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This gallant soldier of the Confedercy "passed over the river" to join his comrades August 15, 1914, at his home, in Jessamine County, Ky. He was the son of William C. and Georgiana Willis and was born in Woodford County, Ky. April 8, 1841. When fifteen years old he went to Missouri, and at the outbreak of the war he enlisted in the State Guard and served with distinguished gallantry under Gen. Sterling Price in the battle of Springfield and elsewhere. He was twice wounded and captured, but succeeded in making his escape. He was transferred to the artillery, and as a member of a Missouri battery he rendered conspicuous service at Vicksburg and Mobile until the close of the war when he returned to Kentucky. His grandfather, W. T. Willis, was a captain in the 2d Regiment of Kentucky Infantry in the Mexican War and was killed at Buena Vista.

On his return to Kentucky Comrade Willis studied law at Nicholasville, and there he practiced his profession until a few years before his death. He was Clerk of the Circuit Court and master commissioner for many years, and filled every position with honor and fidelity. He married Miss Odelia H. Young in Jessamine County, Ky., December 9, 1868, and she and five children-two daughters and three sons-survive him, He was a faithful member of the Presbyterian Church and served for many years at Wilmore, Ky.

A brave soldier, a faithful follower of Jesus, and a devoted husband and father through a long life, he now sleeps in peace, his warfare ended and the victory won.