From: Randy Willis www.randywillis.org Gen. 1. Agerton Willis *M* (Name Unknown - part-Indian women) (b. ca 1727; d. 1777) // (Unknown) Their Children Joseph Siblings of Agerton: Daniel Willis (b. circa 1716; d. 1785), Benjamin Willis III (b. circa 1725; d. 1785), and George Willis (b. circa 1730) and Joanna Willis (b. circa 1730; d. 1791). Gen. 2. Rev. Joseph Willis *M* Rachel Bradford (ca 1758-1854) // (ca 1762 - Unknown) Their Children Agerton Willis (b. ca 1785), Mary Willis (b. ca 1787; d. ca 1799), Joseph Willis, Jr., (b. ca 1792) and Rachel Willis (b. ca 1794). See ****Note below for other wives and children of Joseph Willis Gen. 3. Agerton Willis *M* Sophie Story (b. ca 1785; d. Unknown) // (b. ca 1787 -Unknown) Their Children: Daniel Hubbard Willis, Sr. (1817-1887), Eliza Willis (b. 1842) and Mary Jane Willis (b. 1845). Gen. 4. Rev. Daniel Hubbard Willis, Sr. *M* Anna Slaughter (1817-1887) // (1820-1876) Their Children Daniel Hubbard Willis, Jr. (1839-1900), Eliza Willis Flowers (1842-1901), Mary Jane Willis (b. ca 1845), David Willis (b. ca 1846), Martha Willis (b. ca 1847), Matthew Willis (1848-1925), Dempsey Willis (1854-1919), Calvin Willis (1855-1911), and Robert Willis (1858-1939). Gen. 5. Daniel Hubbard Willis, Jr. *M* Julia Ann Graham (1839-1900) // (1845-1936) Their Children Henry Elwa Willis (1867-1945), Carvelia S. Willis (1869-1941), Minnie R. Willis (1870-1921), David Eugene Willis (1872-1880), Corine Willis (1873-1873), Dr. Daniel Oscar Willis (1875-1935), Robert Kenneth Willis, Sr. (1877-1951), Ruthey Madella Willis (1880), Stella Willis (1881-1881), and Julia Coatney Willis (1883-1945) and Randall Lee Willis (1886-1940). Gen. 6. Randall Lee Willis *M* Lillie Gertrude Hanks (1886-1940) // (1897-1973) Their Children Howard Lee Willis (1915-1993), Herman Floyd Willis (1918-1977), Julian Everette Willis (1919-1995). Gen. 7. Julian Everette Willis *M* Ruth Lawson (1919-1995) // (1913-1994) Their Children Randall "Randy" Lee Willis (1949 - Present) Gen. 8 Randall "Randy" Lee Willis *M* Rebecca Lynn Day (1949-Present) (1952-Present) Their Children Aaron Joseph Willis (1977 - Present) , Joshua Randall Willis (1980 - Present) and Adam Lee Willis (1982 - Present). ****Note: Other wives and children of Rev. Joseph Willis Joseph Willis married a second wife named Sarah Their Children Jemima Willis (b. 1796) and Sarah Willis (b. 1798). Joseph Willis married a third wife named Sarah Johnson. Their Children Sally Willis (b. 1802), William Willis (b. 1804), Lemuel Willis (b. 1812), John Willis (b. 1814) Martha Willis (b. 1825). Joseph Willis' fourth and last wife was Elvy Sweat. Their Children Samuel Willis (1836) and Aimeuwell Willis (1837-1937). 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 Ivan Wise also said, in 1910, that Rev. Joseph Willis had 19 children. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Peter Sandy" <psandy@madasafish.com> To: <WILLIS-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Sunday, January 06, 2002 4:36 PM Subject: Kent willis > 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. > > > ============================== > To join Ancestry.com and access our 1.2 billion online genealogy records, go to: > http://www.ancestry.com/rd/redir.asp?targetid=571&sourceid=1237 > >

Hello my names Linda and Im researching my husbands WILLIS ancestors, What I KNOW. is Edward WILLIS b 1861 app in Barham Kent m Rose Jane COTTON b 1861 in Barham m about 1891, Their children Eliza Rose b1893 Albert Archiebald. Edward and Rose Jane were my husbands G grandparents, Edward had a brother Henry and either another brother or half brother Ashton. Now to what Im not sure of, Edward father may have been George WILLIS b1828 Georges wife was Matilda b1846 she may have been a WEST, and she may have been his second wife. Georges father may have been Thomas WILLIS b 1796 in Barham. also George could have had a brother Stephen b1818 m to Jane.A lot of maybes I know, do any of these names mean anything to anybody out there, Help.

