Philip Willis

Philip Willis was born between 1756 and 1774. We seek information on his origins and path to Albany.

Perhaps he was a son or kinsman of John Willis, an Albany blacksmith of an earlier generation or of Thomas Willis and his wife Albany native Rachel Radcliff whose son was said to have been christened in Albany (but not in the printed records of the Dutch chutch) in June 1769.

In January 1790, Philip Willis witnessed a baptism at the Albany Dutch church with "Peggy Adams."

In 1799, his house and property on Pine Street were assessed modestly. However, the assessment also showed the modest personal holdings of three newcomers including Alexander Parks under his real property. The next year in 1800, the Willis household included four young children. The Parks household was configured nearby but separately. The household of Philip Willis appeared on the Albany census for the final time in 1820.

Beginning with the first edition in 1813, he was identified in the annual city directory as a blacksmith living on Fox, then Orange Streets, and, in 1820 thru 1822, on Chapel Street.

We seek information on the later life and passing of blacksmith Philip Willis. With so many unanswered questions, we move on for now!

Sources: The life of Philip Willis is CAP biography number 6919. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources.