Photograph of the Texas Historical Commission marker for Thomas Middlebrook Willis (June 27, 1859 - November 27, 1937) in Abilene, Texas. Text: Born in Bainbridge, Georgia, Thomas Middlebrook Willis was an important early leader in Abilene. Willis moved to Waco, Texas with his parents, Dr. Thomas L. and Mrs. Letitia Willis, in 1866. T. M. Willis first came to this area in 1878 to investigate range possibilities. In 1883, after graduating from the law school of Cumberland University in Lebanon, Tennessee, he moved here and established a practice. In 1886, Willis married Abilene resident Sallie Parker (1865 - 1954); the couple had eight children. Also in 1886, he was elected city attorney. Willis later also served as city judge. In 1937, the Abilene Reporter-News honored him, among others, as one of the city's founders.