Obituary:   WILLIS, DANIEL HUBBARD JR.
Submitted by Randy Willis; randy@randywillis.org
Alexandria Town Talk, 23 Jun 1900.

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Another Gallant Confederate Soldier and Prominent Citizen Passes Away

At the residence of his son, D.O. Willis, near Leesville, La., on May 22, 
1900, Daniel H. Willis of Forest Hill, La., aged 61 years, one month and 20 days.

The subject of this sketch was born and raised in Rapides parish and was the 
eldest son of Rev. D.H. Willis, an eminent Baptist preacher, who spent his
entire life, earnestly laboring for his "Master's Cause" among the people
of Louisiana and dying in 1887 at the age of 72 years, greatly beloved and
regrett by all who knew him.

Young Daniel had just completed his 22nd year when the call to arms, resounded
throughout the South.  He at once enlisted in Capt. Raxdale's Co. E, 16th La. 
Regiment, Gibson's Brigade, Army of Tennessee.

He participated in all the hard battles of that army and for bravery, soldierly 
bearing, discipline and devotion to duty, he was unexcelled in his entire Brigade.  
He was made Orderly Sargeant of his Company at an early period of the war.  
It has always been said by his surviving comrades that when any particularly 
dangerous service was required, such as scouting parties to ascertain the 
position and movements of the enemy, he was always selected for the place,
and never hesitated to go, let the danger be what it may.

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.

He was paroled at Meridian, Miss., in May, 1865, and brought home with him a
copy of General Gibson's farewell adress 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.

After his return from the was in 1865 he was made Constable of Spring Hill 
ward, serving under Justice of Peace, Wm. Randolph, which position he filled 
for several years to the entire satisfaction of the people.

He was married January 10, 1867, to Miss Julia A. Graham, and from this union 
eleven children were born, eight of whom, four boys and four girls, with his
Heart-broken widow, are left to mourn his loss.

He was an affectionate and devoted husband, a loving and indulgent father, a
staunch and true friend and neighbor.  He was foremost in every movement which
tended to build up and promote the interest of the people of his community.

In his dealings and conversation he was at all times open, candid, frank and
honest.  Under no circumstances did he ever resort to deception or duplicity.
In conversation with the writer not long before his death, he said he made 
it a rule of his life to be scrupulously honest in all things.   During an 
intimate acquaintance, covering a period of twenty-five years, the writer 
never heard a vulgar or profane word pass his lips.  He was a man of strong 
convictions and would support no question or measure which he believed to be 
wrong.

In politics he was a staunce and uncompromising Democrat, and did noble and
effective work in helping to redeem Rapides parish from Republican and negro 
dominatin in the dark days of the reconstruction period.  He continued as
active worker in the councils of his party to the end of his life.

He had by industry and good management acquired a nice property and was in
easy and independent circumstances, and was never better pleased than when 
he was able to do some old soldier, less fortunate than himself, a good turn.
His hospitable and pleasant home was ever open to all, where he and his 
estimable wife dispensed their hospitality in true Southern style.

His death ws a great shock to the entire community.  He had been suffering
from heart and kidney trouble for several weeks, but had so far recovered
as to be able to travel around, and on advice of his physician he decided
to visit his son, near Leesville.  He stood the trip well and seemed to
improve for some days after his arival when all of his troubles returned
in an aggravated form and he succumbed in a few days.

His wife and three oldest sons were at his bedside when the end came.
Realizing that he must die he called his wife and sons to him and gave 
them some good and affectionate advice.  He said he had no vain regrets, 
and was not afraid to die.  He had always tried to do that which he 
believed to be right. His death was easy and painless.  He went as a 
child sinks into a sweet an gentle sleep.  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.

His remains were brought over the P.G. and Watkins roads and laid to 
rest in the family burying ground near Forest Hill, surrounded by a 
large crowd of sorowing relatives and friends.  The funeral services 
were conducted by Rev. S. Mallett, who feelingly referred to the 
deceased services to his country, to his family and his friends.

Thus the end of this true and noble live.  But his memory will ever 
be cherished in the dearts of his friends and relatives.

Asleep in Jesus, blessedsleep!
From which none ever wake to weep.
A calm and undisturbed repose,
Unbroken by the last of foes.

Asleep in Jesus, peaceful rest!
Whose waking is supremely blest.
No fear, no woe shall dim that hour,
That manifests the Saviour's power.

Asleep in Jesus, oh for me!
May such a blissful refuge be.
Securely shall my ashes lie,
Waiting the summons from on high.
A Friend