Descendants of Henry Willis
TheWillis Family in Caswell County, North Carolina
The Willis family came to Caswell County in the Mid-1700’s fromGoochland County Virginia. The patriarch of the Caswell County Willis’s wasHenry Willis Sr. and his wife Mary Watkins a descendant of the Farrar family ofColonial Virginia and England. Mary Watkins was a daughter of Joseph Watkinsand Mary Farrar. The following is some interesting information on the FarrarFamily.
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From The Farrars, by William B. and EthelFarrar,
In1618 Nicholas Ferrar sent out his son, William, to Virginia, on the Neptune.
Anold account relates that Lord Delaware, who had been prevented by continuedillness from returning to Virginia, made preparations to go as soon aspossible. In April 1618, having "builded a faire ship, the Neptune, forthat 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, asCapt. Argall, had many interesting adventures. Contrary winds blew the Neptuneabout mercilessly and in addition to seasickness its passengers were afflictedwith dysentery. During the long, dreadful voyage Lord Delaware and thirty ofhis emigrants died, and most of the survivors arrived at Jamestown ill."
Inthose days the first son inherited the title and the estate. Few people tooknotice of younger sons, especially when the elder ones showed such promise. Itwas 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 ispleasant to note that so many well-known and distinguished families back inEngland saw their younger sons win their spurs in the Colonies, to add newluster to the family renown. Of such a group who made their home in Virginiaand became at once leaders, politically and socially, was "WILLIAM FARRAR,styled Gentleman."
Thefollowing passage is from Behold Virginia by George F. Wilson, 1951.
Altogetherthe Indians in the Massacre of 1622 slaughtered 347 men, women, and children,including six members of the Royal Council. Capt. Samuel Jordan fortifiedBeggar's Bush, known later as Jordan's Jorney, and he lived there"despight the enemy." Jordan died a year later, and there was a rushfor 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 Madisonto plead his suit. Cecily replied that she would as soon take Pooley as anyother but, as she was pregnant, she would not engage herself, she said,"until she was delivered."
Butthe amorous Reverend could not wait, and came a few days later with Madison,telling her "he should contract himself to her," and spake thesewords, "I, Greville Pooley, take thee, Sysley, to my wedded wife, to haveand 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, takethee, Greville, to my wedded husband, to have and to hold till death do uspart."
Cecilysaid nothing, but they drank to each other and kissed. Then, evincing somedelicacy about her condition and the situation she found herself in, she askedthat it might not be revealed that she did so soon bestow her love after herhusband's death.
Pooleypromised, but was soon boasting of his conquest, very foolishly, for"Sysley" now engaged herself to William Farrar, one of the DeputyTreasurer's younger brothers, and member of the Council.
Enraged,Pooley brought suit for breach of promise. The case was too much for theauthorities at Jamestown, who referred it to London.
Thejilted Pooley soon found solace in a bride, it appears, but met a tragic deathin 1629, when Indians attacked his house, and slew him, his wife and all hisfamily.
Thefollowing passage is from Tidewater Virginia by Paul Wilstach, 1929.
Goingup the James River you pass Harrison's Landing, Berkeley, the Forest - - - Thenext projection of land round which the river bends is Jordan's Point, whereonce lived the too fascinating widow, Cecily Jordan, whose history recallsanother instance of the striking difficulty James River men had in holdingtheir sweethearts to their promises. This headstrong lady provided the uniqueinstance of a woman being sued by a man for breach of promise. When her husbanddied he left her so comfortably provided with worldly goods that hereby, inaddition to her other charms, she became quite irresistible to Captain WilliamFarrar, kinsman to the Deputy Treasurer of the colony, and also the ReverendGreville Pooley, minister of the Parish; and apparently they were quiteirresistible to her, for she engaged herself to both! The parson sued. Thoughhe lost his case and had to sign a formal release to the Widow Cecily bindinghimself in the sum of 500 pounds never to have any claim, right or title toher, the Governor and Council of the Colony were so stirred by theextraordinary incident that they issued a solemn proclamation against a womanengaging herself to more than one man at a time. And there is not in Virginiaany known record that his edict has ever been revoked.
