Henry Willis (c1740-aft1785)

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OVERVIEW
Henry Willis settled in Allisons Gap, near modern Saltville, Washington County, VA in 1769. He was one of the first settlers to establish a homesite after the area was open for settlement in that year. [Article needed on the Proclamation Line. The location of his home may have been selected because it was near, or perhaps included, portions of the salt lick that would eventually give the town of Saltville its name.

Ancestry
Henry's parents are currently unknown. He is thought to be the father of Abner Willis (c1775-aft1840). YDNA tests for a descendant of Abner show a close match (2 steps on 37 markers) with descendants of Francis Willis (?-?) of Gloucester Co, VA. it is presumed that Henry's parents were in someway related to the Willis of Gloucester County. In this regard, it is useful to note that "Henry" was a very common given name within the Gloucester County Willis'.



ChildList


Records
References to Willis' contained in Chalkley, 1929