Jonathan Spencer Willis (April 5, 1830 – November 24, 1903) was an American politician from Milford in Kent County, Delaware. He was a member of the Republican Party, and served as U.S. Representative from Delaware.
Early life and family Willis was born in Oxford, Maryland, attended the district schools there and studied under private tutors.
Willis married twice. To Annie Barratt Townsend (1843–1885), they had one daughter, Elizabeth Townsend Willis (1864–1934). And to Edith Gillespie (1855–1914), they had one son Jonathan Spencer Willis Jr. (1892–1957).
Professional and political career He taught school seven years and then entered the ministry of the Methodist Episcopal Church, serving charges in Maryland, Delaware, Philadelphia, New York City, and Stamford, Connecticut. He retired from the ministry in 1884 and settled on a farm near Milford and engaged in fruit growing.
Willis was an unsuccessful Republican candidate for election in 1892 to the 53rd Congress, but was elected to the 54th Congress, serving from March 4, 1895, to March 3, 1897. He was an unsuccessful candidate, however, for reelection in 1896 to the 55th Congress, and returned to the full effort of agricultural pursuits.
Death and legacy He died in Milford and was buried in the Barratt's Chapel Cemetery near Frederica, Delaware.
Almanac Elections are held the first Tuesday after November 1. U.S. Representatives took office March 4 and have a two-year term.
+ Public offices Office Type Location Began office Ended office NotesU.S. RepresentativeLegislature WashingtonMarch 4, 1895March 3, 1897
+ United States Congressional service Dates Congress Chamber Majority President Committees Class/District1895–189754thU.S. HouseDemocraticGrover Clevelandat-large
+ Election results Year Office Subject Party Votes % Opponent Party Votes %1892U.S. RepresentativeJonathan S. WillisRepublican18,08049%John W. CauseyDemocratic18,55451%1894U.S. RepresentativeJonathan S. WillisRepublican19,78951%Samuel BancroftDemocratic18,48248%1896U.S. RepresentativeJonathan S. WillisRepublican11,15932%L. Irving HandyDemocratic15,40744%
References
External links Biographical Directory of the United States Congress Delaware's Members of Congress
The Political Graveyard
Places with more information Delaware Historical Society; website; 505 North Market Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19801; (302) 655-7161. University of Delaware; Library website; 181 South College Avenue, Newark, Delaware 19717; (302) 831-2965.