Thefollowing passage is from The Farrars, by William B. and Ethel Farrar.
Thecareer of the fascinating Cecily as a heart breaker caused the General Assemblyto pass a law for the protection of Virginia bachelors, and gave her a place inhistory.
Whenthe Parson sued, June 14, 1623, Captain William Farrar, trained for the law inEngland and how the attorney who administered her husband's estate,successfully defended Mrs. Jordan in what was the first breach of promise suitin America, winning not only the suit but his client in matrimony.
TheGovernor and Council could not bring themselves to decide the question andcontinued it until November 27, then referred the case to the Council forVirginia in London, "desiring the resolution of the civil lawyers thereonand a speedy return thereof." But they declined to make a decision andreturned it, saying they "knew not how to decide so nice adifference."
Afterthe Reverend Pooley signed the release, Cecily "contracted herself beforethe Governor and Council to Captain William Farrar."
FromCarter's Life of Nicholas Ferrar (Jr.), 1892:
NicholasFerrar, the elder, was a fair type of the great merchants of London, well-born,loyal (he "was written Esquire by Queen Elizabeth" in return forliberal assistance), hot-tempered, generous hearted, a man of wide sympathies,gathering many of the notable men of the day round the hospitable table of hisfine house in the city; a zealous churchman, repairing and seating at his ownexpense his parish church of St. Sythes, and providing a morning preacher forthe same. Mr. Ferrar's portrait, by Janssen, is to be seen at Cambridge in theMaster's Lodge at Magdalen College, a fine open face with uprightness andhonesty in every line. His wife, Mary Woodenoth, of the ancient family ofWoodenoths of Shavington, was a remarkable woman, gifted with the same power ofimpressing her personality on those round her which was one of the markedcharacteristics of her son, Nicholas. Her portrait hangs beside her husband's.The firm, delicate lines of finely cut features, the exquisitely faircomplexion, the noble and serious countenance suit well with the descriptionwhich is given of her in the memoir of her son.
The following is information on Henry Willis’s wife MaryWatkins immigrant Watkins ancestors.
NOTESfrom Henry Watkins of Henrico County, by Jane Allen, 1985:
ThatHenry 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 CityCounty conveyed to Walter Aston acreage in Charles City near Shirly Hundred"bordering south upon a Creeke called Henry Watkins, his Creeke." AHenry Watkins, therefore, lived not more than a few miles from the home in 1679of Henry, b: 1637/8.
Thisearly presence in Virginia of Henry I is further supported by "TheComplete 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 reportfrom the Governor and Council of Virginia at James City to the king rebuttingthe accusations against the plantations made by Captain Nathaniel Butler, Sixthousand, not ten thousand, persons have been transported to Virginia who, forthe most part, were wasted by the cruelty of Sir Thomas Smyth's government.
HenryWatkins 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 attimes to clash with the ruling authorities in Virginia. Henry Watkins was asmall but hard-working farmer. In 1660 the Virginia Assembly had passed astrict law against Quakers. They were described as "...an unreasonable andturbulent sort of people, who daily gather together unlawful assemblies ofpeople, teaching lies, miracles, false visions, prophecies, and doctrinestending to disturb the peace, disorganize Society and destroy all laws, andgovernment, and religion."
Inthe list of heads of families in Henrico County, 1679, he is listed as head offamily with three tithables and shown as living in the vicinity of TurkeyIsland. In 1679 he received a patent for 170 acres of land on the north side ofJames 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).
InJune, 1684, the Courts of Henrico refused his petition for a remission of finesimposed upon him "he not appearing himself to supplicate this Court but(as ye Court Conceives) continuing still in his Quakerism."
InJuly 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 thesame year he patented 60 acres of land "adjoining his own land andtouching a run on Turkey Island Creek."
