The Willis Family in Caswell County, North Carolina

 

The Willis family came to Caswell County in the Mid-1700’s from Goochland County Virginia. The patriarch of the Caswell County Willis’s was Henry Willis Sr. and his wife Mary Watkins a descendant of the Farrar family of Colonial Virginia and England. Mary Watkins was a daughter of Joseph Watkins and Mary Farrar. The following is some interesting information on the Farrar Family.

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 From The Farrars, by William B. and Ethel Farrar,

In 1618 Nicholas Ferrar sent out his son, William, to Virginia, on the Neptune.

An old account relates that Lord Delaware, who had been prevented by continued illness from returning to Virginia, made preparations to go as soon as possible. In April 1618, having "builded a faire ship, the Neptune, for that purpose, he sailed in it with a hundred and sixty emigrants, men and women. He also chartered, to follow him, the Treasurer, in which the then Governor, as Capt. Argall, had many interesting adventures. Contrary winds blew the Neptune about mercilessly and in addition to seasickness its passengers were afflicted with dysentery. During the long, dreadful voyage Lord Delaware and thirty of his emigrants died, and most of the survivors arrived at Jamestown ill."

In those days the first son inherited the title and the estate. Few people took notice of younger sons, especially when the elder ones showed such promise. It was the custom for younger sons to be well educated, given their inheritance, then put on their own, free to adventure and seek their fortunes. It is pleasant to note that so many well-known and distinguished families back in England saw their younger sons win their spurs in the Colonies, to add new luster to the family renown. Of such a group who made their home in Virginia and became at once leaders, politically and socially, was "WILLIAM FARRAR, styled Gentleman."

The following passage is from Behold Virginia by George F. Wilson, 1951.

Altogether the Indians in the Massacre of 1622 slaughtered 347 men, women, and children, including six members of the Royal Council. Capt. Samuel Jordan fortified Beggar's Bush, known later as Jordan's Jorney, and he lived there "despight the enemy." Jordan died a year later, and there was a rush for the hand of his beautiful young wife, led by the Revered Greville Pooley. Jordan had been in his grave only a day when Pooley sent Captain Isaac Madison to plead his suit. Cecily replied that she would as soon take Pooley as any other but, as she was pregnant, she would not engage herself, she said, "until she was delivered."

But the amorous Reverend could not wait, and came a few days later with Madison, telling her "he should contract himself to her," and spake these words, "I, Greville Pooley, take thee, Sysley, to my wedded wife, to have and to hold till death do us part and hereto I plight thee my troth." Then, holding her by the hand, he spake these words, "I, Sysley, take thee, Greville, to my wedded husband, to have and to hold till death do us part."

Cecily said nothing, but they drank to each other and kissed. Then, evincing some delicacy about her condition and the situation she found herself in, she asked that it might not be revealed that she did so soon bestow her love after her husband's death.

Pooley promised, but was soon boasting of his conquest, very foolishly, for "Sysley" now engaged herself to William Farrar, one of the Deputy Treasurer's younger brothers, and member of the Council.

Enraged, Pooley brought suit for breach of promise. The case was too much for the authorities at Jamestown, who referred it to London.

The jilted Pooley soon found solace in a bride, it appears, but met a tragic death in 1629, when Indians attacked his house, and slew him, his wife and all his family.

 

 

The following passage is from Tidewater Virginia by Paul Wilstach, 1929.

Going up the James River you pass Harrison's Landing, Berkeley, the Forest - - - The next projection of land round which the river bends is Jordan's Point, where once lived the too fascinating widow, Cecily Jordan, whose history recalls another instance of the striking difficulty James River men had in holding their sweethearts to their promises. This headstrong lady provided the unique instance of a woman being sued by a man for breach of promise. When her husband died he left her so comfortably provided with worldly goods that hereby, in addition to her other charms, she became quite irresistible to Captain William Farrar, kinsman to the Deputy Treasurer of the colony, and also the Reverend Greville Pooley, minister of the Parish; and apparently they were quite irresistible to her, for she engaged herself to both! The parson sued. Though he lost his case and had to sign a formal release to the Widow Cecily binding himself in the sum of 500 pounds never to have any claim, right or title to her, the Governor and Council of the Colony were so stirred by the extraordinary incident that they issued a solemn proclamation against a woman engaging herself to more than one man at a time. And there is not in Virginia any known record that his edict has ever been revoked.

The following passage is from The Farrars, by William B. and Ethel Farrar.

The career of the fascinating Cecily as a heart breaker caused the General Assembly to pass a law for the protection of Virginia bachelors, and gave her a place in history.

When the Parson sued, June 14, 1623, Captain William Farrar, trained for the law in England and how the attorney who administered her husband's estate, successfully defended Mrs. Jordan in what was the first breach of promise suit in America, winning not only the suit but his client in matrimony.

The Governor and Council could not bring themselves to decide the question and continued it until November 27, then referred the case to the Council for Virginia in London, "desiring the resolution of the civil lawyers thereon and a speedy return thereof." But they declined to make a decision and returned it, saying they "knew not how to decide so nice a difference."

After the Reverend Pooley signed the release, Cecily "contracted herself before the Governor and Council to Captain William Farrar."

