Willett, R. S.

WILLETT, MCWHARTON

Posted By: Gary Norris (email)
Date: 2/27/2013 at 08:10:04

The History of Poweshiek County, Iowa
Des Moines: Union Hist. Co., 1880.

WILLETT, R.S.—Scott Twp—pg 770. Farmer, section 7, P.O. Montezuma. Was born in 1841 in Mercer county, Illinois, where he lived on a farm for twenty-five years, receiving an ordinary education; then in 1866, came to Scott township, where he bought one-half section of prairie, which he now has under cultivation; having now in good thriving condition, 2,000 bearing trees, also an extensive young nursery of the latest and best varieties of small fruit. Mr. Willett received the highest medal and award in 1876, at Philadelphia for the best variety of apples on exhibition. He was married, December 25, 1866, to Miss Edith, oldest daughter of Tylor and Lydia McWharton. They have three children: Myrtle (aged 13), Glenn M. (aged 9) and Raymond L. (aged 3 years). The subject of this sketch enlisted, September 30, 1861, in the Thirtieth Illinois infantry at Aledo, and re-enlisted, serving till the close of the war. He served in all the campaigns of the Western army, being wounded in both legs, from which he was laid up for a few months. One of the wounds was received at Fort Donelson. Mr. Willett was elected first sergeant on re-enlisting. He was school treasurer form 1872 to 1874; justice of the peace form 1870 to 1874, having tried many cases during his term of office, none of which were reversed by the higher courts.