Seeking information about the families and ancestry of various members of the WILLIS family who were born and lived in the Broadclyst, Bradninch, Cullompton areas of Devon, England in the 19th century: JOHN HENRY WILLIS b. June 17 1890 Sutton, Halberton, Devon. WILLIAM CHARLES WILLIS born about Dec. 1854 and married Jane Coombe of Kentisbeare, Devon on Sept. 22 1852 JAMES WILLIS born about 1824 in Broadclyst, Devon and married Elizabeth Coles LEWIS AARON WILLIS born about 1868 in Bradninch, Devon AARON WILLIS born April 3 1836 at White Down, Devon HENRY WILLIS born December 11 1791 at Broadclyst, Devon I should be grateful for any help received. David Taylor

Joseph Willis and General Francis Marion AKA the "Swamp Fox" by Randy Willis www.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.

Hi! Thought I'd post what I have on my WILLIS line, which is pretty pathetic. Any help or hints would be appreciated. I have WILLIS's in Spartanburg Co., SC, (Glenn Springs Township), for two lines, that eventually marry. First things first: Albert C. FINCH, b. 9/1/1845, d. 11/28/1883 married Elizabeth WILLIS in Glenn Springs Township, SC., on 12/26/1866. These names and dates are confirmed through DAR (DAR line goes back through the FINCH name to the SMITHs and then the MORROWs). I have no further information on Elizabeth. Second line: My 2nd Great-grandfather was Edward L. WILLIS. Edward Larenzo WILLIS, b. 10/3/1860, presumably Spartanburg, SC, d. 2/13/1937, m. Martha Jane BENNETT, b. 12/23/1861, d. 5/29/1964 (yes, she lived that long). She was the d/o Joseph Wofford BENNETT and Mary Louise AIKEN. I have no further information on Edward Larenzo's parentage. I do know from a 1963 news article on his wife's 103'd birthday, that he was an orphan (perhaps from the civil war?), but I do not know his adoptive family name. Any hints on how to proceed would be appreciated. Edward Larenzo's daughter, Ettie Marie WILLIS, b. 10/14/1898, d. 3/30/1988, Spartanburg CO., SC married Percy Elijah FINCH b. 9/15/1897, d. 10/7/1960, s/o Marcus Alonzo FINCH b. 10/25/1871 d. 5/5/1941, s/o Albert C. FINCH. (All in Spartanburg Co., SC). Thanks! Suzanne Robbins

Barbara, The Willis family was a very prominent family back in the 1700's. In fact Brig. Gen. John Willis was the founder of Lumberton [1788]. His old plantation, Red Banks, is now the site of our current court house [Robeson County]. The Willis ancestors came here from Virginia about 1750. Now I do not know if your Shelah Willis was from here, but there is a slight possibility. Most of the early migration patterns out of Robeson Co NC was southwest through SC & GA. But one group of people left here going direct west. These folks first settled in central and east central Tennessee. After living there for a while some pushed their way west to the Mississippi River, but "some" turned north going into Kentucky and Ohio. Could your Shelah Willis have been Selah or Celia Willis? I believe I remember seeing those names somewhere. Some of the other families here that took this migration pattern to TN, KY, OH & MI were the Revels, Morgans & Baxleys [some of the Baxleys intermarried with the Willis family here in Robeson Co NC]. One thing you should do to see if your ancestry came out of MD or NC is to look at the 1880 Federal Census. This Census gives the birth place [state] of the person, the persons father, and the persons mother. Well keep me posted of your findings. Sam West Lumberton [Robeson Co] NC

General John Willis Contact: 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).

