Hi Randy, I can't let your last paragraph go unchallenged. The state coordinator for USGenWeb in NC said that there were no records of Indians being slaves. All the slaves were, at least partially, of African descent. Agerton had a bastard son Joseph, by one of his slave women. After Agerton's death, his nephew John, son of his brother Daniel, tried to emancipate Joseph and make him a free man. John -------------------- Randy Willis wrote: > From: Randy Willis > www.randywillis.org > randy@randywillis.org > > My research begins in Southeast Virginia in the Chesapeake Bay area, the > same area that the pilgrims first settled. There in the 1740's, in Isle of > Wight County and Nansemond County (now the city of Suffolk) was the place > that Joseph Willis' father, three uncles and one aunt called home. The > family had come to America from Devonshire, England. I believe, but I cannot > prove it beyond the shadow of a doubt, ........................Agerton, > Daniel, Benjamin, James, and Joanna were neighbors on the Northwest > Cape Fear River. The other brother, George Willis, came first to New > Hanover, obtaining a land grant on Widow Creek in 1761 and selling out in > 1767. He then moved to Robeson County (formerly part of Bladen County) not > very far west from the rest of the family. > > The four brothers were all well-to-do planters with large land holdings. As > a planter, Agerton owned slaves many of which were Indian. At this time in > North Carolina many slaves were Indian; in fact as late as the 1780's in > North Carolina a third of all slaves were Indian. Indians were made slaves > by the whites from the very beginning.

From: Randy Willis www.randywillis.org randy@randywillis.org My research begins in Southeast Virginia in the Chesapeake Bay area, the same area that the pilgrims first settled. There in the 1740's, in Isle of Wight County and Nansemond County (now the city of Suffolk) was the place that Joseph Willis' father, three uncles and one aunt called home. The family had come to America from Devonshire, England. I believe, but I cannot prove it beyond the shadow of a doubt, the English father of these five children was Benjamin Willis, Jr. (born circa 1690) and the grandfather was Benjamin Willis, Sr. (born circa 1670). The four Willis brothers were Joseph's father Agerton Willis (born circa 1727; died 1777), and his brothers Daniel Willis (born circa 1716; died 1785), Benjamin Willis III (born circa 1725; died 1785), and George Willis (born circa 1730). The one known sister of these four brothers was Joanna Willis (born circa 1730; died 1791). Joanna married James Council (born circa 1716) of Isle of Wight County, Virginia in about 1751. James was the son of John Council and Benjamin Willis Jr.'s sister Josie Willis (born circa 1681), and grandson of Hodges Council. Hodges had also immigrated from Devonshire, England to America. In the early 1750's, the family including James and Joanna moved south. Between 1740 and 1770, hundreds of Virginians moved to North Carolina as a result of the Virginia legislature passing a law requiring all non-residents to acquire ten acres of land for each head of stock ranging in the colony or to become citizens. Thus the family left Virginia, probably by sea, and landed down the coast at New Hanover (now named Wilmington), North Carolina. New Hanover had North Carolina's most navigable seaport and even though it was not used much for transatlantic trade, this meant the area of the state was easily accessible from all other English settlements along the coast. It was here that Joseph's father, Agerton, first bought land in North Carolina. On December 13, 1754, he purchased 300 acres in New Hanover in what is now southeastern Pender County "on the East Side of a Branch of Long Creek." Pender was not established until 1874. New Hanover included what is now Pender and parts of Brunswick County. Agerton was taxed on this property the next year, 1755. There were only 362 white people taxed in New Hanover that year. About twenty families owned a great number of slaves there during that time. These families and others like them in southeastern North Carolina controlled the affairs of the counties in which they lived and set the standards of morals and religion. Between 1755 and 1758, Agerton moved to Bladen County, just to the northeast. Daniel, Benjamin and Joanna and her husband James Council, had been living there since 1753. It was there between 1755 and 1758, that Agerton's only son, Joseph, was born. Joseph would someday play a major roll in early Louisiana Baptist history. Most of the early Bladen County deeds before 1784 were lost due to a series of fires; thus we are unable to find Agerton's first purchase of land in Bladen County. Nevertheless a description of the bulk of his lands can be gleaned from later deeds. He purchased 640 acres from his brother Daniel on May 21, 1762, on the West Side of the Northwest Cape Fear River. He then purchased an additional 2,560 acres between October 1766 and May 1773, which was on both sides of the Northwest Cape Fear River near Goodman's Swamp. Altogether, Agerton's holdings formed a very large and nearly contiguous extent of land on both sides of the Northwest Cape Fear River near the current Cumberland County line in present-day northwest Bladen County. Agerton, Daniel, Benjamin, James, and Joanna were neighbors on the Northwest Cape Fear River. The other brother, George Willis, came first to New Hanover, obtaining a land grant on Widow Creek in 1761 and selling out in 1767. He then moved to Robeson County (formerly part of Bladen County) not very far west from the rest of the family. The four brothers were all well-to-do planters with large land holdings. As a planter, Agerton owned slaves many of which were Indian. At this time in North Carolina many slaves were Indian; in fact as late as the 1780's in North Carolina a third of all slaves were Indian. Indians were made slaves by the whites from the very beginning.