From Carter's Life of Nicholas Ferrar (Jr.), 1892:

Nicholas Ferrar, the elder, was a fair type of the great merchants of London, well-born, loyal (he "was written Esquire by Queen Elizabeth" in return for liberal assistance), hot-tempered, generous hearted, a man of wide sympathies, gathering many of the notable men of the day round the hospitable table of his fine house in the city; a zealous churchman, repairing and seating at his own expense his parish church of St. Sythes, and providing a morning preacher for the same. Mr. Ferrar's portrait, by Janssen, is to be seen at Cambridge in the Master's Lodge at Magdalen College, a fine open face with uprightness and honesty in every line. His wife, Mary Woodenoth, of the ancient family of Woodenoths of Shavington, was a remarkable woman, gifted with the same power of impressing her personality on those round her which was one of the marked characteristics of her son, Nicholas. Her portrait hangs beside her husband's. The firm, delicate lines of finely cut features, the exquisitely fair complexion, the noble and serious countenance suit well with the description which is given of her in the memoir of her son.

 

The following is information on Henry Willis’s wife Mary Watkins immigrant Watkins ancestors.

 

NOTES from Henry Watkins of Henrico County, by Jane Allen, 1985:

That Henry Watkins was the son of Henry, b. 1585 in Wales, remains to be proved. However, in 1634/35 there was a deed in which John Cawsey of Charles City County conveyed to Walter Aston acreage in Charles City near Shirly Hundred "bordering south upon a Creeke called Henry Watkins, his Creeke." A Henry Watkins, therefore, lived not more than a few miles from the home in 1679 of Henry, b: 1637/8.

This early presence in Virginia of Henry I is further supported by "The Complete Book of Emigrants 1607-1660" by Peter Wilson Coldham. On page 46, the text indicated that on 28 February 1624, a Henry Watkins signed a report from the Governor and Council of Virginia at James City to the king rebutting the accusations against the plantations made by Captain Nathaniel Butler, Six thousand, not ten thousand, persons have been transported to Virginia who, for the most part, were wasted by the cruelty of Sir Thomas Smyth's government.

Henry Watkins of Henrico Co., Va, presumably the immigrant ancestor was b. in 1638. He was a Quaker and member of the Society of Friends, a fact that caused him at times to clash with the ruling authorities in Virginia. Henry Watkins was a small but hard-working farmer. In 1660 the Virginia Assembly had passed a strict law against Quakers. They were described as "...an unreasonable and turbulent sort of people, who daily gather together unlawful assemblies of people, teaching lies, miracles, false visions, prophecies, and doctrines tending to disturb the peace, disorganize Society and destroy all laws, and government, and religion."

In the list of heads of families in Henrico County, 1679, he is listed as head of family with three tithables and shown as living in the vicinity of Turkey Island. In 1679 he received a patent for 170 acres of land on the north side of James River in Henrico County, adjoining land of John Lewis, Mr. Cocke, and Mr. Beauchamp, and touching the 'three runs' of Turkey Island Creek (patent book 7, p. 17).

In June, 1684, the Courts of Henrico refused his petition for a remission of fines imposed upon him "he not appearing himself to supplicate this Court but (as ye Court Conceives) continuing still in his Quakerism."

In July 1690 he purchased of Lyonel Morris 360 acres of land in Varina parish, Henrico County, on the south side of Chickahominy Swamp, and in October of the same year he patented 60 acres of land "adjoining his own land and touching a run on Turkey Island Creek."

He was the father of at least seven children and in 1692 deeded his land in Henrico to his five sons. To William, Joseph, and Edward he deeded each 120 acres of land on the south side of Chickahominy Swamp, to Henry the "track of land on which his father then lived", acreage not given, and to Thomas 200 acres on the 'three runs'.

In 1699 he subscribed 500 pounds of tobacco towards building the Friends meetinghouse at Curls. In 1703 he paid 50 pounds of tobacco towards finishing the building.

1704 Quit Rents of Virginia list Henry Sr. with 100 acres in Henrico County.

In "Beginnings of the Families of Henrico", William Clayton Torrence writes "One of the most interesting families in Virginia from the point of view of economic, social, and political development is the distinguished family of which Henry Watkins is the immigrant ancestor."

 

 

The following information concerns my Willis ancestors in America and the speculation about the parents of Henry Willis Sr.’s parents were and the time frame when he possibly removed to Caswell County as he sold his property in Virginia in 1762.

 

 

The following submitted by GaryH117@aol.com

In the mid 1720s, William and Robert Willis appear in Goochland Co., VA in the Tuckahoe Creek area. This county was formed in 1727 from Henrico where they had previously resided. Brothers?, Father/Son? Lack of necessary records make it difficult to sort the out the family. It does appear they had connections with other families who had lived or were living in King William, New Kent and Hanover Counties, VA. In that area, Francis appears by 1681 and later an Edward. By 1705 are found William and Stephen and eventually Robert. But the riddle of their genealogy has not been resolved. Some seem to have been artisans engaged in carpentry, shoemaking, coopering and the like. Our progenitor, Henry Willis, first appears in Goochland County records in 1748. How long he had been a resident or if he had been born there is unknown. Whether he had just moved there or had just become a tithable is uncertain. If the latter was the case, he would have been born 1731/32. Not much is known of William except that he was a resident in 1731 and 1740 and had a son, William, Jr. One of them was an overseer on the plantation of William Mayo. More is known of Robert, (son of Robert(?)), who married Mary Price and later Agnes, whose surname is unknown. He died about 1749. His children were: Robert Willis married Hellender Nailine; Zene Willis married A. Hix; Anne Price Willis; Betty Willis married Henry Hicks(?); William Willis; Price Willlis; Williamson Willis. There may have been others. He was a carpenter. David Willis appears in Goochland records in 1743; he died ca 1749. He had sons Edward and William and possibly a daughter, Jemima who married John Woodall. He worked as a shoemaker. He is believed to have been a kinsman of Edward (ca 1660-1735) of Hanover County. Other Willises appear briefly in the records before moving on to other parts. They were Richard, Thomas, Edward, Major. So the ancestry of Henry Willis is questionable. Was it William? Was it Robert? David does not seem likely. In 1762, when Henry sold his land on Tuckahoe Creek, Edward Willis (probably son of David) witnessed. When he arrived in Orange Co., NC, some children of Robert, residere there but they didn't stay long, moving on to SC and GA.

 

 

Last Will of Henry Willis Jr.

Caswell County, North Carolina

Deed Book   Page 405   1821

 

 

In the name of God Amen, I Henry Willis of the County of Caswell and State of North Carolina being weak in body but of Sound mind do make this my last will and Testament in manner and form following (Viz)

 

First it is my wish that my debts should be paid out of the money I have on hand. The rest of the money on hand I wish to be laid out in purchasing Two horses for the use of the plantation.

 

I wish my daughters Betsy Smith, Polly Heritage and Joice Chandler to have Two hundred & fifty dollars in cash within twelve months after my decease.

 

I wish the plantation on which I live to be kept up by my Two Sons Henry Willis Jr. and Anderson Willis, Who are to have charge of my Negroes, horses and stock during my Wife’s lifetime or Widowhood for her Support and children now living with her, after her death or marriage I wish an equal division to take place of my property between all my Children. That portion of my estate which I I give to my daughter Polly Heritage I wish to be placed in the hands of Mr. Francis Smith or some careful person for the benefit of her and her children.

 

My small tract of Land over the Creek I wish to be Sold and such other property as my Executors shall think best to enable them to make out my Daughter’s legacy above mentioned.

 

I appoint  my Sons Nicholas Willis, Henry Willis and Anderson Willis my Executors to this my Last Will. Witness Whereof  I do Set my hand and Seal this 31st  October 1820.

                                                                                                   

                                                                                                       His

                                                                                            Henry  x   Willis

                                                                                                     Mark

Witnesses

Jno. L . Graves

William Russell (Jurat)

Ro. P. Buchanan (Jurat)

 

State of North Carolina

Caswell County January Court 1821

 

The Execution of the foregoing Will of  Henry Willis deceased was duly proven I Open Court by the Oaths of William Russell and Robert P. Buchanan Two of the Subscribing Witnesses thereto and on motion ordered to be recorded. At the Same time Nicholas Willis, Henry Willis Jr. and Anderson Willis the Executors therein mentioned, Came into Court and duly qualified  to Execute the Same and letters Testamentory issued according by.

 

                                                                                Test.

                                                                                       Alex Murphey  Cl.

 

Transcribed By: Latham Mark Phelps -- 2004

 

 

The following is some information on the family of Mary Polly Haddock’s family (wife) of Henry Willis Jr. Andrew Haddock Sr. came to Caswell from Pitt County, N.C. This information was found on The Haddock Family website. http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~haddockfamily/index.htm

 

1 John Haddock, Sr. b: Abt. 1721 in Saint Mary's County, Maryland d: May 18, 1809 in Haddock Plantation, Pitt Co., North Carolina Burial: Haddock Plantation, Pitt Co., North Carolina [no stone] +Liscomb Taylor b: 1721 in Norfolk Co., VA m: Abt. 1741 in Pitt County, North Carolina d: Bet. May - December 1802 in Haddock Plantation, Pitt Co., North Carolina Burial: Haddock Plantation, Pitt Co., North Carolina [no stone]

Children of John Haddock Sr. and Liscomb Taylor:

2 Andrew Haddock, Sr. b: 1742 in Pitt County, North Carolina d: May 15, 1793 in Caswell Co., North Carolina +Elizabeth Hicks b: 1747 in Goochland Co., Virginia m: Abt. 1761 in North Carolina d: May 05, 1808 in Caswell Co., North Carolina

2 John Haddock, Jr. b: 1744 in Pitt County, North Carolina d: 1822 in Jones County, Georgia +Rhoda Taylor b: 1741 in Pitt County, North Carolina m: May 04, 1766 in Pitt County, North Carolina d: Bet. 1811 - 1820 in Jones County, Georgia.  

