My Genealogy Hound

ABNER WILLIS, in his lifetime one of the successful agriculturists of Cumberland county, where his whole life had been spent, was born at Silver Spring, that county, in April, 1824, son of James and Phoebe (Atkinson) Willis.

James Willis was born near his home at Silver Spring, and there grew to maturity. By trade he was a blacksmith, and that calling he followed all his life. He was twice married, his first wife, Phoebe Atkinson, dying when her son Abner was but two years old. After her death the bereaved husband moved with his little family to a farm two miles east of Shippensburg. This farm James Willis purchased of the Widow Moore, whom he afterward married. He continued to work at his trade, while his boys carried on the farm. His children were: Samuel, of Plain City, Ohio; Abner; Isaac A., of Shippensburg; Sallie C. of Shippensburg; and Catherine, who married Robert McClay.

Abner Willis received a common school education, and was fully instructed regarding the labor on a farm. With his brothers he cultivated the home place until his marriage, after which event he engaged in farming for himself. He was industrious and practical, and in time became quite well-to-do, owning at his death, not only the old Willis homestead of 65 acres, but the adjoining farm of 130 acres, situated on the Harrisburg Turnpike, three miles east of Shippensburg. This latter farm, which was his home, and where his widow and children now reside, is one of the best improved in the neighborhood, having a substantial brick house, bank barn, well built sheds and outbuildings, all well cared for, and kept in first-class condition. Mr. Willis died at his home Nov. 9, 1894, and was laid to rest in Springhill cemetery, sincerely mourned by a large number of friends and neighbors. He died in the faith of the Presbyterian Church, the funeral services being conducted by Rev. W. A. McCarrell, pastor of that church, assisted by Rev. George C. Henry, pastor of the Memorial Lutheran Church. Besides his widow and children, his sister, Miss Sallie C., and brothers, Samuel and Isaac A., were left to mourn his loss. By nature Abner Willis was endowed with a gentle, kindly disposition, which won and retained many warm friends. He was honest and upright in all things, and all men respected him. His political affiliations were with the Democratic party, and he held at various times a number of minor offices, among them being member of the school board, tax collector and assessor, and he discharged his duties faithfully and well.

In August, 1864, Abner Willis was married to Miss Ismah Kitzmiller, who was born Oct. 30, 1832, in Southampton township, eldest daughter of Jacob and Rebecca (Weber) Kitzmiller, the former of whom, an old resident of Cumberland county, died Oct. 7, 1871, and the latter in June, 1898. Mr. and Mrs. Willis had five children, as follows: William, James and Robert, all three engaged in farming; Charlie, employed in the Harrisburg railroad office; and Carrie May, who is at home with her mother. The family is justly esteemed in the neighborhood, and the different members are each endeavoring to bear worthily their honored name.