Willis Cadwell

Biography

Parents

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Personal History

Willis Cadwell completed his public school in Utica, Illinois and he attended law school at Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois. He came to Broken Bow, Nebraska in 1884, taught school and established himself in business. Returning to Morris, Illinois, he married Margaret Elizabeth Holderman on March 2, 1887, after which they came to Broken Bow and established their residence, where he then practiced law and entered the real estate and abstracting business. He was active in all civic affairs and he was active in his office until the last two years, which he spent in Kansas City, Missouri.

A resident of this community for 52 years, Mr. Cadwell served as an early-day school teacher and then followed a business career from pioneer times to within a few months of his death. For years, he was active, very active in community affairs, Commercial Club activities, and movements to forward Custer County and Broken Bow, Nebraska.

He and his wife were early members of the First Baptist Church of Broken Bow; here, they worked faithfully through the years, giving of their best to the spiritual life of the church and of the community. Mr. Cadwell served the Church and Sunday School in various capacities. He was Trustee at the time the present building was erected, and for many years was teacher of a large Bible Class in this church. His outstanding characteristic was his generosity. He was a kind husband and father, a pleasant and helpful neighbor, always ready to assist those in need.

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