2 William Haddock b: Bet. 1745 - 1746 in Pitt County, North Carolina d: September 11, 1821 in Pitt Co., North Carolina [Will Date]  +Martha Jane Taylor aka: Patsy b: Abt. 1754 in Pitt County, North Carolina m: Abt. 1774 in Pitt County, North Carolina d: Abt. 1824 in Pitt Co., North Carolina

2 Zachariah Haddock b: 1751 in Pitt County, North Carolina d: Bef. 1827 in Kings Ferry, Nassau Co., Florida +Amey Hardee b: Abt. 1756 in Pitt County, North Carolina m: Abt. 1776 in Pitt County, North Carolina d: Aft. 1801 in Kings Ferry, Nassau Co., Florida

2 Admiral Haddock b: 1753 in Pitt County, North Carolina d: Aft. 1830 in Colleton County, South Carolina +Sarah b: Abt. 1760 in North Carolina m: 1773 in Pitt County, North Carolina d: Aft. 1830 in Colleton County, South Carolina

2 Charles Haddock, Sr. b: 1755 in Pitt Co., North Carolina d: September 12, 1820 in Double Branch, Pulaski Co., Georgia [Will Date] Burial: Old Cemetery, Double Branch, Pulaski Co., Georgia +Anna Walraven b: Abt. 1761 m: Abt. 1781 in Pitt County, North Carolina d: in Double Branch, Pulaski Co., Georgia Burial: Old Cemetery, Double Branch, Pulaski Co., Georgia

2 Richard W. Haddock aka: Hadock b: 1757 in Pitt Co., North Carolina d: Aft. 1830 in Pitt Co., North Carolina +Nancy b: Abt. 1757 m: Abt. 1777 in Pitt Co., North Carolina d: Aft. 1824 in Pitt Co., North Carolina

2 Peter Haddock b: 1764 in Pitt County, North Carolina d: September 04, 1820 in Jefferson County, Mississippi + b: Abt. 1764 m: Abt. 1784 in Pitt County, North Carolina d: Aft. 1820

2 Liscomb Haddock b: Abt. 1767 in Pitt Co., North Carolina d: December 26, 1845 in Wayne Co., GA +Archibald Campbell b: 1765 in Pitt County, North Carolina m: Abt. 1785 in Pitt County, North Carolina d: 1830 in Wayne Co., GA  Go to South Carolina

 

Liscomb (Taylor) Haddock's parents were Liscomb (Jones) and William Taylor, Sr. and they lived in the Piney Woods of Pitt Co., NC. Her brother was William Taylor Jr. and he was married to Diana Deale. Their daughter married Liscomb (Taylor) and John Haddock's son. [first cousins married - Rhoda Taylor and John Haddock, Jr.]

Liscomb Taylor Haddock's, father's, obituary is most interesting, so it has been included here as part of the Haddock family research project. It reads: William Taylor, Sr., dies in 1794 in Pitt County at the Age of 114: Lately, in the Piney Woods of Pitt County, where he had resided for 40 years past with his youngest son, who is in the 63rd year of his age, Mr. William Taylor, aged 114 years. He was born either in Virginia or this state - enjoyed for many years past a perfect state of health, and on the morning of his death had set off to walk two miles to get a pair of shoes, but was seized with a fit shortly after he left home which carried him off." [Ref: Reprinted in The Connector, Newsletter of the Tar River Connections Genealogical Society, Vol. 2, No. 4 (Fall Issue of 1998), p. 18: "Halifax, dated Nov. 3, 1794].

Given below is one of the earliest deeds for John Haddock- taken from the text of Haddock Heritage, Second Edition, pub 2003, by Donna Haddock Cooper.

In 1757, a deed was located in North Carolina in Beaufort Co., NC, and, in abstract, it reads: Know Ye that I John Wain of Craven County for the contraction of eight pounds to me in hand paid before the delivery of these sworn by John Hadock, [sic] the rest. I hereby acknowledge have and do by these presents freely and absolutely bargain Sell convey and confirm unto the said Hadock [sic] his heirs and assigns a parcel of land containing one hundred acres, being part of 300 acres as by patent dated July 10th, 1752 beginning at Edens branch and with the branch to the back line and with the back line to Galling branch and down the branch to Swift Creek and with the creek to the beginning. To have and hold the said land and all woods waters timber trees and all other the appurtenance thereto belonging to I John Wain for myself my heirs Exors and admis. as covenant to agree to and with the said John Hadock his heirs and assigns viz... That is that be lawful for the said John Hadock [sic] his heirs and assigns at all times hereafter to have hold and enjoy the said land and premises free and clear of all times hereafter to have hold and enjoy the said land and premises free and clear of all encumbrances lastly. I the said John Wain and my heirs at all times hereafter at the cost of the said John Hadock [sic] his heirs assigns shall do and execute other conveyances unto the said John Hadock his heirs and assigns as by his or kin council in the law Shall be reasonably required. With my hand and Seal this day in the year 1757. John Wain [mark] Sealed and delivered in presence of George Sugg, John Price [mark] Beaufort County, December Court 1757. Present his Majestic Justices, This certifies that the within and was exhibited into Court and proved by the Oat of John Price one of the Subscribing Witnesses, ordered to be registered. Test: Walley Chancey C. Ct. [Ref: Judy Haddock Swan, Microfilm] [Ref: Beaufort Co., NC, Deed Book 3, page 351]

 

Descendants of Andrew Haddock, Sr.