Hi Listers, I thought this info would be helpful. -Kat in VA Researching: Bittenbender, Blahut, Christman, Coombs, Davis, Evans, Frankenfield, Green, Holmes, Mock, Peirce, Piksa, Shafer, Vandermark, Weis, Willis NJ/NY/PA. Posted Friday, Aug 3, 2001 on the Pierce List... *Announcing* Today is the debut of the Patriot Lookup Service on the National web site. The purpose of this new service is to assist the General Public by providing DAR Patriot Index information upon request. The service will be staffed by Volunteer Information Specialists (VIS) volunteers coordinated by Rose Mary Patterson (AZ). Current DAR members already have access to the Patriot Index from the Members' Web Site. We are now, for the first time, offering the general public a Patriot Lookup Service directly from our National web site. If you are a member of a genealogy list or forum and would like to share this information with them, please consider using the following announcement: Now Available FREE DAR PATRIOT LOOKUP SERVICE Do you think you have a Revolutionary patriot (male or female) in your family tree? The DAR will search their database of proven Revolutionary patriots free of charge. This service is available at www.dar.org Sincerely, Susan Tillman National Chairman - VIS Committee

John Willis M. D. does anyone have vitals on Johna and any other information Spouse: Nellie Conway Madison Spouse Father: Ambrose Madison Spouse Mother: Mary Willis Lee Spouse Notes: Nellie Conway Madison Any infor on Nellis Conway Madison Thanks Flora ) m. John Willis MD, d. 1812. John: of "Whitehall", Gloucester Co., VA Died of Yellow fever. Children: Col. John Willis. Mary Lee Willis. Children: Col. John Mary Lee 1.1 Col. John Willis Jr 1.2 Mary Lee Willis Notes: m. John Hancock Lee, b. 1805, Fauquier Co., VA, (son of Willis Lee and Mary Richards) occupation Lawyer, d. Oct 1873, buried: Montpelier. John: Educated at Princeton, and later studied law at University of Virginia. He represented the Virginia Assembly for Orange County for many years. Children: 274. i Laetitia Lee. ii Nellie Conway Lee b. 1826, d. 1875. Spouse: John Hancock Lee Spouse Father: Willis Lee Spouse Mother: Mary Richards Children: Laetitia Nellie Conway 1.2.1 Laetitia Lee Notes: m. Robert Madison, MD. Children: i Laetitia Madison. ii Mary Madison. died young. Spouse: Robert Madison MD 1.2.2 Nellie Conway Lee