Hewas the father of at least seven children and in 1692 deeded his land in Henricoto his five sons. To William, Joseph, and Edward he deeded each 120 acres ofland on the south side of Chickahominy Swamp, to Henry the "track of landon which his father then lived", acreage not given, and to Thomas 200acres on the 'three runs'.
In1699 he subscribed 500 pounds of tobacco towards building the Friendsmeetinghouse at Curls. In 1703 he paid 50 pounds of tobacco towards finishingthe building.
1704Quit Rents of Virginia list Henry Sr. with 100 acres in Henrico County.
In"Beginnings of the Families of Henrico", William Clayton Torrencewrites "One of the most interesting families in Virginia from the point ofview of economic, social, and political development is the distinguished familyof which Henry Watkins is the immigrant ancestor."
The following information concerns my Willis ancestors inAmerica and the speculation about the parents of Henry Willis Sr.’s parentswere and the time frame when he possibly removed to Caswell County as he soldhis property in Virginia in 1762.
The following submitted by [email protected] 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 Henricowhere they had previously resided. Brothers?, Father/Son? Lack of necessaryrecords make it difficult to sort the out the family. It does appear they hadconnections 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 andlater 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 havebeen artisans engaged in carpentry, shoemaking, coopering and the like. Our progenitor,Henry Willis, first appears in Goochland County records in 1748. How long hehad been a resident or if he had been born there is unknown. Whether he hadjust moved there or had just become a tithable is uncertain. If the latterwas the case, he would have been born 1731/32. Not much is known of Williamexcept 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 knownof Robert, (son of Robert(?)), who married Mary Price and later Agnes, whosesurname is unknown. He died about 1749. His children were: Robert Willismarried Hellender Nailine; Zene Willis married A. Hix; Anne Price Willis;Betty Willis married Henry Hicks(?); William Willis; Price Willlis; WilliamsonWillis. There may have been others. He was a carpenter. David Willis appearsin Goochland records in 1743; he died ca 1749. He had sons Edward and Williamand possibly a daughter, Jemima who married John Woodall. He worked as ashoemaker. He is believed to have been a kinsman of Edward (ca 1660-1735) ofHanover County. Other Willises appear briefly in the records before moving onto other parts. They were Richard, Thomas, Edward, Major. So the ancestry ofHenry Willis is questionable. Was it William? Was it Robert? David does notseem likely. In 1762, when Henry sold his land on Tuckahoe Creek, EdwardWillis (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 onto SC and GA. |
LastWill of Henry Willis Jr.
CaswellCounty, North Carolina
DeedBook Page 405 1821
Inthe name of God Amen, I Henry Willis of the County of Caswell and State ofNorth Carolina being weak in body but of Sound mind do make this my last willand Testament in manner and form following (Viz)
Firstit is my wish that my debts should be paid out of the money I have on hand. Therest of the money on hand I wish to be laid out in purchasing Two horses forthe use of the plantation.
Iwish my daughters Betsy Smith, Polly Heritage and Joice Chandler to have Twohundred & fifty dollars in cash within twelve months after my decease.
Iwish the plantation on which I live to be kept up by my Two Sons Henry WillisJr. and Anderson Willis, Who are to have charge of my Negroes, horses and stockduring my Wife’s lifetime or Widowhood for her Support and children now livingwith her, after her death or marriage I wish an equal division to take place ofmy property between all my Children. That portion of my estate which I I giveto my daughter Polly Heritage I wish to be placed in the hands of Mr. FrancisSmith or some careful person for the benefit of her and her children.
Mysmall tract of Land over the Creek I wish to be Sold and such other property asmy Executors shall think best to enable them to make out my Daughter’s legacyabove mentioned.
Iappoint my Sons Nicholas Willis, HenryWillis and Anderson Willis my Executors to this my Last Will. WitnessWhereof I do Set my hand and Seal this31st October 1820.
