My Genealogy Hound

HON. CHARLES T. WILLIS is a man of much influence in his community, and is highly respected and regarded as a man of sound judgment in public affairs, as well as in matters relating to the farm. For many years he was one of the prominent merchants of Tyrone, but in April, 1893, he disposed of his stock of goods and invested a portion of his capital in a fine estate. It is one of the very best in the town of Tyrone, Schuyler County, and contains three hundred acres.

Mr. Willis was born in Waterloo, Seneca County, February 7, 1841. His father, the late Charles P. Willis, was a native of England, whence he came when a young man to the United States. He was financially prospered in his undertakings, and for several years owned and operated a flourmill and also a distillery in Dresden, Yates County, N. Y., in which locality he died, January 24, 1863. The lady to whom he was married, Caroline Deisher, was a native of Waterloo, this state, and was a most estimable lady, proving a true helpmate to him. Her death occurred in Tyrone early in the spring of 1890. The parental household included seven children, one son and six daughters. The subject of this sketch was quite young when his parents removed to Rushville, this state, thence to Dresden, where Charles T. grew to man’s estate and received a good education. He remained at home and assisted his father in his business enterprises until the death of that worthy gentleman, when he assumed control of the milling business at Dresden, carrying this on until 1867. That year he came to Tyrone, this county, and purchased the flourmill erected by Eli Sunderland. He put in several pieces of improved machinery, and under his efficient management the mill turned out forty barrels of flour per day. In connection with this industry, Mr. Willis also engaged in the mercantile trade at Tyrone, and from February, 1886, until, April, 1893, was the proprietor of a well stocked store of general merchandise. His trade was good, owing to his courteous treatment of customers, and during that time he made a handsome sum of money.

As stated above, our subject in the last-named year purchased his three-hundred acre farm. He was married in Tyrone, November 4, 1868, to Miss Emma J. Williams, the daughter of Ansel Williams, of Tyrone. Mrs. Willis was born in this place, February 14, 1847, and by her union with our subject has become the mother of the Following named children: Ansel M., Carrie E., Ethel M., Maude I., Charles P., James E., Hubert R. and John W.

Mr. Willis was elected to the Assembly in the fall of 1890, and while in that body served his constituents acceptably on various committees of importance. He is one of the Board of Managers of the New York State Reformatory at Elmira, to which position he was appointed by Governor Morton, April 13, 1895. An active Republican in politics, he stands high in the councils and confidence of his party. He owes his success in life mainly to his own efforts, being practically a self-made man. He is not easily discouraged, is accustomed to think before he acts, therefore makes very few mistakes, and, not being afraid of work, does not get impatient waiting for results. Such a man exerts a good influence in his community by his example, and he has the best wishes of his neighbors and friends for his complete success in life.