About William Willis
Lived 1794 – 1870 (aged 75). William Willis was an American lawyer, politician and historian, known for Mayor of Portland, Maine.
William Willis (August 31, 1794 – February 17, 1870) was a lawyer, historian, and politician from Portland, Maine. He was the partner of William Pitt Fessenden. He was member of the Maine State Senate in 1855 and Mayor of Portland in 1857, president of the Maine Historical Society (1856–1865), and president of the Maine Central Railroad. In 1864, he was elected a member of the American Antiquarian Society.
Bowdoin College, which granted him an honorary degree in 1867, has a small collection of his correspondence, drafts of his writing, and estate information.
Willis died in 1870, aged 75.
Selected bibliography
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Important facts
People in William Willis's life
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Contemporaries
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Frequently asked questions
Who was William Willis?
American politician
When was William Willis born?
William Willis was born on 31 August 1794 in Haverhill.
When did William Willis die?
William Willis died on 17 February 1870 in Portland.
What was William Willis's occupation?
William Willis was a lawyer, politician and historian.
What was William Willis known for?
William Willis was known for Mayor of Portland, Maine.
What nationality was William Willis?
William Willis was American.
Sources & further reading
· DBpedia: William Willis (Maine politician)
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). William Willis. https://biography.guide/william-willis-lawyer/
MLA: "William Willis." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/william-willis-lawyer/.
Chicago: "William Willis." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/william-willis-lawyer/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-22 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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