Hello. I have a ton of info on this family to share. At one time I was in communication with someone who was researching them. Daniel was b 1816, moved from Greene Co. PA area when it was part of VA and then to the Marshall Co. WV area, then to Belmont and Monroe Co. OH which early on was Washington Co. OH. He lived out his life there. His wife was listed in the Census as "Annie" or Anne, but her name was actually Diana. They had the following children: James, Nancy J., Caroline. Mary M., Catherine, Lydia, Isora, and Elizabeth. There are probably other children. I would like to get back in touch with the persons who are researching this family. I know parents, brothers and their families and where they all ended up. Thanks, Martha Cross Sargent

I've "rescued" an old photograph of Godfrey F. KURTZ & Harriett WILLIS KURTZ taken at the time of their marriage in Perry, New York. The photo was taken in Sept. 1900 and notes that Godfrey was born in Germany and Harriett in Nunda, NY. I believe this is a photograph of Godfrey Frederic KURTZ b. 10 Aug 1877 at Lehrensteinsfeld, Wurttemburg, Germany to parents Carl Eberhard KURZ and Christiane Barbara WIELAND and Harried Alice WILLIS b. 16 September 1869 at Nunda, NY to parents Jared Quincy WILLIS and Ann Elizabeth BROWN. Godfrey Frederic KURTZ died 18 July 1928 at Rochester, NY. I'm hoping for find someone from their family interested in recovering this beautiful family heirloom. If you are a member of this family or know someone who might be, please contact me. Thanks, Shelley

Aimuewell Willis (b. May 1, 1837; d. Sept. 8, 1937) by 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.

Seeking information on my Great-great grandfather Rev. Daniel Hubbard Willis, Sr. (Rev. Joseph Willis' grandson and Agerton Willis' son) Contact Randy Willis www.randywillis.org randy@randywillis.org Rev. Daniel Hubbard Willis, Sr. (b. Dec. 28,1817; d. Mar. 27, 1887) was my great-great-grandfather. He was the son of Agerton Willis and Sophie Story Willis and the grandson of Rev. Joseph Willis and Rachel Bradford Willis. He was born on Bayou Boeuf, in Louisiana. He married Anna Slaughter (b. May 29, 1820 d. Mar. 24, 1876) on March 15, 1838 in La. Both are buried at the Amiable Baptist Church Cemetery near Glenmora, La. Their children were: Daniel Hubbard Willis, Jr. (1839-1900), Eliza Willis Flowers (1842-1901), Mary Jane Willis (b. circa 1845), David Willis (b. circa 1846), Martha Willis (b. circa 1847), Matthew Willis (1848-1925), Dempsey Willis (1854-1919), Calvin Willis (1855-1911), and Robert Willis (1858-1939). He was the first of Rev. Joseph Willis' many descendants to follow him into the ministry. Daniel was called by W.E. Paxton's in "A History of the Baptist of Louisiana, from the Earliest Times to the Present" (1888) "…one of the most respected ministers in the Louisiana Association." He established many churches and was blind the last 22-years of his life. His daughter would read the scriptures and he would preach. He was pastor of Amiable and Spring Hill Baptist Churches for many years. The Louisiana Association minutes record, in 1856, that: "Elder D.H. Willis was a missionary in the Western part of the Association at the rate of $400 per year. Although in ill health he 'traveled 1840 miles, preached 84 sermons, delivered 44 exhortations, visited 115 families, baptized 19, restored 2, settled one difficulty, started 3 prayer meetings, and one Sabbath School, preached at 21 different places...'" He settled on Spring Creek near Long Leaf, La. at a community called Babb’s Bridge. His daughter-in-law, Julia Ann Graham Willis, said he was the best man she every knew.

Remarkable site..> http://massasoit.0catch.com/index.htm French and Indian War, Indian History and Genealogy...Chief Massasoit early 1600's...This is a small excerpt.. Note Henry Willis named... Bettie Lay Rehling Plymouth Colony, at the date of that war with the Pequots, had only three incorporated towns, viz., Plymouth, Scituate and Duxbury, and the militia of the colony had not yet been divided, but continued to act in and constitute one company, of which Miles Standish was Captain, and William Holmes, Liewtenant. The following named militiamen of Plymouth Colony volunteered as soldiers to go out to battle with the Pequot Indians. Sergeant Richard Church, *(I-16) Thomas Clark, George Soule, Samuel Jenney, Constant Southworth, Nathaniel Thomas, .... Goarton, John Cook, Stephen Hopkins, John Hayward, Thomas Williams, Nicholas Presland, Thomas Pope, Philip Delano, Francis Billington, Henry Willis, Giles Hopkins, John Phillips, Thomas Goarton, Peregrine White, Caleb Hopkins, Samuel Nash, Robert Mendall, Henry Sampson, Thomas Redding, Love Brewster, Edward Holman, William Paddy, John Hearker, Richard Clough, Henry Ewell, Joseph Biddle, William Tubbs, John Barnes, George Kennerick, Thomas Holloway, John Irish, John Jenkins and Jacob Cook. In addition to going himself, Nathaniel Thomas offered to provide another man, and Joseph Robinson proposed to furnish a substitute. - (Ply. Col. Records.)

