Dear List Members, I decided to send on a letter that I have sent some cousins studying Henry Willis of Greenbrier VA/WV. Much of this is conjecture but those of you with a Gloucester County VA connection with the Willis/Carter clan might find the last part of this letter interesting. Sincerely, Carol Clapshaw Dear Cousins, First my apologies to all of you for hanging on to this information. I have had three surgeries on my hand and shoulder so it has just almost stopped me in my tracks. I received this information from a cousin who forgot she had it! She really isn't into genealogy and I think just came by it as a last survivor of the family. The information was sent to her brother who was a respected counsel person in Western Washington. He just passed away about a year ago. This information was forwarded to my family by the daughter of Simeon Willis (my great grandfather's younger brother) Simeon Willis was an attorney and past Governor of Ky. He had a great interest in family history and genealogy. He hired professional genealogists to help him with his genealogy. I mention all this so we know that though this may contain mistakes the sources are credible. I have been familiar with much of this work for many years. In my research I have found that the work on other branches of my Willis family have been correct. That said, I will start typing. The first document I have is from Samuel Lyman Munson III Genealogist from Versailles, KY completed 12 September 1990. It begins with Frances Willis born in Oxford, England. He emigrated to the Us and was married to Jane (possibly Simmons) He built "Whitehall" on the southwest side of the Ware River in Gloucester County. He and his wife were childless and moved back to county Kent, England in 1675 The nephew of Francis Willis also Francis Willis became the heir of "Whitehall". This Francis had two sons Francis and Henry. This latest Francis born between 1685-1690 was the first Francis Willis born in Virginia. He in turn was known as Col. Francis Willis and was married to (Lady) Anne Rich in 1715. (He was a well known Burgess and planter). His wife died in 1727 at age 32. They had four children, eldest being a son also named Francis born about 1717 He married 30 September 1742 in Gloucester county, Elizabeth Carter daughter of Robert and Priscilla Churchill Carter and granddaughter of Robert Carter of "Nomini" known as "King" Carter of Lancaster County VA (1667-1732) Francis and Elizabeth Carter Willis had five children. (This reported as an area that genealogist have difficulty with). The eldest son Francis 1744-1797 married in 1767 Elizabeth Perrin and they had 9 children. Robert Carte Willis second son of Francis and Elizabeth Carter Willis married Martha Allen. The third son, Henry (Harry) was born 8 November 1760 in Gloucester Co. VA We do know that this Henry was an Agent for his brother Robert Carter Willis in 1776. He was raised at "Nomini Hall" in Westmoreland County. Evidence of tax records and land records suggest this Henry may be the one married to Elizabeth ---- and who died in Monroe County March 1812. We are enclosing a chart showing that Priscilla Churchill, who married Robert Carter , married 2nd Col. John Lewis of "Warner's Hall". One of their sons was a Fielding Lewis. Henry Willis who married Elizabeth--- had a son named Fielding Willis. This would make Priscilla Churchill the grandmother of Henry Willis. While the connection seems speculative, we checked another alternative: A Henry Willis married a Nancy Knight in Kingston Parish, Gloucester County (?) May 1770 but this must be ruled out as Henry would have been only 10 years old. The argument for Henry Willis of Monroe County is supported by enclosed land documents: In VA Land Patents, 11 October1797, John cooper of Greenbrier, 100 acres. This John Cooper had land on Rich Creek in Greenbrier County as did Henry Willis- they were neighbors. It is known that Henry's children married into the Cooper clan. This would be strong circumstantial evidence for John Willis who married Rebecca Cooper 11 January 1808 Mon! roe County to be through this Henry though not named in his will or Deed. Other documents related to Henry Willis: 98 acres in Montgomery county 5 Jul 1787 320 acres in Greenbrier County 17 September 1789 186 acres in Greenbrier County 24 June 1790 Deed book A. 98 acres in Giles County 17 April 1808 involved Henry and wife Betsey his wife of Monroe county VA Deed book F 153 acres on Rich Creek and waters of New River in Monroe County, VA (children and heirs of Henry Willis dec'd recorded 20 December 1819 Tax lists 1783-1786 Greenbrier county mentions a Henry Willis Monroe County a land tax in 1804 mentions a Henry Willis and 320 acres. The author of this material goes on to say that extensive research could not verify the article that Hugh Willis at age 84 concerning his grandfather Henry Willis. The author goes on to state that he believes Henry Willis son of Francis and Elizabeth Carter to be the same Henry Willis who moved to Greenbrier/Monroe County. Author goes on to document the family of Henry Willis forward. There is an attached bibliography and also pages for "Rich Genealogy Source: Burkes Landed Gentry. I will copy these numerous pages and send them to you. The pedigree that accompanied this is quite large in size. I will have to take it to a special photo copy store. Here is what is written (I understand that this differs from the Nancy Knight information that some of you have documented) For my lineage I am from John Willis born 1788 VA died before 1869 probably Lawrence County, Ohio. Married 11 January 1808 Monroe County VA to Rebecca Cooper born 1791 died 30 May 1869 Lawrence County Ohio. (She being daughter of John and Elizabeth Cooper) John was the son of the Henry Willis in question. Henry willis born November 1760 Gloucester County VA Married March 1812 in Monroe County VA to Elizabeth (Betsey) bc 1762-3 died after 1812. Henry Willis was the son of Col. Francis Willis b 1717 Gloucester Co. VA died abt 1780 married 30 September 1742 Abington parish Gloucester County VA to Elizabeth Carter b. c 1725 Lancaster County VA died after 1763 VA. Elizabeth Carter was daughter of Robert Carter b 1705 Lancaster County d 1732 Westmoreland Co. VA m 1723-25. married to Priscilla Churchill. Robert Carter was the son of Robert "King Carter b. 1663 Lancaster County VA married second Betty Landon Willis (widow) I hope this makes some sense. I really had know idea I would type this much. I will try to get this copied for you in in the mail so you can study it more clearly. Sincerely, Carol Francis was the son of Col. Francis Willis 1685-1690 Ware River Parish Gloucester Co.. d abt 1766 Gloucester county VA. Married 1715 St. Paul's Convent Garden London England married to Lady Anne Rich b 1695 at convent Garden London England. died 10 June Gloucester 1727 Gloucester County VA Col. Francis married 2nd Elizabeth Harrison widow of Henry.