1892 Biography - John W. Willis

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 in Virginia 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.

Contributed 2021 Nov 04 by Mike Miller, from Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Louisiana, published in 1892, volume 2, pages 460-461.