RICHARD T. WILLIS.-The substantial and well-to-do citizens of Haddon township, Sullivan county, have no better representative than Richard T. Willis, who holds high rank among the systematic, progressive and business-like farmers that are so ably conducting the extensive agricultural interests of this part of Sullivan county. He is surely a native and to the manor birth, his birth having occurred on the farm where he now resides, July 17, 1854. He is a son of the late Edward Willis, and grandson of Richard Willis, who emigrated from Kentucky to Indiana in 1832, took up land in Haddon township, and here spent his remaining years. He was a life-long farmer, and was, also, very, fond of hunting, being an expert marksman.
Born at Crab Orchard, Kentucky, January 10, 182(1, Edward Willis was but a child when he came with his parents to Haddon township. Finding farming congenial to his tastes, he was successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits during his entire life, at the time of his death, which occurred in 1903, being owner of about nine hundred acres of good land in Haddon township. He was a man of influence in public affairs, in his earlier life belonging to the Democratic party, but in later years supporting the principles of the Republican party. He was a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and at one time belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Religiously he was identified by membership with the Christian church. The maiden name of his wife was Pamelia Shake. She was born in Kentucky, June 10, 1826, a daughter of David Shake, who came to Haddon township about the same time that Richard Willis did. She is now living in Carlisle, Indiana. To her and her husband twelve children were born, as follows: John W., of Carlisle; James, deceased; David, of Carlisle; Richard T., of this sketch; L. H., of Hamilton township; W. D., deceased; Louisa, deceased; Fannie, wife of Rush McCammon, of Carlisle; Anna, deceased; Minnie, deceased; Ardimeca, of Carlisle; and George B., of Haddon township.
Growing to manhood on the home farm, Richard T. Willis obtained his elementary education in the district schools and remained a member of the parental household until twenty-six years old. He then began farming for himself in Haddon township, in the fall of 1888 returning to the old homestead, where he has since resided. He has dealt quite extensively in real estate, especially in farming property, and is now owner of four hundred and six acres of land in the township. He carries on general farming, raising both grain and stock, and has been a heavy cattle feeder and hog raiser, owning now one hundred and seventy hogs, and two carloads of cattle. He takes great interest in the welfare of his native town and county, and is always ready to lend his assistance in the establishment of beneficial enterprises. He was one of the organizers, and is a director, of the First National Bank of Carlisle, and is a stockholder in the Carlisle Telephone Company. In his political affiliations he has been identified with the Democratic party.
On March 14, 1882, Mr. Willis married Emma F. Plummer, who was born in Marion county, Indiana, March 17, 1857, a daughter of Samuel and Melinda (Boatman) Plummer, the former of whom was born in Ohio, and the latter in Kentucky. In 1868 Mr. and Mrs. Plummer located in Sullivan county, and here spent the remainder of their lives. Nine children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Willis, namely: Josephine, living at home; Grover, deceased; Scott, now living at home, married Zelma Near, who died in April, 1908, leaving one child, Harold Edward; Clara, Veacher, Denver, Okie, Clem and Celia. Mr. and Mrs. R. T. Willis have in their possession two of the old parchment deeds executed under the hand and seal of President Van Buren, and dated respectively August 5, 1837, and September 5, 1838. These deeds are valuable souvenirs in Sullivan county.