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William Willis papers

 Collection
Identifier: M189

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Scope and Contents

The collection consists mostly of correspondence (1837-69) dealing with the history of Maine, approximately a dozen more letters concerning Willis's interests in Maine railroads; together with drafts of his writings, and information on the estates of Willis and his wife.

His correspondents included William Allen, Thomas Bulfinch, Henry B. Dawson, Charles Deane, George E. Ellis, William Pitt Fessenden, Reuben A. Guild, John A. Poor, George H. Preble, Elizabeth Oakes Prince Smith and Joseph Williamson. More extensive correspondence (eight or more letters) was with Edward Ballard, Brunswick clergyman; Edward E. Bourne, Kennebunk lawyer; Alpheus Spring Packard, Bowdoin professor; John H. Sheppard, Boston lawyer and librarian of the New England Historical and Genealogical Society; Harrison Whitman, Massachusetts clergyman; and Leonard Woods, Bowdoin president.

Dates

  • Creation: 1837 - 1958
  • Creation: Majority of material found within 1862 - 1869

Creator

Biographical / Historical

William Willis, a Portland lawyer, historian and politician, was the partner of William Pitt Fessenden. He was state senator in 1855 and mayor of Portland in 1857, president of the Maine Historical Society (1856-65), and president of the Maine Central Railroad. Always interested in public service, Willis accepted many positions with charitable organizations, or special public appointments. In 1867 Bowdoin awarded him an honorary degree.

The author of several short articles, many published in the Collections of the Maine Historical Society which he edited, Willis is best remembered for A History of the Law, the Courts and the Lawyers of Maine (1863), and The History of Portland, from its First Settlement ... (1831-33).

Extent

0.25 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Correspondence (1837-69) concerning the history of Maine, approximately a dozen more letters concerning Willis's interests in Maine railroads; together with drafts of his writings, and information on the estates of Willis and his wife.

Related Names

Subject

Finding Aid & Administrative Information

Title
Guide to the William Willis Papers
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Repository Details

Part of the George J. Mitchell Department of Special Collections & Archives, Bowdoin College Library, Brunswick, Maine 04011 Repository

http://library.bowdoin.edu/arch/index.shtml
Contact:
3000 College Station
Brunswick Maine 04011 USA
(207) 725-3288

Acknowledgment of non-neutrality

The George J. Mitchell Department of Special Collections & Archives, like all archives and special collections libraries, is the creation of human beings who have collected, organized, and described things in ways that reflect personal, cultural, societal, and institutional biases. Although we strive to preserve and present collections in a manner that is respectful to the individuals and communities who create, use, and are represented in the collections, we acknowledge that our systems are neither neutral nor perfect. We encourage you to let us know if you encounter materials, descriptive language, or practices that are offensive or harmful, particularly those for which inadequate context or warning is offered. We are committed to modifying and updating our descriptive practices to use respectful and inclusive terminology and appreciate your help in this work. We look forward to supporting you in your research and learning together.