WILLIS FAMILY- Descendants of Samuel Willis of Wargrave, England

Our WILLIS family originated in Wargrave in Berkshire and later lived in Chalgrove and Henley on Thames in Oxfordshire, England from where our early forbears emigrated. Some settled in Queensland and others in New South Wales.

Additional family names include, Plested, Harman, Abell, Tester, and Wood.

William Willis and his wife Maria Harding Mines emigrated from England to Brisbane in 1873 on the ship "Alexandra" with their two youngest children Thomas & Kate. Another son, Henry arrived in 1874 with his wife & family. Sadly none of their eight children survived.

Willis family members have always been industrious with each succeeding generation "improving their lot" rising from the humble "Ag Lab" beginnings in England to becoming qualified tradesmen, nurses & teachers in Australia. Some have successfully entered the world of commerce and law and have stood for public office. Martha Plested, sister of Mrs. Emma Plested Willis became a pioneer missionary to India.

Willis genealogy research by Willis family members in numerous records over many years has resulted in the most comprehensive Family History for the Willis family of Wargrave and their descendants in Australia.

Family villages and towns in England were visited in 2005, 2007 and 2008. Genealogy material was gathered during these visits.Several subscriptions to major online sites with digital images of original records are maintained. Accuracy is strived for but not always possible due to source errors, gaps in records or differences in interpretation of old handwriting styles. More details and/or corrections are very welcome.

Original records should always be checked personally.