Martha, I have a grandfather named William Willis, & a g-grandfather named William Willis. My grandfather was married to Minnie (Wheeler) Willis, but I don't know who my g-grandfather was married to. Do you suppose that the William Willis you mentioned is my g-grandfather? My grandfather was from Carrollton, Ky at the time he was married to my grandmother Minnie, but I don't know where he was born or where his father William was born. If you have any info that would help me I would appreciate it. Thanks Pat

Boy, I wish all these counties who are doing their heritage books would get the word out like that. Researchers who live far away and have no way of knowing can't get involved... and some of those who are not near that county sometimes have a lot of information! ----- Original Message ----- From: <SAWESTGTWY@gateway.net> To: <WILLIS-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Tuesday, July 10, 2001 1:55 AM Subject: ROBESON CO NC CONNECTIONS? > Attention Researchers with Robeson Co NC Roots! > > July 10th, 2001 the Robeson County Heritage Book > Committee will be having their meeting at 7:00 pm > in the McLean Room of the Robeson County Public > Library in Lumberton, NC. The public is invited and > encouraged to attend. > > The Robeson County Heritage Book will be written > by hundreds of people who submit stories on their > Robeson County connected ancestors. If your > ancestors were from Robeson Co NC, then we > encourage you to submit stories on your Robeson > Co NC ancestors. If you do not put your family's > story in the book then no one else probably will, > and the end result is that they will be left out of the > publication. You don't have to be a Rhodes Scholar > to write a story. You can make your stories just as > simple, or just as elaborate, as you wish. > > If you are interested in this project and would like to > be placed on the mailing list to receive a brochure > [brochures should be in from the publisher by late > July], then send us your name and smailing address > to the e-mail address listed below: > > SAWESTGTWY@gateway.net > > Thanks, > > Sam West > Lumberton, NC > > > ============================== > 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

Attention Researchers with Robeson Co NC Roots! July 10th, 2001 the Robeson County Heritage Book Committee will be having their meeting at 7:00 pm in the McLean Room of the Robeson County Public Library in Lumberton, NC. The public is invited and encouraged to attend. The Robeson County Heritage Book will be written by hundreds of people who submit stories on their Robeson County connected ancestors. If your ancestors were from Robeson Co NC, then we encourage you to submit stories on your Robeson Co NC ancestors. If you do not put your family's story in the book then no one else probably will, and the end result is that they will be left out of the publication. You don't have to be a Rhodes Scholar to write a story. You can make your stories just as simple, or just as elaborate, as you wish. If you are interested in this project and would like to be placed on the mailing list to receive a brochure [brochures should be in from the publisher by late July], then send us your name and smailing address to the e-mail address listed below: SAWESTGTWY@gateway.net Thanks, Sam West Lumberton, NC

Hi, I am trying to find info. on my gg grandfather and his children. Anderson Willis b. 1799/1800 NC + Martha ? b.? SC found in Habersham, GA 1850 there children were: Most have initials only can not find names as yet. W.A. Willis b. 1835 son J.C. Wilis b. 1836 son S.E. Willis b. 1839 dau. D.D. Willis b. 1844 Son ( Drury Dobbins ) my ggrandfather . I have a lot on him and his wife Arminda ( Mindy ) b. 1847 GA R.D. Willis b. 1846 dau. H.A. Willis b. 1848 Son ( Harmon A. ) + Martha E. Brock b. ? age ? I have a little info on this family but need to find lots more. Martha R. or N. hard to reed in the census. dau . 1854 Jonny P. b.1855 son any one having any info I would appreciate hearing from you. as for as I know most of the children stayed in ga. while D.D. and H.A came to arkansas and I think Martha did to but I have nothing on her. thanks so much Lois D.

