This article is transcribed from THE BROAD AX, a Chicago African- American newspaper, of June 07 or June 14, 1924. This WWW page was created by Wendy Plotkin (wendy.plotkin@asu.edu) in 1998 and updated on 1 September 2003.

 

Wednesday afternoon at 4:30, at the Provident Hospital, Attorney Willis E. Mollison, who was one of the most prominent members of the Chciago Bar, at the same time commanding the highest respect of all of the jduges of the various courts in this city, county, state, and the judges of the United States Federal Courts, very suddenly closed his eyes in death. At the time of his passing, his constant and devoted wife, Mrs. Mollison, and the other members of the family were sorrowfully gathered around his bedside. His remains were removed from the hospital to his late home at 4630 Prairie ave. Dr. R. C. Giles and Dr. H. R. Smith did everything in their power to save and prolong his useful and influential life. He was 65 years old at his death.

He was born at Mayersville, Mississippi in 1859, where he worked on a farm, he was taught how to read and write by a northern white lady, who became greatly interest in him. He removed to Vicksburg, Mississippi in 1892. At an early age he attended Fisk University, Nashville, Tenn. In 1878 he entered Oberlin College, but he was unable to graduate from it, owing to the fact that he was compelled to manage his mother's plantation.

He was a noted newspaper writer. For many years prior to locating in this city some seven or eight years ago, he was very popular with all of the leading white and colored citizens and politicians in his native state. Seeral times he was selected as a delegate to Republican National Conventions and always cut a wide swath in all public affairs. Mr. Mollison was a lecturer of great ability and eminence and was well versed on all historical subjects. Frequently, he addressed the Anthropological Society which meets at the old Masonic Tempel [sic] building, at Randolph and State Sts., being its vice-president.

For the past six or seven years his law offices have been located at 184 W. Washington St. Lately his son, Mr. Irvin Mollison has been successfully associated with him in his law business. Last year Mr. Mollison served as president of the Cook county Bar Association and he led off in the movement to re-elect Hon. Joseph David to the Superior Court Bench in 1923. Funeral services will be held over his remains at the Metropolitan Community Center Church Wendell Phillips High School, at 1 o'clock, Saturday afternoon. Rev. W. D. Cook, pastor, will officiate. S. J. Fountain, funeral director in charge.

Mr. Mollison is survived by his living wife, Mrs. Mollison and by seven children, namely: Mrs. C. C. Minor, Miss Mabel, Anne, and Lidia Mollison. Sons: Messers Welbourne, Irvin and Walter Mollison, and three grand children: Willis Minor, Ira Minor and Wellbourne Mollison, Jr.