Am seeking information about Shelah Willis b 20 June 1805 NC m 28 Aug 1829 Phebe Nye in Lebonon, Warren Co., OH, d 04 May 1885 Pipestone Twp., Berrien Co., MI. Believe his father to be James Willis of MD.and mother Nancy Hite of VA. Children of Shelah and Phebe were: Emily, Cynthia, Jasper P., William E. and Amanda. Shelah and his family left Warren Co, OH, and migrated to Berrien Co., MI,in the the 1830s. Emily was the only child born in OH; the others were born in Berrien Co. Shelah married a second time Amerette Webster in 1848 in Berrien Co. Children froom this union were: John, Elmira (Harry Bowerman), David, Jane, Ira (Amelia Tuttle), Phebe and Charles. Any help you can give me about this line will be greatly appreciated. Barbara

Hi, I thought I would try posting again. I'm looking for G. W. Willis, born about 1788 in North Carolina. He was married to a Mary, born about 1799. The only child I'm aware of is Sarah Willis, born about 1820 in NC and died Nov 1872 in Ohatchee, Calhoun County, AL. Sarah married Lewis S. Meharg about 1838 in Alabama. Any info or suggestions. I have one MAJOR brick wall here! Thanks for any help! Linda Sue Reasor xfilelsd@aol.com

Gen. 1. Agerton Willis *M* (Name Unknown - part-Indian women) (b. ca 1727; d. 1777) // (Unknown) Their Children Joseph Siblings of Agerton: Daniel Willis (b. circa 1716; d. 1785), Benjamin Willis III (b. circa 1725; d. 1785), and George Willis (b. circa 1730) and Joanna Willis (b. circa 1730; d. 1791). Gen. 2. Rev. Joseph Willis *M* Rachel Bradford (ca 1758-1854) // (ca 1762 - Unknown) Their Children Agerton Willis (b. ca 1785), Mary Willis (b. ca 1787; d. ca 1799), Joseph Willis, Jr., (b. ca 1792) and Rachel Willis (b. ca 1794). See ****Note below for other wives and children of Joseph Willis Gen. 3. Agerton Willis *M* Sophie Story (b. ca 1785; d. Unknown) // (b. ca 1787 -Unknown) Their Children: Daniel Hubbard Willis, Sr. (1817-1887), Eliza Willis (b. 1842) and Mary Jane Willis (b. 1845). Gen. 4. Rev. Daniel Hubbard Willis, Sr. *M* Anna Slaughter (1817-1887) // (1820-1876) Their Children Daniel Hubbard Willis, Jr. (1839-1900), Eliza Willis Flowers (1842-1901), Mary Jane Willis (b. ca 1845), David Willis (b. ca 1846), Martha Willis (b. ca 1847), Matthew Willis (1848-1925), Dempsey Willis (1854-1919), Calvin Willis (1855-1911), and Robert Willis (1858-1939). Gen. 5. Daniel Hubbard Willis, Jr. *M* Julia Ann Graham (1839-1900) // (1845-1936) Their Children Henry Elwa Willis (1867-1945), Carvelia S. Willis (1869-1941), Minnie R. Willis (1870-1921), David Eugene Willis (1872-1880), Corine Willis (1873-1873), Dr. Daniel Oscar Willis (1875-1935), Robert Kenneth Willis, Sr. (1877-1951), Ruthey Madella Willis (1880), Stella Willis (1881-1881), and Julia Coatney Willis (1883-1945) and Randall Lee Willis (1886-1940). Gen. 6. Randall Lee Willis *M* Lillie Gertrude Hanks (1886-1940) // (1897-1973) Their Children Howard Lee Willis (1915-1993), Herman Floyd Willis (1918-1977), Julian Everette Willis (1919-1995). Gen. 7. Julian Everette Willis *M* Ruth Lawson (1919-1995) // (1913-1994) Their Children Randall "Randy" Lee Willis (1949 - Present) Gen. 8 Randall "Randy" Lee Willis *M* Rebecca Lynn Day (1949-Present) (1952-Present) Their Children Aaron Joseph Willis (1977 - Present) , Joshua Randall Willis (1980 - Present) and Adam Lee Willis (1982 - Present). ****Note: Other wives and children of Rev. Joseph Willis Joseph Willis married a second wife named Sarah Their Children Jemima Willis (b. 1796) and Sarah Willis (b. 1798). Joseph Willis married a third wife named Sarah Johnson. Their Children Sally Willis (b. 1802), William Willis (b. 1804), Lemuel Willis (b. 1812), John Willis (b. 1814) Martha Willis (b. 1825). Joseph Willis' fourth and last wife was Elvy Sweat. Their Children Samuel Willis (1836) and Aimeuwell Willis (1837-1937). 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 Ivan Wise also said, in 1910, that Rev. Joseph Willis had 19 children. Randy Willis www.randywillis.org randy@randywillis.org

