Lincoln CathedralBy Steve Cadman via Wikimedia Commons

John Willis of Lincoln

Died March 1748 and buried at St. Margaret in the Close, Lincoln, on March 19. Rector of South Hykeham, Lincolnshire, 27 July 1724, and of Thorpe on the Hill, Lincolnshire, 10 September 1712, holding both until his death. The Lambeth Palace dispensation that allowed him to hold both lists him as a graduate of Kings College, Cambridge. Prebendary of St Botolph in Lincoln Cathedral, 2 March 1724 (though the CCED says 1725), Senior Vicar of the Cathedral 2 Sepember 1712, and Succentor of the Cathedral 21 September 1734.

His will, dated 16 Feb 1747/8 and proved 14 April 1749, says:

I, John Willis Clerk of ye Close of Lincoln, do make my last Will & Testament as follows – First I give to my four Sons (if alive at ye Time of my Death) each one Guinea. Their Share of my Effects having been layd out upon their Education. Item I give to my well beloved Wife two hundred Pounds. Item I give to my eldest daughter Jenevara three hundred Pounds. Item I give to my youngest Daughter Anne three hundred Pounds. And I do hereby appoint [torn] two fore-named Daughters Jenevara & Anne to be joint Executors of this my last will, & Residuary Legatees of all my Goods, Chattels, Money & Credits. In Witness whereof I have set to my Hand & Seal this 16 Day of Feb 1747-8 LAO D&C wills 19/142

Married Genevra Darling, who seems to have been born ca. 1688, daughter of James Darling of Oxford, and who died 24 October 1754 at Corringham, Lincolnshire.

Issue 4 sons and two daughters:

  1. John Willis, born about 1708

  2. Jenevara (Genevra, Jennifer) Willis, born about 1713. Baptised 1 August 1713 at St Margaret in the Close, Lincoln, and buried at Corringham, Lincolnshire, 11 March 1786, 'Sister to the late Revd Richard Willis Vicar'. (Corringham Parish Register) Her will.

  3. Richard Willis, born 24 November 1716. Baptised 17 December 1716 at St Margaret in the Close, Lincoln, and buried at Corringham 27 December 1781. His will.

    Educated at Magdalen College Oxford (BA 1736; MA 26 January 1738/9), and ordained Deacon 24 December 1738 and Priest 21 December 1740. Vicar of Corringham, Lincolnshire 26 September 1741, and Rector of Benington, Lincolnshire, 23 December 1763.

    Sunday se'nnight died at Corringham, near Gainsborough, in Lincolnshire, the Rev. Mr Richard Willis, a gentleman highly esteemed for his integrity and learning. Leeds Intelligencer, Tuesday 25 December 1781

  4. Francis Willis, born about 1718

  5. Ann Willis, baptised 9 March 1720 at St Margaret in the Close, Lincoln. Married on 16 February 1749 at Walkeringham, Nottinghamshire, to Matthew King. Issue one daughter, Jenevara, born and died at Corringham in 1751.

  6. Cecil Willis, baptised 7 September 1723 at St Margaret in the Close, Lincoln