His
Henry x Willis
Mark
Witnesses
Jno.L . Graves
WilliamRussell (Jurat)
Ro.P. Buchanan (Jurat)
Stateof North Carolina
CaswellCounty January Court 1821
TheExecution of the foregoing Will of Henry Willis deceased was duly proven I Open Court by the Oaths ofWilliam Russell and Robert P. Buchanan Two of the Subscribing Witnesses theretoand on motion ordered to be recorded. At the Same time Nicholas Willis, HenryWillis Jr. and Anderson Willis the Executors therein mentioned, Came into Courtand duly qualified to Execute the Sameand 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 PollyHaddock’s family (wife) of Henry Willis Jr. Andrew Haddock Sr. came to Caswellfrom 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 inSaint 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 NorfolkCo., VA m: Abt. 1741 in Pitt County, North Carolina d: Bet. May - December 1802in Haddock Plantation, Pitt Co., North Carolina Burial: Haddock Plantation,Pitt Co., North Carolina [no stone]
Children ofJohn Haddock Sr. and Liscomb Taylor:
2 Andrew Haddock, Sr. b: 1742 inPitt County, North Carolina d: May 15, 1793 in Caswell Co., North Carolina+Elizabeth Hicks b: 1747 in Goochland Co., Virginia m: Abt. 1761 in NorthCarolina d: May 05, 1808 in Caswell Co., North Carolina
2 John Haddock, Jr. b: 1744 in PittCounty, North Carolina d: 1822 in Jones County, Georgia +Rhoda Taylor b: 1741in Pitt County, North Carolina m: May 04, 1766 in Pitt County, North Carolinad: 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 PittCounty, North Carolina d: Bef. 1827 in Kings Ferry, Nassau Co., Florida +AmeyHardee 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 PittCounty, North Carolina d: Aft. 1830 in Colleton County, South Carolina +Sarahb: 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 inPitt 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: inDouble 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 PittCo., North Carolina +Nancy b: Abt. 1757 m: Abt. 1777 in Pitt Co., NorthCarolina d: Aft. 1824 in Pitt Co., North Carolina
2 PeterHaddock b: 1764 in Pitt County, North Carolina d: September 04, 1820 inJefferson County, Mississippi + b: Abt. 1764 m: Abt. 1784 in Pitt County, NorthCarolina d: Aft. 1820
2 Liscomb Haddock b: Abt. 1767 inPitt Co., North Carolina d: December 26, 1845 in Wayne Co., GA +ArchibaldCampbell 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. andthey lived in the Piney Woods of Pitt Co., NC. Her brother was William TaylorJr. 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.]
LiscombTaylor Haddock's, father's, obituary is most interesting, so it has beenincluded here as part of the Haddock family research project. It reads: WilliamTaylor, Sr., dies in 1794 in Pitt County at the Age of 114: Lately, in thePiney Woods of Pitt County, where he had resided for 40 years past with hisyoungest son, who is in the 63rd year of his age, Mr. William Taylor, aged 114years. He was born either in Virginia or this state - enjoyed for many yearspast a perfect state of health, and on the morning of his death had set off towalk two miles to get a pair of shoes, but was seized with a fit shortly afterhe 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 belowis one of the earliest deeds for John Haddock- taken from the text of HaddockHeritage, Second Edition, pub 2003, by Donna Haddock Cooper.