Cos'.... All I want for Christmas is my ggg grandpa, my ggg grandpa, yes, my ggg grandpa. Gee if I could only find my ggg grandpa. It would be a lovely Christmas! So if you can help me find him......;) Philip WILLIS a mariner married to Elizabeth WILLIAMS around circa 1820 They were living in Bristol, Somerset in St. Mary Redcliffe and had the following children: John Nicholas (died very young) Jane Elizabeth Thomas Robert John Nicholas (he was born 1831 - thought he was my gg grandpa but died 1833 - where did they go next???) so.... please help me find my ggg grandpa, so I can have a Merry Christmas! And may I wish all on the list a very Merry Christmas to you and yours, and a New Year that is full of health, happiness and friendship...plus lots of wonderful genealogical finds. Carol in Perth Western Australia mailto:apple@wantree.com.au Member of: Western Australian Genealogical Society http://cleo.murdoch.edu.au/~wags/index.html Perth Dead Person's Society http://carmen.murdoch.edu.au/community/dps/

Hi all, I am new to the list and of course I am searching for a Willis family. What I have so far is from the 1851 census of Cricklade Wiltshire England the following family: WILLIS, Henry age 40 tailor, grocer Baulking, Berks Harriet age 45 East Gorston, Berks Thomas age 7 East Gorston, Berks Henry age 5 East Gorston, Berks George age 2 Cricklade, Wilts Harriet age 4m Cricklade Wilts I believe Harriet may have been Harriet Fawkes marriage to Henry Willis April 26 1834 George married Vashti Palmer of Hungerford Berkshire approx 1875. One of their children went to live in 1900 with a paternal uncle Henry James Willis. Does anyone have a connection? Jackie in Canada

Seeking contact with descendants/researchers of the Willis Family of Robeson Co NC Sam West Lumberton [Robeson Co] NC

Seeking information on General John Willis of Robeson County, NC. Contact: 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. 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).