1 Andrew Haddock, Sr. b: 1742 in Pitt County, North Carolina d: May 15, 1793 in Caswell Co., North Carolina +Elizabeth Hicks b: 1747 in Goochland Co., Virginia m: Abt. 1761 in North Carolina d: May 05, 1808 in Caswell Co., North Carolina

2 David Haddock b: 1762 in Caswell Co., North Carolina d: Bef. 1850 in Tennessee +Sally Roberts b: Abt. 1785 in Caswell Co., North Carolina m: May 13, 1802 in Caswell Co., North Carolina d: Aft. 1860 in Carroll County, Tennessee

2 Mary Haddock aka: Polly b: 1763 in Caswell Co., North Carolina d: October 09, 1847 in Caswell Co., North Carolina +Henry Willis, Jr. aka: Rev. b: 1762 in Caswell Co., North Carolina m: May 21, 1783 in Caswell Co., North Carolina d: November 01, 1820 in Caswell Co., North Carolina [Will Date]

2 James Haddock, Sr. b: Bet. 1764 - 1765 in North Carolina d: Aft. 1810 in Union District, South Carolina +Elizabeth Lyles aka: Betsy b: Abt. 1765 in Maryland m: Abt. 1785 d: in Union District, South Carolina [Go to TN]

2 Nancy Haddock b: 1766 in Caswell Co., North Carolina d: 1854 in Knox Co., Tennessee Burial: New Hopewell Baptist Church Cemetery, Knox Co., TN +Luke Stansbury, Sr. b: March 06, 1758 in Baltimore, Baltimore Co., Maryland m: February 01, 1791 in Caswell Co., North Carolina d: October 13, 1848 in Knox Co., Tennessee Burial: New Hopewell Baptist Church Cemetery, Kimberlin Heights, Knox Co., TN

2 Andrew Haddock, Jr. b: Abt. 1770 in Caswell Co., North Carolina d: Aft. 1850 in Montgomery County, Tennessee +Peggy Green b: Abt. 1786 in Caswell Co., North Carolina m: June 21, 1806 in Caswell Co., NC *2nd Wife of Andrew Haddock, Jr.: +Sarah J. b: Abt. 1778 in North Carolina m: Bef. 1850 in Montgomery County, Tennessee d: Aft. 1850 in Montgomery County, Tennessee

2 Richard Haddock b: 1771 in Caswell Co., North Carolina d: April 19, 1818 in Caswell Co., North Carolina +Providence Wright b: Abt. 1776 in Caswell Co., North Carolina m: July 29, 1796 in Caswell Co., North Carolina d: Abt. 1832 in Caswell Co., North Carolina

2 Elizabeth Haddock b: 1787 in Caswell County, North Carolina

 

Taken from the text of Haddock Heritage, Second Edition, pub 2003: In abstract, in 1771, Andrew Haddock's deed was listed in Tryon Co., NC. That area was later a part of Caswell County, but for a while may have been a part of Lincoln Co., NC. [Ref: Land patent 1771: pages 552 - 553]: Andrew Haddock of Tryon County, to Michael Keller of same county. Property was paid for with 20 pounds of proclamation money ... land on north side of fork Catawba, adjacent Ramsour's property, 150 acres granted to said Haddock on 4th May 1769 ... German signature [seal] Witness: John Dickson, James Dickson, Rec. Jan Term 1772. The Ramsour family was later listed as being in Lincoln County, NC, and lived near what is known today as King's Mountain. They likely never moved - the county lines changed. 

Taken from the text of Haddock Heritage, Second Edition, pub 2003: Andrew Haddock was the heir of his wife's father, Henry Hicks and from his service obtained 640 acres. Henry served 84 months and listed A. Haddock as heir to his land. [Ref: Pierce's Register, Volume X, page 254 - No.: 1072]. [Ref: Pierce's Register, Volume X, page 255 - No.: 1075]. To whom granted and rank: Andrew Haddock, Sergeant, 1,000, acres for service in months of 84 months, signed: Cole Self. [Land Warrants] Henry Hicks, North Carolina, a private, whose land was on 28th of May of 1784, deeded was 640 acres to Andrew Haddock. [Ref: Revolutionary War Bounty Land Grants]

 

 

The following is an abstract of Mary Polly Haddock Willis’s Last Will, wife of Henry Willis Jr.(son of Henry Willis Sr. and Mary Watkins) , her parents were Andrew Haddock and Elizabeth Hicks. Andrew Haddock was an early settler in Caswell County from Pitt County, N.C.

 

Mary Polly Haddock Willis
Caswell Co., NC
Record Book 1, p65
9 Feb 1822
recorded April Court 1822
Articles of Agreement
Mary Willis, widow of Henry Willis, deceased
William, Nicholas, Benjamin, Henry and Anderson Willis, Francis Smith, Wilkens Chandler, William Herritage and wife, Polly. Mary Willis conveys to other legatees also to Kezziah Willis and Nancy Willis all her interest and right to estate of Henry Willis except 1/3 part where she resides. Divsion of estate to be by Barzilla Graves, Azariah Graves, and William Graves. As legatee of Henry Willis, Jonathan Smith agrees to above covenant.
The Wilkins Chandler, above, is married to Joicy Willis.

