WILLIS, DAVID PEARCE (1843~1914) David Pearce Willis, Confederate veteran, was born in Tennessee in 1843. After moving to Marion County, Arkansas, he enlisted in the Confederate Army in Yellville on July 16, 1861. He entered Company G of the 14th Arkansas Infantry as a private. After being captured after the battle of Davis' Bridge, on October 5, 1862, and later paroled, Willis transferred to Company K of the 27th Texas Cavalry, which was also know as the 1st Texas Legion.
Willis spent most of his time fighting throughout Mississippi, Georgia, and Tennessee, until he was taken as a prisoner of war on March 5, 1863, at Thompson's Station, Tennessee. He was paroled on March 28, 1863, at Fortress Monroe, Virginia.
He rejoined the 27th Cavalry and continued to serve until the Army surrendered at Citronelle, Alabama on May 4, 1865. Willis was once again taken as a prisoner of war. After the end of the War, he was paroled in Jackson, Mississippi on May 13, 1865.
In 1866, Willis moved to Texas and worked as a cowboy. On March 4, 1873, at age 30, he married Miss Sarah A. Davenport in Williamson County. Texas.
On January 9, 1909, Willis applied for and later received a Confederate Pension from the State of Texas. He was a resident of Fort Worth at that time. During this time his wife, Sarah, passed away, and Willis was no longer able to care for himself. After moving to Austin, he, on November 26, 1914, moved into the Confederate Men's Home. After living at the Home for only eleven days, Willis died on December 7. He was buried in the Texas State Cemetery the next day.
Information taken from: Compiled Military Service Record, 27th Texas Cavalry web page at http://gen.1starnet.com/civilwar/27cvmain.htm, Marriage Certificate, Confederate Pension Application # 14427, Confederate Home Roster, and Death Certificate # 25603. |
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