John W. Willis, Franklin Parish, Louisiana

Submitted by Mike Miller

Oct. 2000



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As an attorney John W. Willis has no superior in Richland parish, 

for he is a logical reasoner,is clear and forcible in debate, and 

as a counselor is safe and at all times to be relied upon.  He 

was born in Franklin Parish, La., September 25, 1853, the elder of 

two sons born to John W. and Catherine S. (Murphy) Willis, the former

of whom was born inVirginia and the latter in Indiana, their marriage being 

celebrated in Louisiana in 1845.



John W. Willis Sr.was the first sheriff of Franklin Parish, appointed 

by Governor Mouton, and in 1870 was appointed to the position of tax collector, 

previously filling the position of parish treasurer

for a number of years.  He was engaged in planting and became a large land holder,

 at one time being the owner of 20,000 acres of land.  He died in 1882 at his home in 

Winnsboro, La.  His widow now resides at Annona, Tex, where her youngest son, 

James M. Willis, holds a lucrative position as one of the most efficient agents and 

telegraph operators in the employ of the Texas Pacific Railroad company.  

Their son, John W. Willis, began the study of law when about nineteen years of age, 

and in 1873 entered the law department of the

University of Louisiana at New Orleans, from which he graduated in the spring of 1876,

 the same year entering upon the practice of his profession in Richland parish, first 

at Delhi and afterward at Winnsboro,removing from the latter place to Rayville in 1888, 

where he is now residing in the enjoyment of a lucrative practice.  He is regarded by his 

legal brethren as one of its foremost members,

for his large clientage speaks greatly in his favor.  He is president 

of the parish school board, and has succeeded in building up the largest and best school 

ever taught in Rayville.

Socially he is a member of the A. F. & A. M., and he and his wife are

members of the Presbyterian church.  He is the owner of 6,000 acres of land, embracing 

several small plantations, one place comprising 1,040 acres.  Mr. Willis is highly esteemed 

by the people of Richland and Franklin parishes, in which he has resided the greater part of

his life, and he and his wife move in the highest social circles.  He obtained a good practical 

English education in the schools of Evansville, Ind., and upon starting out in life was well fitted to

make his own way in the world, as his present valuable possessions would

indicate.  In 1876 he was married to Miss Rosa Berry, a daughter of Col. James M. Berry, of Delhi, La.,

 and their union has resulted in the birth of seven children--four sons and three daughters.



Biographical and Historical Memories of Louisiana, (vol. 2), pp. .

Published by the Goodspeed

Publishing Company, Chicago, 1892.