WWI Veteran Leo R. Wills (also called Lee) was born on Jan. 13, 1896 in Aquilla, Texas.
He lived on Aquilla West Road near Whitney and Waco Road in Justice Precinct 7, Hill County with his parents James T. and Easter Wills. Both James and Easter were from Texas. He was one of eight children, who all were able to read and write. Leo grew up next door to his grandmother Emily and other relatives.
He never attended school. At age 21, he enlisted into the Army and fought in World War I. He served 1917-1918. On his registration paperwork, he listed his father’s birthplace as unknown.
When he returned, he worked as a laborer on a farm. At 22, he also lived with his cousin Howard Bagsby and his wife to work as a Car Washer at a car barn (sample on the right).
Leo (age 24) married Lillian Gant (age 20) on Dec 31, 1923 in Liberty, Missouri. A few years later the couple relocated to Waco, McLennan, Texas.
(Missouri, Jackson County Marriage Records, 1840-1985)
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Place of Birth
Texas
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Place of Death
San Diego, California