My Genealogy Hound

E. A. WILLS, M. D., is a native of the Blue-grass State, born in Christian county, Jan. 16, 1826. His parents, Rev. Marquis P. and Sarah (Smith) Wills, were also natives of Kentucky. Father was born in 1801, and died in January, 1852, in Callaway county, Mo. Mother was born in 1800 and died in spring of 1870. During infancy our subject moved with parents to Missouri, locating on a farm in Boone county. There young Wills engaged in agricultural pursuits and attended the common schools. He finished his education in a private high school of that county. In June, 1846, he enlisted in Company H, Missouri Mounted Volunteers, Col. A. W. Donaphan commanding, and served in the Mexican War. Participated in battles of Brazeto Sacramento, near city of Chihuahua, and others of lesser importance. Was mustered out at New Orleans in summer of 1847, and returned home. Commenced the study of medicine when about twenty-three years of age under Drs. William Stone and John Hartin, of Fulton, Mo., and afterward continued with Dr. Samuel Jackson, of Boone county. In summer of 1849 made a trip to California, and while on the way en gaged in the practice of his profession. Returned to the states in 1851 and to his former home in Boone county. Remained there a short time, then moved to Harrison county, this state, and engaged in practice until the breaking out of the late war. He then moved to Gentry county and practiced until spring of 1865, when he moved to Colorado. Returned in February, 1866, and located in Linneus, Linn county. Came to Joplin in January, 1872. Dr. Wills was married in Boone county, Aug. 24, 1854, to Miss Eliza A., daughter of John B. and Sophia Ridgeway, of that county. Mrs. Wills was born Oct. 25, 1884, and died Oct. 21, 1856, leaving one child, Thomas Edwin, born Oct. 1856. The Doctor was again married Feb. 23, 1858, to Miss Sarah Ann Hodge, of Mercer county, Mo. Mrs. W. was born May 30, 1836. From this union there is one child, Samuel B., born April 10, 1861. Mrs. Wills is a member of the M. E. Church, and the Doctor a member of the Christian Church.