 

 

My Line of Descent from Henry Willis Sr. and Mary Watkins is as follows:

Henry Willis Sr. and Mary Watkins –7th Great-Grandparents

Henry Willis Jr. and Mary Polly Haddock – 6th Great-Grandparents

Benjamin Willis and Susannah Chandler – 5th Great-Grandparents

Benjamin A. Willis and Lucinda Campbell – 4th Great-Grandparents

Elizabeth “Betty” Willis and Lillington L. Blackwell – 3rd Great-Grandparents

Cannie Elizabeth Blackwell and James Monroe Morton -- Great-Grandparents

Hattie Belle Morton and William Perry Lunsford – Grandparents

Reba Jean Lunsford and Wilford Latham Phelps – Parents

Latham Mark Phelps -- Myself

 

 

 

 

 

 

Descendants of Henry Willis Sr.

 

 

Generation No. 1

 

1.  HENRY1 WILLIS was born 1731 in Goochland County, Virginia, and died Aft. 1810 in Rutherford County, N.C..  He married MARY WATKINS March 11, 1752 in Goochland County, Virginia, daughter of JOSEPH WATKINS and MARY FARRAR.  She was born 1738 in Goochland County, Virginia.

      

Children of HENRY WILLIS and MARY WATKINS are:

2.    i.     REV. HENRY W. WILLIS2 JR., b. 1764; d. November 01, 1820.

       ii.    JOSEPH WILLIS, b. November 23, 1753, Goochland County, Virginia; d. February 19, 1847, Lincoln County, NC.

       iii.  MARY WILLIS, b. November 01, 1755, Goochland County, Virginia; m. JOHN REED, January 27, 1777, Goochland County, Virginia.

       iv.   ELIZABETH WILLIS, b. February 11, 1757, Goochland County, Virginia.

       v.    CHRISTIANA WILLIS, b. September 06, 1760.

       vi.   JOHN WILLIS, b. 1762, Goochland County, Virginia.

       vii.  BENJAMIN WILLIS, b. 1765; m. ANNE GALIS; b. 1775.

       viii. JOICY WILLIS, b. 1775, Caswell County NC; d. Aft. 1840; m. (1) TIMOTHY TWIGGS, April 08, 1793; m. (2) ELISHA MASHBURN, November 15, 1821.

 

 

Generation No. 2

 

2.  REV. HENRY W. WILLIS2 JR. (HENRY1 WILLIS) was born 1764, and died November 01, 1820.  He married MARY POLLY HADDOCK May 28, 1783 in Caswell County NC. 

      

Children of REV. JR. and MARY HADDOCK are:

3.    i.     BENJAMIN3 WILLIS, b. June 25, 1790, Caswell County NC; d. June 14, 1867, Webster County, MO..

4.    ii.    REV. NICHOLAS W. WILLIS, b. December 20, 1786, Caswell County NC; d. September 20, 1861, Princeton, Dallas Co, AR..

       iii.  WILLIAM WILLIS, b. May 24, 1784, Caswell County NC.

       iv.   ELIZABETH WILLIS, b. March 30, 1788, Caswell County NC.

       v.    MARY POLLY WILLIS, b. August 24, 1792, Caswell County NC; m. WILLIAM HERITAGE, December 21, 1809, Caswell County NC.

       vi.   HENRY WILLIS, b. April 24, 1795, Caswell County NC; m. DORCAS HARALSON, 1821.

       vii.  JOYCEY WILLIS, b. November 12, 1797, Caswell County NC; d. October 02, 1841; m. (1) THOMAS CREWS; m. (2) RICHARD WILKINS CHANDLER, November 1818.

       viii. ANDERSON WILLIS, b. December 17, 1800, Caswell County NC; m. FRANCIS B. RICE.

       ix.   JOSEPH WILLIS, b. June 11, 1803, Caswell County NC; m. LYDIA CHANEY.

       x.    NANCY WILLIS, b. August 09, 1806, Caswell County NC; m. JONATHON SMITH.

       xi.   KEZIAH WILLIS, b. February 08, 1809, Caswell County NC; m. JOHN WILSON, July 03, 1833.

 

 

Generation No. 3

 

3.  BENJAMIN3 WILLIS (REV. HENRY W. WILLIS2 JR., HENRY1 WILLIS) was born June 25, 1790 in Caswell County NC, and died June 14, 1867 in Webster County, MO..  He married SUSANNAH CHANDLER November 20, 1811 in Caswell County NC.  She was born 1795, and died 1880 in Webster County, MO..

 

More About BENJAMIN WILLIS:

Burial: Welch Cemetery, Webster County, MO.

 

More About SUSANNAH CHANDLER:

Burial: Welch Cemetery, Webster County, MO.

      

Children of BENJAMIN WILLIS and SUSANNAH CHANDLER are:

5.    i.     BENJAMIN A.4 WILLIS, b. 1825, Caswell County NC.

       ii.    MARY P. WILLIS, b. 1812.

       iii.  NANCY WILLIS, b. 1814.

       iv.   JAMES WILLIS, b. 1816.

       v.    JOYSIE WILLIS, b. 1820.

6.    vi.   THOMAS H. WILLIS, b. 1823.

       vii.  SUSAN WILLIS, b. 1827.

       viii. BARZILLAI BASLEY GRAVES WILLIS, b. December 15, 1830.

       ix.   GEORGE WILLIAM WILLIS, b. January 25, 1833.

       x.    JOSEPH WILLIS, b. 1835.

       xi.   ANDERSON WILLIS, b. 1839.

