. On a bed, in an ox wagon used for an ambulance, he sang as the wagon rolled along to Lemuel’s home. Lemuel had two men with him too help and Joseph witnessed to them while lying in the back of the wagon. He preached to his last breath, either from a chair in the church or from his bed at the home. It was during this time that a man named John Phillips, from the government, came by taking affidavits as to the population’s race. Joseph signed this affidavit and stated that his mother was Indian and his father was English. This was registered at the courthouse in Alexandria, Louisiana. Home Coming in Heaven Joseph died on September 14, 1854. He is buried at the Occupy Baptist Church cemetery. Twenty-years after he began his ministry in Louisiana there were only ten preachers and eight Baptist churches with a membership of 150 in the entire state. On January 18, 1955, just over 100 years after his death, 250 people along with 16 ministers gathered in freezing weather to unveil a monument in his memory at his grave site. The Louisiana Association published the following estimate of his work: "Before the church began to send missionaries into destitute regions, he at his own expense, and frequently at the risk of his life, came to these parts, preaching the gospel of the Redeemer. For fifty years he was instant in season and out of season, preaching, exhorting, and instructing regarding not his property, his health or even his life, if he might be the means of turning sinners to Christ" Louisiana Baptist historian Glen Lee Greene wrote in "House Upon A Rock" (1973): "In all the history of Louisiana Baptists it would be difficult, if not impossible, to find a man who suffered more reverses, who enjoyed fewer rewards, or who single-handedly achieved more enduring results for the denomination than did Joseph Willis." Dedicated To Lillie Hanks Willis – My grandmother who poured Jesus into my heart and a love of the history of Joseph Willis and Dr. Greene Wallace Strother – Cousin and Southern Baptist missionary emeritus to China and Malaysia who encouraged me and passed the torch of the history of Joseph Willis to me Randy Willis P O Box 15345 Austin, Texas 78761 www.randywillis.org

Hi All, I'm looking for information on the lineage and family of Jane WILLIS b. 4/9/1677 Medford, MA d. 10/28/1757 Sutton, MA. She married Percival HALL. Percival and Jane had one child that I know of, Mary HALL b. abt. 1700 d. 1749 married Thomas RICE. Any information is very much appreciated. Thank you, Lisa

General Randall Lee Gibson & Daniel Hubbard Willis, Jr. in the Civil War Contact: Randall "Randy" Lee Willis www.randywillis.org randy@randywillis.org Randall Lee Gibson was born (b. 10 SEPT 1832; d. 15 DEC 1892) in Versailles, Kentucky to Tobias and Louisiana (Hart) Gibson. His father was a prominent sugar planter in Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana. Young Gibson graduated first in the class of 1853 from Yale College, studied law at the University of Louisiana in 1855, and traveled Europe before becoming a planter in Lafourche Parish, Louisiana in 1858. He had three sons by his marriage to Mary Montgomery on January 25, 1868. At the outbreak of the Civil War, Gibson, a Democrat, became aide-de-camp to Governor Thomas O. Moore of Louisiana. (Also see Randall Lee Gibson's Congressional Biography http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=G000165">GIBSON) In August 1861 he became colonel of the 13th Louisiana Regiment and soon became known for his discipline. He performed well while commanding the 4th Louisiana brigade at the battle of Shiloh and suffered enormous casualties at Hornet's Nest. He distinguished himself at Perryville in 1862. In 1863, Gibson also participated in the Tennessee battles of Murfreesboro and Missionary Ridge and commanded a brigade at Chickamauga. On January 11, 1864, he was promoted to brigadier general. He subsequently fought with distinction in the Atlanta campaign (1864) at the Battle of Bald Hill. At the Battle of Ezra Church (outside Atlanta) Gibson's brigade was decimated. He fought at the Battle of Jonesboro and again had severe losses. In the Nashville campaign (1864) he protected the rear of Hood's army on its retreat. In the spring of 1865, he held the Spanish Fort at Mobile. He surrendered and was later paroled in May 1865 along with my great-grandfather Daniel H. Willis, Jr. After the war, Gibson returned to planting and practiced law in New Orleans. He was elected (but not seated) as a Democrat in the U.S. House of Representatives in 1872; he was reelected and seated two years later and served continuously until 1882. From 1883 to 1892, he served in the U.S. Senate. In 1886, my great-grandfather Daniel H. Willis, Jr. named his youngest son, Randall Lee Willis, after his former commander in the Civil War, General Randall Lee Gibson. I was named after my grandfather Randall Lee Willis. Gibson was an agent for Paul Tulane in founding Tulane University, of which Gibson was the first president of the board in 1885. He died December 15, 1892, on a vacation in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Yale in the Civil War; Fortier, A History of Louisiana, I. Biographical Dictionary of the Confederacy, Walkelyn. My great-grandfather, Daniel Hubbard Willis, Jr., (b. 2 APR 1839; d. 22 MAY 1900) 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) . 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). Also see "LOUISIANA HISTORY," the journal of the Louisiana Historical Association, vol. 28, pp. 245-262 and vol. 36, pp. 389-411. 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. 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. Excerpts from Daniel H. Willis, Jr.'s obituary: Alexandria Town Talk, 23 June 1900: "He was paroled at Meridian, Miss., in May, 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."

From Seattle Post Intelligencer Jan. 08, 2002 Was born on August 18, 1930 in Chester, Pennsylvania to Talmage Earl and Frances (Stinson) Willis Sr. He was raised and attended military school in Pennsylvania. He served in the U.S. Merchant Marine during the Korean conflict. He married Norma Bean on September 13, 1951 in Floyds Knobs, Indiana. They lived in the Seattle, Washington area for 30 years where Talmage worked for the School District on Mercer Island as a maintenance man. He moved to Craig, Colorado in June of 2001 to be near his son Talmage III. He enjoyed traveling and his family. He was a member of the Independent Order of Foresters and a Aphresis Donor donating platelets for cancer patients. He is survived by his wife Norma of Craig, Colorado, daughter Stephanie (David) Spindler of Indiana, sons Talmage Earl (Robin) of Craig, Colorado, John Been of New York, Wayne (Sue) of Green Bay, Wisconsin, Keith (Milet) of the Azores, twenty four grandchildren and ten great grandchildren. He was preceeded in death by his parents and a sister, Vivian. At his request, no services will be held - I am not related to this person - Jim Chandler

To All. and Jeanett Lane, and Kent B Willis. Thanks for answering my query on the WILLIS of Kent, My WILLIS came from Barham, which is about 50 miles from Tonbridge Wells, I know there are WILLIS, there but have found no connection with mine, also I have not come across any (yet) who came to Australia, unless it was involentary(convict),, or America, Jeanett I looked at your site but did not know any of the names, Linda.