Hello Listers. I was in communication with a man who had these two people in his family. I have just found a great breakthrough on them and have a lot of info. If anybody knows who he is, please let him know about this message. I will list below the names in this family and places they lived. Thanks, Martha Sargent Henry Willis Sr., born ca 1795 married Nancy LNU. Lived Greene Co. PA, Marshall Co.and Monongahela(sic) WV., Monroe Co. and Meigs Co. in OH. Children: John S(SLOAN?) Willis b 1819 Monongahela VA (Probably Greene Co. PA) m Julia Ann Mowder , Belmont Co. OH, moved to Meigs Co. OH died Civil War William Willis m Ann Matilda LNU lived Meigs Co. OH then moved to Wood Co. WV till he died Daniel Willis b prob. Greene Co. PA m Diana LNU lived out their lives in Monroe Co. OH Jeremiah Willis b Marshall Co. WV m Mary Willis Meigs Co. OH, moved to Wood Co. Wv, lived and died there Henry Willis Jr. b OH, lived in Meigs Co. OH, moved to Mason or Kanawha Co in WV Possible brother Isaac Willis, records Monroe Co. OH Possible brother to Henry Sr., Robert Willis records, Belmont and Monroe Co. OH

My apologies to all my fellow genealogists. I did not re-check some of the URL's I gave you in a message yesterday and several people found at least two that are "dead." Also, a number of people did not see the mailing list that talked about a "date calculator" and were unhappy that I did not include a URL for that as well. So, I am "updating" the resources of yesterday and, for those who are new to Internet genealogy, I am including a few more that I feel are absolutely indispensable. I don't mean to imply that I have a corner on all of the "good URL's". But, for those who are just getting started (and there seem to be more and more of those every day), I believe these URL's can be as helpful to others as they have been to me. And I have checked all of these! :-) A DATE CALCULATOR http://www.geditcom.com/DateCalc.html COLONIAL OCCUPATIONS http://homepages.rootsweb.com/~sam/occupation.html OLD TERMS FOR DISEASES http://www.cyndislist.com/medical.htm#Diseases AN ABSOLUTELY INDISPENSABLE RESOURCE OF LINKS http://www.cyndislist.com/ THE BEST (in my opinion) FREE GENEALOGY RESOURCE http://rootsweb.com/ AN EXCEPTIONAL SEARCH ENGINE http://www.google.com/ These resources, combined with what I sent out yesterday WILL help anybody's research go faster and easier. If you don't agree, let me know and I'll refund all the money you paid for them! :-) Have a great day and good hunting! -- Tom

Thanks Tom, A lot of those are new to me and I'm glad to have them. Thanks so much. To return the favor, see http://wymple.gs.net/~longstrt/consangu.html Regards, John New Orleans ------------------------------ Tom McKnelly wrote: > I had not realized that everybody did not have a multiple year calendar > or an easy way to figure birth or death dates until I saw the recent > exchange of information on the ILCLAY discussion group and the surprise > of some folks that such things were available. With that in mind, I'd > like to share a few resources I have found that others might find > helpful, if you haven't already found them: > > ---For D.A.R. lineages already published: > http://www.ancestry.com/ancestry/search/3174.htm > > ---Inflation conversion factors from ca. 1800 - ca 2010: > http://www.orst.edu/dept/pol_sci/fac/sahr/sahr.htm > > ---Terms for occupations: > http://www.onthenet.com.au/~tonylang/occupa.html > > ---Terms for diseases: http://www.rootsweb.com/~ote/disease.htm > > ---Maps for finding cities, cemeteries, etc. today: > http://www-nmd.usgs.gov/www/gnis/gnisform.html > > ---Timelines, for placing your ancestors, or yourself, in the context of > history: http://www.ourtimelines.com/ > > ---Ellis Island Historical Center: > http://www.ellisisland.org/history.html > > ---Notable Women ancestors: http://www.rootsweb.com/~nwa/ > > ---Nationwide index of vital statistics: > http://www.vitalrec.com/index.html > > ---Naturalization Records Information: > http://www.nara.gov/genealogy/natural.html > > ---Genealogy frauds and scams: > http://www.ancestordetective.com/watchdog.htm > > ---In my opinion, the best/largest/most comprehensive FREE genealogical > resource on the Internet: http://www.rootsweb.com/ > > I hope you will all find these resources as useful as I have. Have a > great 4th of July and...good hunting! -- Tom > > ============================== > Search over 1 Billion names at Ancestry.com! > http://www.ancestry.com/rd/rwlist1.asp

