Bio of JENNISON, Willis Jason (b.1852 d.1908), Hennepin Co., MN
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EXTRACTED FROM: History of Minneapolis, Gateway to the Northwest; 
Chicago-Minneapolis, The S J Clarke Publishing Co, 1923; Edited by: Rev. 
Marion Daniel Shutter, D.D., LL.D.; Volume I - Shutter (Historical); 
volume II - Biographical; volume III - Biographical
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Vol II, pg 802-805
WILLIS JASON JENNISON
While it is the law of nature that each individual who enters upon this earthly
existence must pass from it, it also seems nature's purpose that each individual
shall contribute something to the world's work and take his part in pushing
forward the wheels of progress. If he follows destructive methods he becomes an
outcast from society, and indifference or negligence makes him a negative
factor, but when he is actuated by industry and a determined spirit he
contributes something to the steady growth and development that is marking the
history of the centuries. In a review of the life work of Willis Jason Jennison
it will be seen that at all times he bore his full share in the work of
advancement and improvement. He was a native son of New England, his birth
having occurred at Shelburne, Chittenden. county, Vermont, on the 17th of May,
1852. In that section of the country he spent his boyhood and youth but was left
an orphan during his infancy. A well-to-do and generous uncle, however,
furnished for him a pleasant home and amid attractive environment and with good
opportunities he spent his youth, pursuing his education in the Essex Classical
school and in the Barre Academy of his native state. The reports that reached
him concerning the west and its opportunities proved to him an irresistible
attraction and when twenty-two years of age he made his way to Janesville,
Minnesota, where his elder half brother, Warren Jennison, was at that time
engaged in business. For a while Willis J. Jennison was employed as a clerk in a
store at that place and later he embarked in business on his own account,
establishing a retail lumber yard at Waseca. This he conducted for five years
and then in 1882 entered into partnership with the Stokes Brothers in the
building of a flour mill at Watertown, South Dakota, of which he remained the
active manager for five years. On the expiration of that period he returned to
Waseca and for six years devoted his time to the supervision of his milling
interests at Janesville.
His identification with Minneapolis dates from 1893 and for three years he gave
his attention to milling interests outside of the city but in 1896 organized the
W. J. Jennison Company, which acquired a large mill at Appleton, Minnesota. Of
the company owning and controlling this Mr. Jennison was the president and from
that time forward he conducted an extensive wholesale flour business. His plans
were ever guided by sound judgment and he never faltered in the execution of his
purposes. He studied closely the opportunities of business conditions at the
moment and he also looked forward to the chances of the future. His judgment
seemed rarely, if ever, at fault in matters of business and his diligence and
determination carried him steadily forward to the goal of success. For some
years he was interested in the firm of Gregory, Jennison & Company, grain
dealers of Minneapolis, and also in the Powers Elevator Company. He was likewise
a stockholder and director of a bank at Janesville, but his energies were
centered principally in the grain and milling business.
Three years after his removal to the west Mr. Jennison returned to Hinesburg,
Vermont, and was there united in marriage in 1877 to Miss Florence Beecher, a
daughter of Dr. Elmer Beecher, a representative of one of the old and
distinguished families of New England. Mr. and Mrs. Jennison became the parents
of a daughter, Helen, who is now the wife of Carl Rollins.
Mr. Jennison passed away on the 11th of June, 1908, and thus the activities of
one who had been a strong and forceful factor in the business upbuilding of the
Northwest were forever stilled. He had made for himself a most creditable
position in commercial and financial circles and through the social activities
of his life he had gained many friends. He belonged to the Lafayette Club and
advanced far in Masonry, becoming a member of Zuhrah Temple of the Mystic
Shrine. His political allegiance was always given to the republican party and
his religious faith was indicated in his membership in the Park Avenue
Congregational church. At all times the teachings of the Christian religion
guided him in his relations with his fellowmen, so that every transaction was
characterized by both honesty and honor. Mr. Jennison was a great believer in
young men and was ever ready to assist them, not only with encouraging words but
also with sympathetic deeds and, when necessary, with financial aid. Many
successful business men of Minneapolis owe their start to his friendly advice
and financial assistance in time of need.