Col. Henry Willis ---------------------------------------- Spouse: Mildred Washington Children: Mary 1.1 Mary Willis ---------------------------------------- Spouse: Hancock Lee Jr. Spouse Father: Hancock Lee Spouse Mother: Sarah Allerton Spouse Notes: b. 1709, m. 1733, in Spottsylvania Courthouse, Mary Willis, (daughter of Col. Henry Willis and Mildred Washington). Hancock died 1789, Warrenton, Fauquier Co, VA. John Lee m. Laetitia Atwell. Richard Lee, Maj. m. Elizabeth Scott. John Hancock Lee. Mary Willis Lee. Samuel Lee b. 26 May 1763, m. Olive Willis. Samuel died 1844. Willis Lee d. 1776. Hancock Lee b. 1740. Children: John Richard John Hancock Mary Willis Samuel Willis Hancock 1.1.1 John Lee ---------------------------------------- Spouse: Laetitia Atwell 1.1.2 Richard Lee ---------------------------------------- Spouse: Elizabeth Scott 1.1.3 John Hancock Lee ---------------------------------------- Spouse: Elizabeth Bell Spouse Father: Thomas Bell Spouse Mother: Elizabeth Taylor Children: Willis John Hancock 1.1.3.1 Willis Lee ---------------------------------------- 1.1.3.2 John Hancock Lee Jr ---------------------------------------- 1.1.4 Mary Willis Lee ---------------------------------------- Notes: Mary Willis Lee (16.Hancock4 , 5.Hancock3 , 2.Col.2 , 1.John1 ) m. Capt. Ambrose Madison, (son of Col. John Madison and Eleanor Conway) buried: Montpelier, Orange Co., VA. Mary died 14 Mar 1798, buried: "Montpelier". Children: Nellie Conway Madison. Spouse: Ambrose Madison Spouse Father: Col. John Madison Spouse Mother: Eleanor Conway Children: Nellie Conway 1.1.4.1 Nellie Conway Madison ---------------------------------------- Notes: Nellie Conway Madison ) m. John Willis MD, d. 1812. John: of "Whitehall", Gloucester Co., VA Died of Yellow fever. Children: Col. John Willis. Mary Lee Willis. Spouse: John Willis M. D. Children: Col. John Mary Lee 1.1.4.1.1 Col. John Willis Jr ---------------------------------------- 1.1.4.1.2 Mary Lee Willis ---------------------------------------- Notes: m. John Hancock Lee, b. 1805, Fauquier Co., VA, (son of Willis Lee and Mary Richards) occupation Lawyer, d. Oct 1873, buried: Montpelier. John: Educated at Princeton, and later studied law at University of Virginia. He represented the Virginia Assembly for Orange County for many years. Children: 274. i Laetitia Lee. ii Nellie Conway Lee b. 1826, d. 1875. Spouse: John Hancock Lee Spouse Father: Willis Lee Spouse Mother: Mary Richards Children: Laetitia Nellie Conway 1.1.4.1.2.1 Laetitia Lee ---------------------------------------- Notes: m. Robert Madison, MD. Children: i Laetitia Madison. ii Mary Madison. died young. Spouse: Robert Madison MD 1.1.4.1.2.2 Nellie Conway Lee ---------------------------------------- 1.1.5 Samuel Lee ---------------------------------------- Spouse: Olive Willis 1.1.6 Willis Lee ---------------------------------------- 1.1.7 Hancock Lee I ---------------------------------------- Death Date: 1819 Spouse: Winifred Beale Children: Hancock Willis Thomas 1.1.7.1 Hancock Lee II ---------------------------------------- 1.1.7.2 Willis Lee ---------------------------------------- Spouse: Mary Richards Children: John Hancock Mary 1.1.7.2.1a John Hancock Lee* ---------------------------------------- Notes: m. John Hancock Lee, b. 1805, Fauquier Co., VA, (son of Willis Lee and Mary Richards) occupation Lawyer, d. Oct 1873, buried: Montpelier. John: Educated at Princeton, and later studied law at University of Virginia. He represented the Virginia Assembly for Orange County for many years. Children: 274. i Laetitia Lee. ii Nellie Conway Lee b. 1826, d. 1875. Spouse: Mary Lee Willis Children: Laetitia Other Spouses Fannie Willis 1.1.7.2.1a.1 Laetitia Lee ---------------------------------------- 1.1.7.2.1b John Hancock Lee* ---------------------------------------- (See above) Spouse: Fannie Willis Spouse Father: Lewis Willis Spouse Mother: Lucy Madison Spouse Notes: b. 1805, Fauquier Co., VA, occupation Lawyer, m. (1) Mary Lee Willis, (See marriage to number 190) m. (2) Fannie Willis, (daughter of Lewis Willis and Lucy Madison) m. (3) Mary Jones, (daughter of Sydney Jones). John died Oct 1873, buried: Montpelier. Educated at Princeton, and later studied law at University of Virginia. He represented the Virginia Assembly for Orange County for many years. Children by Mary Lee Willis: Children by Fannie Willis: 275. iii Lewis Herman Lee b. 7 Mar 1849. 276. iv Lizzie Madison Lee. v Norma Overton Lee m. John Brockenbrough Woodward. Children: Lewis Herman Lizzie Madison Other Spouses Mary Lee Willis 1.1.7.2.1b.1 Lewis Herman Lee Notes: b. 7 Mar 1849, m. 12 Oct 1876, Georgia Garland Hansborough, (daughter of Rev. J.S. Hansborough). Lewis died 30 Jul 1878. Children: i Mary Madison Lee b. 28 Mar 1877. Spouse: Garland Hansborough Spouse Father: Rev J. S. Hansborough 1.1.7.2.1b.2 Lizzie Madison Lee Notes: m. William Albert Bragg. Children: i Hancock Lee Bragg. ii Elsie Calvin Bragg. iii Fannie Madison Bragg. Spouse: William Albert Bragg 1.1.7.2.2 Mary Lee Notes: Mary Willis Lee m. Thomas Scott Ashton, b. 1803, (son of Maj. Lawrence Ashton and Elizabeth Scott) d. 1873. Thomas: Had 11 children. Spouse: Thomas Scott Ashton Spouse Father: Lawrence Ashton Spouse Mother: Elizabeth Scott Thomas Lee I again am looking for information on this connection Flora 