In 1757, adeed was located in North Carolina in Beaufort Co., NC, and, in abstract, itreads: Know Ye that I John Wain of Craven County for the contraction of eightpounds 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 andabsolutely bargain Sell convey and confirm unto the said Hadock [sic] his heirsand assigns a parcel of land containing one hundred acres, being part of 300acres as by patent dated July 10th, 1752 beginning at Edens branch and with thebranch to the back line and with the back line to Galling branch and down thebranch to Swift Creek and with the creek to the beginning. To have and hold thesaid land and all woods waters timber trees and all other the appurtenancethereto belonging to I John Wain for myself my heirs Exors and admis. ascovenant 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 atall times hereafter to have hold and enjoy the said land and premises free andclear of all times hereafter to have hold and enjoy the said land and premisesfree and clear of all encumbrances lastly. I the said John Wain and my heirs atall times hereafter at the cost of the said John Hadock [sic] his heirs assignsshall do and execute other conveyances unto the said John Hadock his heirs andassigns as by his or kin council in the law Shall be reasonably required. Withmy hand and Seal this day in the year 1757. John Wain [mark] Sealed anddelivered in presence of George Sugg, John Price [mark] Beaufort County,December Court 1757. Present his Majestic Justices, This certifies that thewithin and was exhibited into Court and proved by the Oat of John Price one ofthe 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 AndrewHaddock, Sr. b: 1742 in Pitt County, North Carolina d: May 15, 1793 in CaswellCo., 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., NorthCarolina 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 inCarroll County, Tennessee
2 MaryHaddock aka: Polly b: 1763 in Caswell Co., North Carolina d: October 09, 1847in Caswell Co., North Carolina +Henry Willis, Jr. aka: Rev. b: 1762 in CaswellCo., North Carolina m: May 21, 1783 in Caswell Co., North Carolina d: November01, 1820 in Caswell Co., North Carolina [Will Date]
2 JamesHaddock, Sr. b: Bet. 1764 - 1765 in North Carolina d: Aft. 1810 in UnionDistrict, South Carolina +Elizabeth Lyles aka: Betsy b: Abt. 1765 in Marylandm: Abt. 1785 d: in Union District, South Carolina [Go to TN]
2 NancyHaddock b: 1766 in Caswell Co., North Carolina d: 1854 in Knox Co., TennesseeBurial: New Hopewell Baptist Church Cemetery, Knox Co., TN +Luke Stansbury, Sr.b: March 06, 1758 in Baltimore, Baltimore Co., Maryland m: February 01, 1791 inCaswell Co., North Carolina d: October 13, 1848 in Knox Co., Tennessee Burial:New Hopewell Baptist Church Cemetery, Kimberlin Heights, Knox Co., TN
2 AndrewHaddock, Jr. b: Abt. 1770 in Caswell Co., North Carolina d: Aft. 1850 inMontgomery County, Tennessee +Peggy Green b: Abt. 1786 in Caswell Co., NorthCarolina 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 RichardHaddock b: 1771 in Caswell Co., North Carolina d: April 19, 1818 in CaswellCo., North Carolina +Providence Wright b: Abt. 1776 in Caswell Co., NorthCarolina m: July 29, 1796 in Caswell Co., North Carolina d: Abt. 1832 inCaswell Co., North Carolina
2 ElizabethHaddock b: 1787 in Caswell County, North Carolina
Taken fromthe text of Haddock Heritage, Second Edition, pub 2003: In abstract, in1771, Andrew Haddock's deed was listed in Tryon Co., NC. That area was later apart 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 ofproclamation money ... land on north side of fork Catawba, adjacent Ramsour'sproperty, 150 acres granted to said Haddock on 4th May 1769 ... Germansignature [seal] Witness: John Dickson, James Dickson, Rec. Jan Term 1772. TheRamsour family was later listed as being in Lincoln County, NC, and lived nearwhat is known today as King's Mountain. They likely never moved - the countylines changed.
Taken fromthe text of Haddock Heritage, Second Edition, pub 2003: Andrew Haddockwas the heir of his wife's father, Henry Hicks and from his service obtained640 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'sRegister, Volume X, page 255 - No.: 1075]. To whom granted and rank: AndrewHaddock, Sergeant, 1,000, acres for service in months of 84 months, signed:Cole Self. [Land Warrants] Henry Hicks, North Carolina, a private, whose landwas 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 HaddockWillis’s Last Will, wife of Henry Willis Jr.(son of Henry Willis Sr. and MaryWatkins) , her parents were Andrew Haddock and Elizabeth Hicks. Andrew Haddockwas 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, WilkensChandler, William Herritage and wife, Polly. Mary Willis conveys to otherlegatees also to Kezziah Willis and Nancy Willis all her interest and right toestate of Henry Willis except 1/3 part where she resides. Divsion of estate tobe by Barzilla Graves, Azariah Graves, and William Graves. As legatee of HenryWillis, 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 asfollows:
Henry Willis Sr. and Mary Watkins –7thGreat-Grandparents
Henry Willis Jr. and Mary Polly Haddock – 6thGreat-Grandparents
Benjamin Willis and Susannah Chandler – 5thGreat-Grandparents
Benjamin A. Willis and Lucinda Campbell – 4thGreat-Grandparents
Elizabeth “Betty” Willis and Lillington L. Blackwell – 3rdGreat-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
Descendantsof Henry Willis Sr.
