Willis, Eola, 1856-1952

Charleston, S.C. writer, artist, historian, and cultural leader. She studied art, singing, and other subjects in Paris (France) and New York (N.Y.) and established an art studio in Charleston. Willis was active in many patriotic and cultural organizations, and it was through her efforts that an Art Commission was added to Charleston's civic government. She was the daughter of Edward Willis (1834-1910) and Elizabeth Louise Hammond Willis (1835-1917), whose other children included Azalea H. Willis (d. 1930), Louise H. Willis (later Louise Snead), and Theodore H. Willis (d. 1944). She was the author of "The Charleston Stage in the 18th Century" (1925) and numerous articles.