Col. Lewis Willis Spouse: Mary Champe Children: Mildred Washington 1.1 Mildred Washington Willis Spouse: Landon Carter Spouse Father: Col. Charles Carter Spouse Mother: Anne Byrd Spouse Notes: Birth Date: 11 July 1751 Birth Place: Loudon County Virginia Death Date: 10 December 1811 Death Place: Cleve Plantation,King George Co.,Va Spouse: Mildred WILLIS Death Date: 20 October 1778 Marriage Date: 15 February 1772 Children: Mary Champe Mildred Ann Byrd Lucy Landon Sarah Spouse: Elizabeth Carter THORNTON Marriage Date: 16 March 1782 Other Spouses Mildred WILLIS Spouse: Eliza Carter THORNTON [mrs.[widow] - 17606 Birth Date: 3 September 1759 Christen Date: September 1759 Death Date: 12 September 1840 Death Place: Cleve Plantation ,Loudon Co.,Va Marriage Date: 16 March 1782 Children: Robert Charles Walker Saint Leger Landon Eliza Thornton Thomas Otway Byrd Frances [Fanny] Lee Charles William Edward Anna Maria Anne Hill Anna Maria Other Spouses Mildred WILLIS - 17365 Elizabeth Carter THORNTON - 17366 Spouse Research: Landon Carter; b. 1751; m. Mildred Washington Willis, daughter of Col. Lewis Willis and Mary Champe, 1772; 1st wife; m. Elizabeth Carter, daughter of Robert Wormeley Carter and Winifred Travers Beale, 1782; 2nd wife, 2nd husband; d. 1811. He resided at 'Cleve', King George Co., VA. Children: Mary Champe Mildred Ann Byrd Lucy Landon Sarah 1.1.1 Mary Champe Carter Notes: Birth Date: 15 September 1773 Death Date: 20 February 1774 1.1.2a Mildred Ann Byrd Carter* Notes: Birth Date: 20 October 1774 Spouse: Robert MERCER Marriage Date: 22 March 1792 Other Spouses John LEWIS Spouse: Robert Mercer Other Spouses John Lewis 1.1.2b Mildred Ann Byrd Carter* (See above) Spouse: John Lewis Other Spouses Robert Mercer 1.1.3 Lucy Landon Carter Notes: Birth Date: 26 April 1776 Spouse: Gen. John MINOR Marriage Date: 12 December 1793 Spouse: General John Minor 1.1.4 Sarah Carter Notes: Birth Date: 10 August 1777 Death Date: 17 March 1805 I would like information on my Willis families and their migration patterns did they settle in Texas thank you Flora