 

 

4.  REV. NICHOLAS W.3 WILLIS (REV. HENRY W. WILLIS2 JR., HENRY1 WILLIS) was born December 20, 1786 in Caswell County NC, and died September 20, 1861 in Princeton, Dallas Co, AR..  He married NANCY TURNER October 20, 1804 in Caswell County NC, daughter of JOHN TURNER and SARAH KIMBROUGH.  She was born 1789 in Caswell County NC, and died February 20, 1854 in Williston, Fayette Co., TN..

 

More About REV. NICHOLAS W. WILLIS:

Burial: Holly Springs, Dallas Co., AR.

      

Children of REV. WILLIS and NANCY TURNER are:

7.    i.     THOMAS J.4 WILLIS.

       ii.    HENRY WILLIS, b. December 20, 1806, Caswell County NC; d. February 20, 1882, Williston, Fayette Co., TN.; m. ELIZABETH "BETSY" H. EVANS.

 

Notes for HENRY WILLIS:

The Town of Williston Tenn. was named after him.

 

       iii.  JOHN WILLIS, b. 1807, Caswell County NC; m. BETSY WARD, February 20, 1827, Caswell County NC.

       iv.   JAMES WILLIS, b. 1810, Caswell County NC; m. (1) ANN WILLIAMS, November 20, 1832, Caswell County NC; m. (2) JULIA HUTCHINS, April 20, 1845, Fayette County, Tenn..

       v.    GEORGE WASHINGTON WILLIS, b. October 20, 1812, Caswell County NC; d. November 20, 1880, Caswell County NC; m. RUSSALINDA MALINDA STEPHENS, January 20, 1834, Caswell County NC.

       vi.   FRANCIS M.M. WILLIS, b. June 26, 1818; d. July 10, 1897, Dallas County, AR; m. BRIGGS GATLING.

 

More About FRANCIS M.M. WILLIS:

Burial: Holly Springs, Dallas Co., AR.

 

       vii.  RUFFIN ANDERSON WILLIS, b. February 20, 1821, Danville, Pittsylvania Co., VA.; d. August 20, 1884, Atlanta, Cass County, TX; m. (1) JANE HUTCHINS, January 20, 1844, Fayette County, Tenn.; m. (2) ABIGAIL BONNER GARRISON, Aft. February 20, 1875, Cass County, TX.

 

More About RUFFIN ANDERSON WILLIS:

Burial: Law's Chapel, Atlanta, Cass County, TX

 

       viii. WILLIAM WILLIS, b. 1827, Fayette County, Tenn..

       ix.   CATHERINE WILLIS, b. 1830, Fayette County, Tenn..

 

 

Generation No. 4

 

5.  BENJAMIN A.4 WILLIS (BENJAMIN3, REV. HENRY W. WILLIS2 JR., HENRY1 WILLIS) was born 1825 in Caswell County NC.  He married LUCINDA CAMPBELL. 

      

Child of BENJAMIN WILLIS and LUCINDA CAMPBELL is:

8.    i.     ELIZABETH "BETTIE ANN"5 WILLIS, b. 1857, Caswell county nc.

 

 

6.  THOMAS H.4 WILLIS (BENJAMIN3, REV. HENRY W. WILLIS2 JR., HENRY1 WILLIS) was born 1823.  He married HARRIET MITCHELL September 28, 1844. 

      

Child of THOMAS WILLIS and HARRIET MITCHELL is:

i.                 NATHANIEL H5 WILLIS, b. 1865; m. HATTIE L. WILLIS, January 28, 1880, Caswell County NC; b. 1868.

ii.              My Great-Grandmother Cannie Elizabeth Blackwell was living with Nat & Hat Willis in the 1900 Census of Caswell County, N.C. Perhaps her mother had already died as she was only 12 years old at the time. Nathaniel Willis was Cannie’s 1st cousin, Hattie Willis was Cannie’s 2nd cousin and Nathaniel and Hattie Willis were 2nd cousins to each other when they were married.

 

 

7.  THOMAS J.4 WILLIS (REV. NICHOLAS W.3, REV. HENRY W. WILLIS2 JR., HENRY1 WILLIS)  He married SOPHIA A. LEA March 20, 1841 in Caswell County NC. 

      

Child of THOMAS WILLIS and SOPHIA LEA is:

       i.     HATTIE L.5 WILLIS, b. 1868; m. NATHANIEL H WILLIS, January 28, 1880, Caswell County NC; b. 1865.

 

 

Generation No. 5

 

8.  ELIZABETH "BETTIE ANN"5 WILLIS (BENJAMIN A.4, BENJAMIN3, REV. HENRY W. WILLIS2 JR., HENRY1 WILLIS)1 was born 1857 in Caswell county nc.  She married LILLINGTON L. "BILLY" BLACKWELL1 November 18, 1877 in Anderson Township,Caswell County NC at the home of her father Benjamin A. Willis, son of NATHANIEL BLACKWELL and ANN COBB.  He was born 18471, and died 19491.

