Abilene in Taylor County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Thomas Middlebrook Willis

(June 27, 1859 - Nov. 27, 1937)

Photographed by Duane Hall, October 8, 2014

1. Thomas Middlebrook Willis Marker

Inscription. Born in Bainbridge, Georgia, Thomas Middlebrook Willis was an important early leader in Abilene. Willis moved to Waco, Texas with his parents, Dr. Thomas L. And Mrs. Letitia Willis, in 1866. T.M. Willis first came to this area in 1878 to investigate range possibilities. In 1883, after graduating from the law school of Cumberland University in Lebanon, Tennessee, he moved here and established a practice. In 1886, Willis married Abilene resident Sallie Parker (1865 - 1954); the couple had eight children. Also in 1886, he was elected City Attorney. Willis later also served as City Judge. In 1937, the Abilene Reporter-News honored him, among others, as one of the city’s founders.

Erected 2008 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 14579.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1866.

Location. 32° 27.417′ N, 99° 43.425′ W. Marker is in Abilene, Texas, in Taylor County. It can be reached from Cottonwood Street 0.1 miles north of N. 7th Street. Marker is located in the southern section of the Abilene Municipal Cemetery; the above directions are to the cemetery entrance nearest to the marker. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Abilene TX 79601, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Big Country.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Comanchería,

the Republic of Texas,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Claiborne Walker Merchant (within shouting distance of this marker); James Winford Hunt (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); "Double V" Memorial Flagpole (about 400 feet away); Mount Zion Baptist Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); Abilene African-American Schools (approx. 0.2 miles away); Mexican-American / Americanization School (approx. 0.2 miles away); Abilene Municipal Cemetery (approx. ¼ mile away); Abilene Negro High School (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Abilene.

Also see . . . Thomas Middlebrook Willis. From the findagrave.com website. Includes a detailed biography and several images. (Submitted on October 16, 2014.)

Photographed by Duane Hall, October 8, 2014

2. Thomas Middlebrook Willis Marker

Headstone and grave of T.M. Willis is to the left of the marker

Willis Family Cemetery Plot image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Duane Hall, October 8, 2014

3. Willis Family Cemetery Plot

Abilene Municipal Cemetery image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Duane Hall, October 8, 2014

4. Abilene Municipal Cemetery

Masonic Section of Abilene Municipal Cemetery image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Duane Hall, October 8, 2014

5. Masonic Section of Abilene Municipal Cemetery

Credits. This page was last revised on December 22, 2019. It was originally submitted on October 16, 2014, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 701 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on October 16, 2014, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.