John Francis Willis Spouse: Elizabeth Carter Spouse Father: Robert Carter II Spouse Mother: Patricia Bladen Churchill Spouse Notes: Spouse: John Francis WILLIS Birth Date: About 1717 Birth Place: Gloucestor Death Date: 1797 Marriage Date: 1742 Children: Francis Children: Francis 1.1 Francis Willis Sr. Spouse: Elizabeth Perrin Spouse Notes: Children: Francis Susanna Elizabeth Carter Priscilla John Children: Francis Susanna Elizabeth Carter Priscilla John 1.1.1 Francis Willis Jr Notes: Birth Date: 1768 Death Date: 1818 1.1.2 Susanna Willis Notes: Birth Date: 1770 Death Date: 1787 1.1.3 Elizabeth Carter Willis Notes: Birth Date: 1771 Death Date: 1802 Spouse: Henry HIORT Spouse: Henry Hiort 1.1.4 Priscilla Willis Notes: Birth Date: 1773 1.1.5 John Willis Notes: Death Date: 1812 Spouse: Nelly Conway MADISON Birth Date: 1783 Death Date: 1865 Spouse: Nelly Conway Madison

I am looking for an Edward WILLIS who married Frances Delinda NORTON in 17 Mar 1869 in Coalville, Summit, Utah. They had the following children: Mary Armine (Minnie) b. 7 Apr 1870, married Samuel Wolkitt LEE (my line) Lula Harriet b. 23 Dec 1871, married John MCNEIL Son WILLIS b. abt 1873, died as an infant. Thank you for any information you other listers can come up with. Laura taylorla@qwest.net

In 1818, Rev. Joseph Willis and others founded the Louisiana Baptist Association at Cheneyville. Rev. Joseph Willis 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. Rev. Joseph Willis youngest son was Aimuewell Willis (1837-1937). Your observation could very well be correct. Randy Willis ----- Original Message ----- From: "Croxton" <croxton@acadiacom.net> To: <randywillis@ev1.net> Sent: Friday, August 03, 2001 4:40 PM Subject: Re: Aimuewell Willis (1837-1937) > Hi there. I have no info on your line. Was wandering what kind of name is > "Aimuewell?" There is a town called Aimwell in Catahoula Parish. It looks > to me like a contraction of Aimuewell. Researching Pool-Ford-Swayze-Taylor > & Wilson in Catahoula Parish. Regards, Robert C. Whitney in Metairie, LA, > My Willis line is in Montgomery, AL > ----- Original Message ----- > From: <randywillis@ev1.net> > To: <WILLIS-L@rootsweb.com> > Sent: Friday, August 03, 2001 6:13 AM > Subject: Aimuewell Willis (1837-1937) > > > > Aimuewell Willis > > (b. May 1, 1837; d. Sept. 8, 1937) > > > > Contact: > > Randy Willis > > www.randywillis.org > > randy@randywillis.org > > > > Aimuewell Willis was Rev. Joseph Willis' youngest son. He was born at the > > old Joe Willis Crossing on the Calcasieu River in Rapides Parish, > Louisiana > > on May 1, 1837. Aimuewell Willis, married twice and settled, in 1925, > five > > miles southeast of Leesville. His first wife was Marguerite Leuemche, and > > his second wife was Lucy Ann Foshee (b. Jan. 28, 1868; d. Jun 17, 1960). > He > > was a Civil War Veteran (Company D Cres. LA Inf. CSA). He was also known > as > > "Uncle Ame" by his friends. > > > > His obituary listed the following surviving children: Luther J. Willis [b. > > Jul. 19, 1908; d. Apr. 24, 1958], J. E. Willis, Elbert Willis, Earl > Willis, > > Elzie Willis [b. Nov. 20, 1900; d. Nov. 21, 1991], Everett L. Willis > [b. > > Oct. 14, 1875; d. Nov. 14, 1958], Mrs. George [Effie Willis] Titus, and > > Pearl Willis Haymon. At the time of his death he had 28 grandchildren and > 17 > > great-grandchildren. He died, at age 100, on September 8, 1937 and is > buried > > at the Castor Cemetery in Vernon Parish, Louisiana. > > > > Rev. John Houston Strother, Jr. interviewed Aimuewell Willis in 1933. > The > > interview was later published in The Baptist Message, on July 8, 1937. I > > quote: "Then I asked him of his father. He sat up, his voice became > mellow, > > and his expression cheerful. (No memory seemed so rich to him, even when > > coming back over those 75 years). (With pleasure he told of carrying the > > wasted form in his arms from bed to chair and back again)." Rev. Strother > > also stated, that as of 1937, nine descendants of Rev. Joseph Willis had > > become preachers. > > > > I visited with Aimuewell’s daughter, Pearl Willis Haymon, of 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 talking > > 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 Rev. Joseph Willis. The photograph below from > > Durham and Ramond’s book, "Baptist Builders in Louisiana" (1934), is of > > Aimuewell, listed as Rev. Joseph Willis in error. > > > > > > ============================== > > Visit Ancestry.com for a FREE 14-Day Trial and enjoy access to the #1 > > Source for Family History Online. Go to: > > http://www.ancestry.com/subscribe/subscribetrial1y.asp?sourcecode=F11HB > > > >