      

Children of ELIZABETH WILLIS and LILLINGTON BLACKWELL are:

9.    i.     CANNIE ELIZABETH6 BLACKWELL, b. 1888, Caswell county nc; d. 1909, Caswell county nc.

       ii.    WILMA MADIA (WARD) BLACKWELL, b. 1884.

       iii.  BENJAMIN L. BLACKWELL, b. 1889.

 

 

Generation No. 6

 

9.  CANNIE ELIZABETH6 BLACKWELL (ELIZABETH "BETTIE ANN"5 WILLIS, BENJAMIN A.4, BENJAMIN3, REV. HENRY W. WILLIS2 JR., HENRY1 WILLIS)1 was born 1888 in Caswell county nc1, and died 1909 in Caswell county nc1.  She married JAMES MONROE MORTON1 May 18, 1905 in caswell county nc--james 54--Cannie 17, son of VINCENT MORTON and ISABELLA OLIVER.  He was born September 02, 1850 in Caswell county nc1, and died July 19, 1924 in Caswell county nc1.

 

More About JAMES MONROE MORTON:

Burial: leasburg nc1

      

Children of CANNIE BLACKWELL and JAMES MORTON are:

10.  i.     HATTIE BELLE7 MORTON, b. March 17, 1906, Caswell County, NC; d. October 28, 1990, Caswell County, NC.

11.  ii.    GLADYS ELIZABETH MORTON.

 

 

Generation No. 7

 

10.  HATTIE BELLE7 MORTON (CANNIE ELIZABETH6 BLACKWELL, ELIZABETH "BETTIE ANN"5 WILLIS, BENJAMIN A.4, BENJAMIN3, REV. HENRY W. WILLIS2 JR., HENRY1 WILLIS)1 was born March 17, 1906 in Caswell County, NC1, and died October 28, 1990 in Caswell County, NC1.  She married WILLIAM PERRY LUNSFORD1, son of WALTER LUNSFORD and MATTIE COOK.  He was born January 11, 1901 in Caswell County, NC1, and died May 15, 1980 in Caswell County, NC1.

      

Children of HATTIE MORTON and WILLIAM LUNSFORD are:

12.  i.     REBA JEAN8 LUNSFORD, b. May 03, 1930, Caswell County, NC.

       ii.    EDWARD HAROLD LUNSFORD1, b. April 28, 19261; m. MILDRED (MICKIE) ASHWORTH.

       iii.  PATRICIA ANN LUNSFORD1, b. February 19, 19381; m. CARL DEAN COBB.

       iv.   MALINDA JANE LUNSFORD1, b. September 18, 19431; m. JONAH BENJAMIN KIRBY.

       v.    DENNIS MORTON LUNSFORD1, b. February 09, 19501; m. TINA CAPPS.

       vi.   MALCOLM PERRY LUNSFORD1, b. May 22, 19281; d. 1928.

 

 

11.  GLADYS ELIZABETH7 MORTON (CANNIE ELIZABETH6 BLACKWELL, ELIZABETH "BETTIE ANN"5 WILLIS, BENJAMIN A.4, BENJAMIN3, REV. HENRY W. WILLIS2 JR., HENRY1 WILLIS)1.

      

Child of GLADYS ELIZABETH MORTON is:

13.  i.     THOMAS MELVIN8 FAUCETTE.

 

 

Generation No. 8

 

12.  REBA JEAN8 LUNSFORD (HATTIE BELLE7 MORTON, CANNIE ELIZABETH6 BLACKWELL, ELIZABETH "BETTIE ANN"5 WILLIS, BENJAMIN A.4, BENJAMIN3, REV. HENRY W. WILLIS2 JR., HENRY1 WILLIS)1 was born May 03, 1930 in Caswell County, NC1.  She married WILFORD LATHAM PHELPS1 November 18, 1949 in Leasburg, NC1, son of LEWIS PHELPS and CATHERINE WALKER.  He was born May 18, 1928 in Person County,NC.

      

Children of REBA LUNSFORD and WILFORD PHELPS are:

       i.     LATHAM MARK9 PHELPS1, b. March 12, 1950, Mebane, NC1; m. BETTY JANE ROBERTS1, October 13, 1979, First Reformed U.C.C , Burlington, NC; b. June 17, 1949, Burlington, NC.

       ii.    GARY LYNN PHELPS1, b. July 12, 1953; m. (1) CYNTHIA (CINDY) FOWLER1, February 02, 1974, Winston-Salem, N C, Forsyth County1; b. October 20, 19531; m. (2) JANE ANNETTE CORY1, February 02, 1974, Albany Ga.; b. October 25, 1959, Union Town Pennsylvania1.

       iii.  SUSAN DENISE PHELPS1, b. March 06, 1957; m. ROGER MC BEE1.

 

 

13.  THOMAS MELVIN8 FAUCETTE (GLADYS ELIZABETH7 MORTON, CANNIE ELIZABETH6 BLACKWELL, ELIZABETH "BETTIE ANN"5 WILLIS, BENJAMIN A.4, BENJAMIN3, REV. HENRY W. WILLIS2 JR., HENRY1 WILLIS)

      

Child of THOMAS MELVIN FAUCETTE is:

       i.     WILLIAM MARK9 FAUCETTE.

 

 

 

 

Composed and Edited by: Latham Mark Phelps --- September 2004