Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1855-06-15
From tn. Cincinnati Columbian. Ma, p.

/ pane, from whom ne WlShed ADVICE
ms To the proper course TO pursue TO
eifectua,e the manumission of a num-
Der of his slaves. Not readily find
ing DR.. Brisbane, he obtained the adj
vice of John JolIfie, Esq, and had
duplicate wills drawn up. One OF
these he took with him, and the other
he deposited with Mr.. Jolifie, TO be
used if he should die suddenly, and
the will in his possession he accident
ally or purposely destroyed. He
stated that one of his brothers had
died very suddenly, and that he him
self, being subject TO palpitation of
the heart, was liable to be also sum-
moned TO another world at a mo
ment's notice.
Elijah WIlils-that was his name
-slald only few days in Cincin-
natti, but his bright, benevolent
couutenance and manly frankness
were not soon forgotten by those
whom circumstances had thrown into
contact with him.
Returning home, he drew up a
complete inventory of all his prop
erty, and making two of his neigh
bors his confdants, he deposited this
inventory with them, to be used in
case of his sudden death, al the same
time making them pledge themselves
not to make il public previously.
He was largely engaged in the
lumber business, and raised no crops
except what were necessary for the
support of the twenty full grown
slaves, and the numerous slave chill
dren that he owned. The lumber
got ont 10y his slaves was RATED down
the Edisto river. In this business
Mr.. Willis had amassed a large estate.
II was noted for the kindness with
which nc treated his savos, who were
never driven with the whip, nor shut
out 10y lock from the stores of pro-
visions. They ate in the kitchen
part of the same food that Mr.. Willis
ate in the parlor.
A number of the relatives OF Mr..
Willis, who are all in comfortable cir
cumslances, lived near him, but sell
dom visited his residence. His house
keeper was dark, but very shrewd
mulatto woman, whom he purchased
with her mother, brother and sister,
about 10 years ago. This house
keepers name was Mary Amy FL
more Turner. Her father. who was
owned by another master, had deser-
ted his mother, and for this was
sold 10 cotton planter in Alabama
Amy, as the housekeeper was ordi-
narily called by MIR. Willis, while
the slave of former master, a Mr..
Kirkland had colored husband by
whom she had three children before
he was sent South.
This woman, by her faithfulness
and shrewdness, soon acquired grea,
influence over Mr.. Willis, by whom
she had three children. She watch
fully superintendent his domestic af-
fairs, attended TO the wants Of the
slaves, and advised as to the business.
Mr. Willis, feeling concerned for
the future welfare of his children,
and urged thereto by Amy, at last
determined to free her, her mother,
her SIX children, her brother and her
sister. When he came to Cincinnati,
one year ago, and had his will writ
ten, II was 10 carry out this intent.
After his return home, he arranged
all his business as rapidly as possible
aud taking notes for outstanding
debts due him, made preparations for
dsposing Of his entire estate and
10 locate on a farm, with Amy, her
mother and the children. Finding
that the expense Of bringing Amy's
brother and sister and their families
would be considerable, and that there
might be some difficulty in at once
securing a home, Mr.. Willis conclud-
ed finally TO come north with Amy,
her mother and the children, and
having secured for them residence,
return to close up the business and
bring the others.
On last Tuesday week they left
home as thus proposed. On reach
ing Louisville, they got on board the
steamer Jacob Slrader, aud reached
here at six O'Clock yesterday morning.
Soon after the boat touched the
wharf, Mr.. Willis and his company
went on shore, and he called car
riage, when, Just as he went to reach
one Of the small children into il, he
brealhed heavily. Amy asked him
if he had another attack of palplla-
ton of the heart. He nodded uffir-
matlyely, gave two or three heavy
breaIhings, and then fell dead.
Just at this moment some one ask
ed where they came from. Amy's
mother did not answer, and was
threatened with being kicked into the
river Some one urged Amy TO 90
on board the boat again, and she re-
fused. BY advice she at once secur-
ed the money (about $500 in VS.
possession, notes and due-bIls a.
mounling TO three or four thousand