My great-uncle Daniel Oscar Willis, M.D. Contact Randy Willis www.randywillis.org randy@randywillis.org Dr. Daniel Oscar Willis was born March 8, 1875 in Rapides Parish, La. near Long Leaf and died December 23, 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. January 16, 1871; died July 1, 1921) on December 24, 1895. Daniel and Ella had three children: Murphy Daniel Willis (b. November 13, 1897; d. October 15, 1930 after suffering with Hodgkin's disease for 14 years), Horace Oscar Willis (b. December 30, 1898; d. September 22, 1936) and Pearl Willis (b. October 24, 1900; d. April 20, 1988 in Baton Rouge, La.) Pearl Willis was a music teacher for many years at LSU. Daniel Oscar Willis married his second wife Mary Hamilton in 1928. They had one child: Hamilton Barrow Willis (b. November 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. Daniel Oscar Willis' parents were Daniel Hubbard Willis, Jr. (1839-1900) and Julia Ann Graham Willis (1845-1936). Daniel Oscar Willis' siblings were: Henry Elwa Willis (1867-1945), Carvelia S. Willis (1869-1941), Minnie R. Willis (1870-1921), David Eugene Willis (1872-1880), Corine Willis (1873-1873), Robert Kenneth Willis, Sr. (1877-1951), Ruthey Madella Willis (1880), Stella Willis (1881-1881), Julia Coatney Willis (1883-1945), and my grandfather Randall Lee Willis (1886-1940).