GenerationNo. 1
1. HENRY1 WILLIS was born 1731 in GoochlandCounty, Virginia, and died Aft. 1810 in Rutherford County, N.C.. He married MARY WATKINS March 11, 1752 in GoochlandCounty, Virginia, daughter of JOSEPH WATKINS and MARY FARRAR. She was born 1738 in Goochland County, Virginia.
Childrenof 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, GoochlandCounty, 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 CountyNC; d. Aft. 1840; m. (1) TIMOTHY TWIGGS, April 08, 1793; m. (2) ELISHA MASHBURN, November 15, 1821.
GenerationNo. 2
2. REV. HENRY W. WILLIS2 JR. (HENRY1 WILLIS) was born 1764, and diedNovember 01, 1820. He married MARY POLLY HADDOCK May 28, 1783 in CaswellCounty NC.
Childrenof REV. JR. and MARY HADDOCK are:
3. i. BENJAMIN3 WILLIS, b. June 25, 1790, CaswellCounty 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, CaswellCounty NC.
iv. ELIZABETH WILLIS, b. March 30, 1788, CaswellCounty NC.
v. MARY POLLY WILLIS, b. August 24, 1792,Caswell County NC; m. WILLIAM HERITAGE, December 21, 1809, CaswellCounty NC.
vi. HENRY WILLIS, b. April 24, 1795, CaswellCounty 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, CaswellCounty 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.
GenerationNo. 3
3. BENJAMIN3 WILLIS (REV. HENRY W. WILLIS2 JR., HENRY1 WILLIS) was born June 25, 1790 inCaswell County NC, and died June 14, 1867 in Webster County, MO.. He married SUSANNAH CHANDLER November 20, 1811 inCaswell County NC. She was born 1795,and died 1880 in Webster County, MO..
MoreAbout BENJAMIN WILLIS:
Burial:Welch Cemetery, Webster County, MO.
MoreAbout SUSANNAH CHANDLER:
Burial:Welch Cemetery, Webster County, MO.
Childrenof BENJAMIN WILLIS and SUSANNAH CHANDLER are:
5. i. BENJAMIN A.4 WILLIS, b. 1825, Caswell CountyNC.
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, 1786in Caswell County NC, and died September 20, 1861 in Princeton, Dallas Co,AR.. He married NANCY TURNER October 20, 1804 in CaswellCounty 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..
MoreAbout REV. NICHOLAS W. WILLIS:
Burial:Holly Springs, Dallas Co., AR.
Childrenof 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.
Notesfor HENRY WILLIS:
TheTown of Williston Tenn. was named after him.
iii. JOHN WILLIS, b. 1807, Caswell CountyNC; m. BETSY WARD, February 20, 1827, Caswell County NC.
iv. JAMES WILLIS, b. 1810, Caswell CountyNC; m. (1) ANN WILLIAMS, November 20, 1832, Caswell County NC; m. (2) JULIA HUTCHINS, April 20, 1845, FayetteCounty, 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, CaswellCounty NC.
vi. FRANCIS M.M. WILLIS, b. June 26, 1818; d. July10, 1897, Dallas County, AR; m. BRIGGS GATLING.
MoreAbout 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.
MoreAbout 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..
