Annabel Willis

Annabel Mary Willis, born at Cuckfield in Sussex 17 April 1862, and baptised there 25 April 1862. Enumerated with her parents at Braceborough in 1871. Emigrated in 1883, and drowned in the French Broad River, North Carolina, 6 December 1898.

THE BODY OF MISS WILLIS WAS FOUND TODAY - She Had Gone Horseback Riding Yesterday Afternoon and Did Not Return – Coroner Notified. News was brought here this morning by Capt. J. W. Lee of French Broad township of the disappearance of Miss Emma Willis, daughter of Dr. Willis, the founder of the Church of the Redeemer, a few miles north of the city. Last night about 11 o'clock Dr. Willis was at the home of Capt. Lee's son, Dr. Lee, and related the facts concerning the disappearance of his daughter. It was Miss Willis' habit to take a ride on horseback frequently and yesterday afternoon she went out for her usual ride. As she did not return, search was made but without result last night. Capt. Lee on his way to the city this morning passed the spot where Miss Willis' horse had been found, hitched. This was at a point in the vicinity of the "Vance fish trap"in the French Broad River, and about 100 feet from the river. Footsteps leading towards the river were also seen. About 2 o'clock this afternoon Capt. H. H. White brought the news of the finding of Miss Willis' body. It was found by Ollie Sneider in the French Broad, a short distance below the point where the horse was hitched. The body had been washed against a rock in the stream. The drowning was reported to Coroner D. E. Sevier, who went to the scene this afternoon to hold the inquest. Asheville Citizen, 7 Dec 1898, Wed, Page 1

CORONER'S INQUEST - Miss Willis drowned in a Moment of Mental Depression - Coroner D. E. Sevier returned to the city late last evening after holding the inquest over the body of Miss Annabel Mary Willis, which was found in the French Broad River, as related in The Citizen yesterday. The jury after a short deliberation gave the verdict that Miss Willis had "committed suicide in a moment of mental depression." This verdict was reached after hearing the testimony of the dead lady's relatives to the effect that she was during her life subject to frequent moments of melancholy. The jury was composed of H. H. White, T. T. Stepp, J. W. Spears, A. L. Gant, J. L. Keever, D. W. Bryant. Miss Willis' surviving near relatives are her parents, Dr. and Mrs. Francis Willis, and her sisters, Misses Adeline and Irene Willis. The latter is a trained nurse. The family is well-known throughout Buncombe County and has the sympathy of everyone in its terrible bereavement. The funeral of Miss Willis will take place Saturday afternoon from the Church of the Redeemer, a few miles north of the city, which was founded by Dr. Willis some years since. The internment will be in the burying ground adjoining the Church of the Redeemer. Asheville Citizen, 8 Dec 1898, Thu, Page 4