Aimuewell Willis (b. May 1, 1837; d. Sept. 8, 1937) Contact: Randy Willis www.randywillis.org randy@randywillis.org Aimuewell Willis was Rev. Joseph Willis' youngest son. He was born at the old Joe Willis Crossing on the Calcasieu River in Rapides Parish, Louisiana on May 1, 1837. Aimuewell Willis, married twice and settled, in 1925, five miles southeast of Leesville. His first wife was Marguerite Leuemche, and his second wife was Lucy Ann Foshee (b. Jan. 28, 1868; d. Jun 17, 1960). He was a Civil War Veteran (Company D Cres. LA Inf. CSA). He was also known as "Uncle Ame" by his friends. His obituary listed the following surviving children: Luther J. Willis [b. Jul. 19, 1908; d. Apr. 24, 1958], J. E. Willis, Elbert Willis, Earl Willis, Elzie Willis [b. Nov. 20, 1900; d. Nov. 21, 1991], Everett L. Willis [b. Oct. 14, 1875; d. Nov. 14, 1958], Mrs. George [Effie Willis] Titus, and Pearl Willis Haymon. At the time of his death he had 28 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. He died, at age 100, on September 8, 1937 and is buried at the Castor Cemetery in Vernon Parish, Louisiana. Rev. John Houston Strother, Jr. interviewed Aimuewell Willis in 1933. The interview was later published in The Baptist Message, on July 8, 1937. I quote: "Then I asked him of his father. He sat up, his voice became mellow, and his expression cheerful. (No memory seemed so rich to him, even when coming back over those 75 years). (With pleasure he told of carrying the wasted form in his arms from bed to chair and back again)." Rev. Strother also stated, that as of 1937, nine descendants of Rev. Joseph Willis had become preachers. I visited with Aimuewell’s daughter, Pearl Willis Haymon, of 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 talking 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 Rev. Joseph Willis. The photograph below from Durham and Ramond’s book, "Baptist Builders in Louisiana" (1934), is of Aimuewell, listed as Rev. Joseph Willis in error.

The Honorable Ann Willis Richards 45th Governor of the State of Texas When Ann Willis Richards was a child, her father told her that she could be anything she wanted to be. During a lifetime of public service and leadership, she has proven him right. Dorothy Ann Willis was born on September 1, 1933, in Lakeview, Texas. The only child of Ona and Cecil Willis, Ann learned from her parents lessons that would shape her life. "My parents never wanted me to have to work as hard as they did, but that was all I ever saw them do. The message I got was that the only things of any real value in life were family and hard work, " she says. Ann Richards graduated from Waco High School in 1950 and attended Baylor University on a debate scholarship. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at Baylor in 1954 and completed additional course work at the University of Texas at Austin, where she earned her teaching certificate. From 1955 to 1956, she taught social studies and history at Fulmore Junior High School in Austin. Governor Richards first became active in politics at the University of Texas and remained active while rearing her four children - Cecile, Dan, Clark and Ellen. She volunteered in local and statewide campaigns and worked for causes, most notably, civil rights and economic justice. In 1976, Richards was first elected to public office, defeating a three-term incumbent for a seat on the Travis County Commissioners Court. At the time, she recalls, "Texas was not noticeably hospitable to the notion that a woman could handle that kind of responsibility." Six years later, Richards was recruited to run for State Treasurer. She won with more votes than any other statewide candidate on the ballot, becoming the first woman elected to statewide office in Texas in fifty years. In 1986, she was re-elected without opposition. As State Treasurer, Richards overhauled the agency's turn-of-the-century methods and pioneered banking and investment practices that earned taxpayers more non-tax revenue than all earlier Texas Treasurers combined - more than $2 billion. In 1988, Richards delivered the keynote address to the Democratic national Convention, reminding the nation that every election represents an opportunity to unify behind the belief that we can do better - for ourselves, for our children and grandchildren, for our nation. On November 6, 1990, Richards was elected Governor of Texas. The Richards administration stressed education, public safety, economic development and efficiency. The first female governor of Texas since Miriam A. "Ma" Ferguson served two terms (1925-1927 and 1933-1935) following her husband, former governor James Ferguson, into office. She was defeated for re-election, in 1994 by George W. Bush. Richards continues her advocacy for the causes and concerns that are dear to her. Since 1995, she has been a Senior Advisor with Verner, Liipfert, Bernhard, McPherson & Hand, a Washington-based law firm with offices in Austin and Houston. She serves on the boards of J.C. Penny, Brandeis University and the Aspen Institute. And, she makes as much time as possible for her family - which now includes seven "nearly perfect" grandchildren. Randy Willis www.randywillis.org randy@randywillis.org

I have one that died as an infant. I have often wondered if this were an old family name. I would be interested in hearing about Sylvester. Jerry/Lorraine Panozzo Orland Park,IL.-Ft Myers, FL

I'd like to know any information about William Willis. My current info is that he came to Clarksburg, (now)WV in the latter part of the eighteenth century from Ireland. He may have been a schoolteacher. His wife was Anna Douglass, from Clarksburg. His children were William, George, Reuben, John, Malinda, Elizabeth, Nancy, Jane, Margaret, Ruhama, and Robert. They all settled in Harrison, Doddridge, or Richie Counties in WV.