Seeking information on Willis Family. Contact: Randy Willis www.randywillis.org randywillis@ev1.net 1) I'm Randall Lee Willis (b. Dec. 19, 1949 in Oakdale, La.). 2) Julian Everette Willis (b. Oct. 5, 1919; d. Jun. 13, 1995) was my father. 3) Randall Lee Willis (b. Mar. 20, 1886; d. May 14, 1940) was my grandfather. 4) Daniel Hubbard Willis, Jr. (b. Apr. 2, 1839; d. May 22, 1900) was my great-grandfather. 5) Rev. Daniel Hubbard Willis, Sr. (b. Dec. 28,1817; d. Mar. 27, 1887) was my great-great-grandfather. 6) Agerton Willis (b. 1785 in North Carolina) was my great-great-great-grandfather. He married Sophie Story on April 18, 1811, in La. He was the eldest of approximately 19-children of Rev. Joseph Willis. His mother was Rachel Bradford from Bladen County, NC. 7) Rev. Joseph Willis (b. circa 1758; d. Sept. 14, 1854) was my great-great-great-great-grandfather. He was born in Bladen County, NC. circa, 1758. He was the first non-Catholic minister, to preach the Gospel, West of the Mississippi, River. He fought under Francis Marion "The Swamp Fox" in the Revolutionary War (South Carolina) and then migrated to La. before the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. He established the first non-Catholic church West of the Mississippi River, Calvary Baptist, Nov. 13, 1812, at Bayou Chicot, La. His mother was part-Indian and his father was English. His first wife was Rachel Bradford from Bladen County, North Carolina. His first cousin, General John Willis, was one of the signers ratifying The Constitution of the United States, from Robeson County, North Carolina, in 1788. 8) Agerton Willis (b. circa 1727; d. 1777) was my great-great-great-great-great-grandfather. He was one of four brothers to migrate from England or Wales to Virginia and eventually to Bladen and Robeson Counties, North Carolina. The four Willis' brothers were Agerton Willis (b. circa 1727; d. 1777), Daniel Willis (b. circa 1716; d. 1785), Benjamin Willis III (b. circa 1725; d. 1785), and George Willis (b. circa 1730). After arriving in America, these four brothers are found 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 one known sister of these four brothers was Joanna Willis (b. circa 1730; d. 1791). Joanna married James Council (b. circa 1716) of Isle of Wight County, Virginia in about 1751. It is also said, that James was the son of John Council and Benjamin Willis Jr.’s sister Josie Willis (b. circa 1681), and grandson of Hodges Council. I have not confirmed this statement. Hodges, supposedly immigrated from Devonshire, England to America. I have been unable to confirm this with any evidence in Devon, England, but it may well be true. In the early 1750’s, the family, including James and Joanna, moved from Virginia to North Carolina. 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. Agerton Willis settled on the Cape Fear River in North Carolina. The four brothers were all large plantation owners in North Carolina. Many of the Willises in America descend from these four brothers. The Origins of These Four Brothers After extensive research in Devon, England, I'm beginning to believe that the story that I heard, 20-years ago, of these four Willis' brothers coming from Wales to America may be true. I've have found only three, 1600-1700 Devonshire, Willis Families: James Willis of Totnes, Timothy Harding Willis of Barnstaple, and William Willis of Torrington. I have not found the names of Agerton Willis, Daniel Willis, Benjamin Willis, nor George Willis in all of 1600-1700 Devonshire, England. Wales is a hotbed of Willis families. It has been written that the surname "Willis" is of Welsh origin. Supposedly the Willises came to England with William the Conqueror in the 11th century. Additional research needs to be expended on our Willis overseas origin. As mentioned above, after arriving in America, our Willis family is found in Southeast Virginia in the Chesapeake Bay area. Other northeastern references with similar names can be found in the Boston Marriages from 1700-1809. Joseph Willis and Mary Goodwill - September 15, 1730 (page 158), Benjamin Willis and Ann Letty - November 20, 1742 (page 273) and Joseph Brown and Johanna Willis - September 22, 1719 (page 80). I've not been able to connect these Willises to ours, but the similarity of names is uncanny. Randy Willis www.randywillis.org randy@randywillis.org

