My Genealogy Hound

Robert L. Wills, M. D., is a son of Dr. Lewis Wills, who was a native of Knox County, Tenn., where he was born February 10, 1816. Dr. Lewis Wills was educated in Knoxville, came to Missouri in 1838, and in 1840 began reading medicine. A year later he moved to Greenfield, Dade County, Mo., and was appointed deputy clerk of the county and circuit courts, acting in this capacity four years. He continued his medical studies during this time, at leisure moments, and in 1848 moved to Carthage, thence to Neosho, Newton County, in 1850, where he engaged in the active practice of his profession until his death, which occurred August 10, 1886. He was graduated from the Missouri Medical College in 1854, and during the late war served as United States surgeon. He was married December 17, 1844, to Mary J. Spann, of Greenfield, and their children are as follows: Mattie (Mrs. James M. Ritchey), Robley D., Millard F., John C., Willie G., Robert L. and James F. One daughter, Mary, is deceased. Robert L., the seventh child, was born in Newton County October 30, 1862, where he was reared and educated. He began studying medicine under his father, attending lectures in the Missouri Medical College, and was graduated from that institution in 1884. He practiced with his father until the latter’s death, and since that time has pursued his profession alone. He is one of the rising young physicians of Southwest Missouri, and promises to rise to prominence in his profession. He was married in 1887 to Miss L. Prudence King, who was born in Wyandotte, Kas.