From "HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY,"  Vol. I, pages 479-480.
Brant & Fuller, 1890.


WILL J. WILLIS

Will J. Willis, one of the most successful and enterprising young 
business men of Wheeling, was born October 1, 1868.  His parents are 
Robert and Fannie (Smythe) Willis, of Canadian and Irish birth, 
respectively.  Robert Willis is a descendant of a very old and 
distinguished Canadian family, and is at present one of the most 
extensive agriculturists in his native country.   William Willis 
received his scholastic training in the schools of Stewarttown, 
Canada, his birthplace, and afterwards graduated from the college at 
that place.  His first business experience was obtained in Toronto, 
Canada, where he learned the grocery business.  In 1883 Mr. Willis 
came to Wheeling and at once entered the employ of his uncle, R. J. 
Smythe, with whom he remained until Mr. Smythe's death in 1887.  The 
business was purchased by Conner & Snedeker at that time and operated 
by them until April 1, 1890.  Mr. Willis continued in the employ of 
Conner & Snedeker until the retirement of Mr. Snedeker when he 
purchased his interest in the establishment and is now the managing 
partner.  This firm is probably the largest retail grocery house 
doing business in West Virginia, and Mr. Willis's position in the 
firm speaks more than any words could for his great ability and 
enterprise.  It is seldom that so young a man attains such a marked 
success.  At a time when the average man is but entering on his 
business career Mr. Willis has placed himself in a position for 
speedily becoming one of the most prominent commercial men in the 
upper Ohio valley, and it is safe to say that should he continue as 
he has begun it is but a question of a few years before he will take 
his stand in the very front ranks of the business of Wheeling.  He is 
a communicant of the Episcopal church, and a staunch supporter of the 
republican party.


(Linda Fluharty)