Your TR Source
John Willis supposes this will be the last chance to write President Roosevelt as president and requests Roosevelt write to Marion Working, a young girl who asked for his autograph. Willis has been hunting wolves and coyotes, and hopes Roosevelt enjoys his trip to Africa.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-01-16
John Willis sends President Roosevelt a prospectus of his ranch company to show his progress over the past six years. In recognition of all Roosevelt has done for him, Willis wants to present a small number of stocks in his company. He wants to return to Missouri next year. Willis invites Roosevelt and his sons out to his current Montana ranch for hunting.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-05-09
John Willis sends his holiday wishes to President Roosevelt and informs him of his current happenings. He tells Roosevelt that he no longer hunts, but recalls the first time they met, when guns were his only friends. He also mentions an old friend, Tiedt, who is on his way east and would like to visit with Roosevelt.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-12-16
John Willis writes President Roosevelt that he will be voting for him in the upcoming elections and would be glad to lend his support in any way possible.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-08-28
John Willis sends New Year’s wishes to President Roosevelt and thanks him for instilling an “ambition to be something better.” He suggests that a proper candidate for the Montana United States District Judge needs to be favorable to either of the two big copper companies. Willis had a successful fall season of hunting and wishes Roosevelt could have joined him.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-01-01
John Willis invites Alexander Lambert and “little Ted Roosevelt” to come out to Montana in the fall to hunt. He invited President Roosevelt before he knew of President McKinley’s death, but Roosevelt wrote he could not come. Willis also invites Lambert’s wife and friends. The only cost would be the $20 license.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-01-11
John Willis has been scouting a large bear that he thought President Roosevelt might be able to hunt. Upon returning to town, he heard of the news of Roosevelt’s succession to the presidency. Willis is sad that the presidency came to Roosevelt under such difficult circumstances. He understands that Roosevelt can no longer make a trip west. Willis is doing well in Montana and has a ranch with a “good start of cattle.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1901-09-20