I had not realized that everybody did not have a multiple year calendar or an easy way to figure birth or death dates until I saw the recent exchange of information on the ILCLAY discussion group and the surprise of some folks that such things were available. With that in mind, I'd like to share a few resources I have found that others might find helpful, if you haven't already found them: ---For D.A.R. lineages already published: http://www.ancestry.com/ancestry/search/3174.htm ---Inflation conversion factors from ca. 1800 - ca 2010: http://www.orst.edu/dept/pol_sci/fac/sahr/sahr.htm ---Terms for occupations: http://www.onthenet.com.au/~tonylang/occupa.html ---Terms for diseases: http://www.rootsweb.com/~ote/disease.htm ---Maps for finding cities, cemeteries, etc. today: http://www-nmd.usgs.gov/www/gnis/gnisform.html ---Timelines, for placing your ancestors, or yourself, in the context of history: http://www.ourtimelines.com/ ---Ellis Island Historical Center: http://www.ellisisland.org/history.html ---Notable Women ancestors: http://www.rootsweb.com/~nwa/ ---Nationwide index of vital statistics: http://www.vitalrec.com/index.html ---Naturalization Records Information: http://www.nara.gov/genealogy/natural.html ---Genealogy frauds and scams: http://www.ancestordetective.com/watchdog.htm ---In my opinion, the best/largest/most comprehensive FREE genealogical resource on the Internet: http://www.rootsweb.com/ I hope you will all find these resources as useful as I have. Have a great 4th of July and...good hunting! -- Tom

I have the following WIILIS connections in the UK, & would be interested to hear from anyone who may have a connection: John WILLIS born Chatham, Kent in 1806. Married Mary Ann TUBBS of Gravesend, Kent, where the family subsequently lived. Father believed to be Henry. Joseph WILLIS (s/o John) born Gravesend, Kent in 1836. Married Edey THOMPSON of Boston, Lincs. By 1881 the family had moved to Toxteth Park, Lancs. Henry James WILLIS (s/o John) born Gravesend in 1846. Married Isabella ? & sometime after 1881 moved to Hove, Sussex. These are only my WILLIS connections for which I am trying to find out more about, I have others , & would be interested to hear from anyone with a WILLIS connection in Kent. Regards Clive Challis

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

Daniel Hubbard Willis, Jr. & General Randall Lee Gibson in the Civil War (b. 2 APR 1839; d. 22 MAY 1900) (b. 10 SEPT 1832; d. 15 DEC 1892) by Randy Willis www.randywillis.org randy@randywillis.org Randall Lee Gibson was born 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., 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."

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

HI there. While packing to move, i ran across my mothers first bible. It had some information in it about my dads family. Thank the Lord.! I have been at a dead end with that part of my family. Here is the information that I found. I dont have any dates. that is the sad part. If anyone has any information on these people, please, please email me, thanks. Sherrie Ronald A Willis is my dad, (dont know if still living or not.) His brothers and sisters Richard A willis Donald Payne Beverly J Willis (fisher) Father: Arthur C willis (father) Mother: Virginia F Wilcox Arthurs parents: Virgil R willis, father, Cecila moore , mother)(cecila's father was John D moore) their children, Carl, edith, fayth, and arthur c. Virginia Wilcox parents: Carl Wilcox, father, ovidie? mother their children : Carl, horrace and virginia wilcox.

Cynthia Willis, b. abt 1805, TN; married William Tripp Jr.; 11 May 1823 in Madison Co., IL.Son Wylie was born Mar. 1830, in Jersey Co. IL. Six more children were born to this marriage. No earlier children known...but suspected. Appreciate any help identifying her parents, and siblings. Bettie Lay Rehling brehling@att.net

Bettie maybe I can give you a hint--my husband is of that family--his line was James Polk Willis married Mary Tripp sister of your Wm.., I believe that Cynthia and James were probably bro and sister but no proof yet...James and Mary were married Feb 18,1827 Mary was born 1810--I have more on the descendants of the Willis family but all I have is a hint the Tripp parents were Wm. and Jane(?) Wm. borned S. Carolina 1770 and died May 10,1814 in Union Co. Ill.,,Jane borned 1771 ???,died Feb 1,1854 in Union Co Ill. Got any clues on either of these families???Mary Willis -----Original Message----- From: Bettie Rehling <brehling@worldnet.att.net> To: WILLIS-L@rootsweb.com <WILLIS-L@rootsweb.com> Date: Tuesday, June 19, 2001 1:13 PM Subject: Willis-Tripp >Cynthia Willis, b. abt 1805, TN; married William Tripp Jr.; 11 May 1823 in >Madison Co., IL.Son Wylie was born Mar. 1830, in Jersey Co. IL. Six more >children were born to this marriage. No earlier children known...but >suspected. > >Appreciate any help identifying her parents, and siblings. >Bettie Lay Rehling brehling@att.net > > >============================== >Shop Ancestry - Everything you need to Discover, Preserve & Celebrate >your heritage! >http://shop.myfamily.com/ancestrycatalog >