>From Randy Willis www.randywillis.org Brief Biographical Sketches on my Willis line and our Willis Family Origins (beginning with me) 1) I'm Randall Lee Willis (b. Dec. 19, 1949 in Oakdale, La.). 2) Julian Everette Willis (b. Oct. 5, 1919; d. Jun. 13, 1995) was my father. 3) Randall Lee Willis (b. Mar. 20, 1886; d. May 14, 1940) was my grandfather. 4) Daniel Hubbard Willis, Jr. (b. Apr. 2, 1839; d. May 22, 1900) was my great-grandfather. 5) Rev. Daniel Hubbard Willis, Sr. (b. Dec. 28,1817; d. Mar. 27, 1887) was my great-great-grandfather. 6) Agerton Willis (b. 1785 in North Carolina) was my great-great-great-grandfather. He married Sophie Story on April 18, 1811, in La. He was the eldest of approximately 19-children of Rev. Joseph Willis. His mother was Rachel Bradford from Bladen County, NC. 7) Rev. Joseph Willis (b. circa 1758; d. Sept. 14, 1854) was my great-great-great-great-grandfather. He was born in Bladen County, NC. circa, 1758. He was the first non-Catholic minister, to preach the Gospel, West of the Mississippi, River. He fought under Francis Marion "The Swamp Fox" in the Revolutionary War (South Carolina) and then migrated to La. before the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. He established the first non-Catholic church West of the Mississippi River, Calvary Baptist, Nov. 13, 1812, at Bayou Chicot, La. His mother was part-Indian and his father was English. His first wife was Rachel Bradford from Bladen County, North Carolina. His first cousin, General John Willis, was one of the signers ratifying The Constitution of the United States, from Robeson County, North Carolina, in 1788. 8) Agerton Willis (b. circa 1727; d. 1777) was my great-great-great-great-great-grandfather. He was one of four brothers to migrate from England or Wales to Virginia and eventually to Bladen and Robeson Counties, North Carolina. The four Willis' brothers were Agerton Willis (b. circa 1727; d. 1777), Daniel Willis (b. circa 1716; d. 1785), Benjamin Willis III (b. circa 1725; d. 1785), and George Willis (b. circa 1730). After arriving in America, these four brothers are found 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 one known sister of these four brothers was Joanna Willis (b. circa 1730; d. 1791). Joanna married James Council (b. circa 1716) of Isle of Wight County, Virginia in about 1751. It is also said, that James was the son of John Council and Benjamin Willis Jr.’s sister Josie Willis (b. circa 1681), and grandson of Hodges Council. I have not confirmed this statement. Hodges, supposedly immigrated from Devonshire, England to America. I have been unable to confirm this with any evidence in Devon, England, but it may well be true. In the early 1750’s, the family, including James and Joanna, moved from Virginia to North Carolina. 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. Agerton Willis settled on the Cape Fear River in North Carolina. The four brothers were all large plantation owners in North Carolina. Many of the Willises in America descend from these four brothers. The Origins of These Four Brothers After extensive research in Devon, England, I'm beginning to believe that the story that I heard, 20-years ago, of these four Willis' brothers coming from Wales to America may be true. I've have found only three, 1600-1700 Devonshire, Willis Families: James Willis of Totnes, Timothy Harding Willis of Barnstaple, and William Willis of Torrington. I have not found the names of Agerton Willis, Daniel Willis, Benjamin Willis, nor George Willis in all of 1600-1700 Devonshire, England. Wales is a hotbed of Willis families. It has been written that the surname "Willis" is of Welsh origin. Supposedly the Willises came to England with William the Conqueror in the 11th century. Additional research needs to be expended on our Willis overseas origin. As mentioned above, after arriving in America, our Willis family is found in Southeast Virginia in the Chesapeake Bay area. Other northeastern references with similar names can be found in the Boston Marriages from 1700-1809. Joseph Willis and Mary Goodwill - September 15, 1730 (page 158), Benjamin Willis and Ann Letty - November 20, 1742 (page 273) and Joseph Brown and Johanna Willis - September 22, 1719 (page 80). I've not been able to connect these Willises to ours, but the similarity of names is uncanny. Randy Willis www.randywillis.org randy@randywillis.org

December 7, 2001 is the 60th Aniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. 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 USS 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 USS Arizona, at the bottom of Pearl Harbor. On hearing the news, my father, Julian Willis and a 1st cousin of Robert Kenneth "Bobby" Willis, Jr. immediately joined the Army Aircore (see www.randywillis.org for a complete history). The address below is for the casuality list for Dec. 7, 1941, Pearl Harbor. http://www.ancestralfindings.com/surnames/pearlharbor/pearlharbor.htm

> Does anyone have any information on Major John Willis. He was born about 1740 around Mecklenberg Co., VA. married about 1768 to Mary Jane Lewis. And died in Surry Co., VA about 1816.... > Thank you for your reply. > Susan Raines Story > ********************************** Sue, My dad was named John Ollie Willis (AL 1903-1979 FL). His dad, George Washington Willis (AL 1860-1950 FL). His dad, Austin Asbury Willis (GA 1838- Murfreesboro, TN Civil War 1862), his dad, Jesse Willis (GA abt.1810---Lived in Dale Co., AL most of his life. Death date and place unknown). Jesse is my brick wall. Have no information on your Major John Willis, but hope he ties to my line---he has a good name. Good luck, Sue. Rod Willis, Tallahassee, FL *************************************

Does anyone have any information on Major John Willis. He was born about 1740 around Mecklenberg Co., VA. married about 1768 to Mary Jane Lewis. And died in Surry Co., VA about 1816.... Thank you for your reply. Susan Raines Story

thanks