GenerationNo. 4
5. BENJAMIN A.4 WILLIS (BENJAMIN3, REV. HENRY W. WILLIS2 JR., HENRY1 WILLIS) was born 1825 in CaswellCounty NC. He married LUCINDA CAMPBELL.
Childof BENJAMIN WILLIS and LUCINDA CAMPBELL is:
8. i. ELIZABETH "BETTIE ANN"5 WILLIS, b. 1857, Caswell countync.
6. THOMAS H.4 WILLIS (BENJAMIN3, REV. HENRY W. WILLIS2 JR., HENRY1 WILLIS) was born 1823. He married HARRIET MITCHELL September 28, 1844.
Childof THOMAS WILLIS and HARRIET MITCHELL is:
i. NATHANIEL H5 WILLIS, b. 1865; m. HATTIE L. WILLIS, January 28, 1880, CaswellCounty NC; b. 1868.
ii. MyGreat-Grandmother Cannie Elizabeth Blackwellwas 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’s2nd cousin and Nathaniel and Hattie Willis were 2nd cousinsto 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 CaswellCounty NC.
Childof THOMAS WILLIS and SOPHIA LEA is:
i. HATTIE L.5 WILLIS, b. 1868; m. NATHANIEL H WILLIS, January 28, 1880, CaswellCounty NC; b. 1865.
GenerationNo. 5
8. ELIZABETH "BETTIE ANN"5 WILLIS (BENJAMIN A.4, BENJAMIN3, REV. HENRY W. WILLIS2 JR., HENRY1 WILLIS)1 was born 1857in Caswell county nc. She married LILLINGTON L. "BILLY" BLACKWELL1 November 18, 1877 inAnderson 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.
Childrenof ELIZABETH WILLIS and LILLINGTON BLACKWELL are:
9. i. CANNIE ELIZABETH6 BLACKWELL, b. 1888, Caswell countync; d. 1909, Caswell county nc.
ii. WILMA MADIA (WARD) BLACKWELL, b. 1884.
iii. BENJAMIN L. BLACKWELL, b. 1889.
GenerationNo. 6
9. CANNIE ELIZABETH6 BLACKWELL (ELIZABETH "BETTIE ANN"5 WILLIS, BENJAMIN A.4, BENJAMIN3, REV. HENRY W. WILLIS2 JR., HENRY1 WILLIS)1 was born 1888in Caswell county nc1, and died 1909 in Caswell county nc1. She married JAMES MONROE MORTON1 May 18, 1905 in caswellcounty 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.
MoreAbout JAMES MONROE MORTON:
Burial:leasburg nc1
Childrenof CANNIE BLACKWELL and JAMES MORTON are:
10. i. HATTIE BELLE7 MORTON, b. March 17, 1906, CaswellCounty, NC; d. October 28, 1990, Caswell County, NC.
11. ii. GLADYS ELIZABETH MORTON.
GenerationNo. 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 March17, 1906 in Caswell County, NC1, and died October 28, 1990 inCaswell County, NC1. Shemarried 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.
Childrenof HATTIE MORTON and WILLIAM LUNSFORD are:
12. i. REBA JEAN8 LUNSFORD, b. May 03, 1930, CaswellCounty, 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.
Childof GLADYS ELIZABETH MORTON is:
13. i. THOMAS MELVIN8 FAUCETTE.
GenerationNo. 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 May03, 1930 in Caswell County, NC1. She married WILFORD LATHAM PHELPS1 November 18, 1949 inLeasburg, NC1, son of LEWIS PHELPS and CATHERINE WALKER. He was born May 18, 1928 in Person County,NC.
Childrenof REBA LUNSFORD and WILFORD PHELPS are:
i. LATHAM MARK9 PHELPS1, b. March 12, 1950, Mebane,NC1; m. BETTY JANE ROBERTS1, October 13, 1979, FirstReformed 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 TownPennsylvania1.
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)
Childof THOMAS MELVIN FAUCETTE is:
i. WILLIAM MARK9 FAUCETTE.
Composedand Edited by: Latham Mark Phelps --- September 2004