Robert Kenneth "Bobby" Willis, Jr. KIA - USS Arizona 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. Randy Willis www.randywillis.org

Why Tombstone Dates Are Not Always Accurate >From Randy Willis randy@randywillis.org www.randywillis.org Some researchers make the mistake of always treating tombstone dates as the "Bible." For example, Daniel Hubbard Willis, Jr. and Julia Ann Graham Willis' eldest daughter was Carvelia S. Willis. She was born February 10, 1869, and died March 31, 1941. 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. The question is why? Most of the tombstones from the 1840s to the 1920s were made out of basalt (which is too hard to work without machinery), wood, iron or sandstone. Most of the recent tombstones (after about 1960), are made of harder stones, mostly granite. The simpler ones were made of cement and of course, the more affluent families could afford marble. Most of those made out of iron rusted away and the wood ones rotted away. When this occurred, often, a caring family member or friend would set out to replace the tombstone. Many times, this is when the error in the inscribed date of birth would occur and less often, the date of death. Dates of death are obviously more vivid in our memories. I remember, that my own mother would not give her children her year of birth. She remained a "Jack Benny 39" for over 40 years. Those of us who have been digging up family facts and dates for over "x" number of years can remember how difficult it was before the Internet, wonderful genealogy web sites and of course e-mail. I use to pay "certified" genealogist a lot (for me at least) of money to find what is free at the click of a "mouse" today.

This messaage is for Dana who sent me some information on Sylevester Willis. My computer virus program detected a virus and would not let me open the email. Thought you would want to know so you could fix it. Then please send me the information again. Thanks, Darlene

I am looking for information on SYLEVESTER WILLIS or maybe known as S.V. WILLIS who was in Bland County, Va in 1904 [name on deed for 8 acres on Rich Mountain(?)]. I think he may have been married to a MARY or MOLLIE WALKER. They had one child named VICTORIA born abt. 1896. Thanks for any and all information about this family. Darlene Bruner

My Willis family came to Southeast Virginia from England, 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, Agerton Willis, three uncles and one aunt called home. The family had come to America from Devonshire, England. I believe, but I cannot prove it beyond the shadow of a doubt, the English father of these five children was Benjamin Willis, Jr. (born circa 1690) and the grandfather was Benjamin Willis, Sr. (born circa 1670). The four Willis brothers were Joseph’s father Agerton Willis (born circa 1727; died 1777), and his brothers Daniel Willis (born circa 1716; died 1785), Benjamin Willis III (born circa 1725; died 1785), and George Willis (born circa 1730). The one known sister of these four brothers was Joanna Willis (born circa 1730; died 1791). Joanna married James Council (born circa 1716) of Isle of Wight County, Virginia in about 1751. James was the son of John Council and Benjamin Willis Jr.’s sister Josie Willis (born circa 1681), and grandson of Hodges Council. Hodges had also immigrated from Devonshire, England to America. In the early 1750’s, the family including James and Joanna moved south. Between 1740 and 1770, hundreds of Virginians moved to North Carolina as a result of the Virginia legislature passing a law requiring all non-residents to acquire ten acres of land for each head of stock ranging in the colony or to become citizens. Thus the family left Virginia, probably by sea, and landed down the coast at New Hanover (now named Wilmington), North Carolina. New Hanover had North Carolina’s most navigable seaport and even though it was not used much for transatlantic trade, this meant the area of the state was easily accessible from all other English settlements along the coast. Randy Willis www.randywillis.org randy@randywillis.org

Recommended: "My Louisiana Sky" My first cousin, Kimberly Willis Holt, first book "My Louisiana Sky," was recently made into a movie that aired as a Hallmark production on the Showtime network last 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 (see: http://www.kimberlyholt.com/inspirations.html). I was born near there.. Randy Willis. www.randywillis.org