Frederick Willis

For the rugby league footballer, see Frederick Willis (rugby league). For the general, see Frederick Willis (British Army officer).
Frederick Willis
Member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives
from the 10th Essex district
In office
1937–1949
Preceded by William Landergan
Succeeded by Belden Bly
Personal details
Born May 18, 1904
Saugus, Massachusetts
Died October 2, 1971 (aged 67)
Lynn, Massachusetts
Political party Republican
Alma mater Northeastern University
Boston University School of Law
Occupation Lawyer

Frederick Bancroft Willis (May 18, 1904 – October 2, 1971) was an American politician who served as Speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives from 1944 to 1949.

Early life

Willis was born on May 18, 1904 in Saugus, Massachusetts.[1] He attended Saugus High School, Northeastern University, and the Boston University School of Law.[2]

Political career

Willis was a member of the Saugus School Committee from 1930 to 1936. He also worked as the Town Counsel and Secretary of Assessors.[1]

From 1937 to 1949 he was a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives. In 1939 he was appointed Chairman of the Commission on Civil Service. While serving in this role he authored the Civil Service Reform Act. From 1943 to 1944 he was the House Majority Leader, Chairman of the Special Commission on Postwar Rehabilitation, and Chairman on the House Committee on Aeronautics. While on the Aeronautics Committee, Willis helped turn Logan Airport into a modern facility.[2]

Willis was Speaker of the House from 1944 to 1948. He served as a delegate to Republican National Convention from Massachusetts in 1940 and 1948. He did not run for reelection after the 1948-49 legislative session, instead he became Counsel to the House of Representatives. Willis remained House Counsel until his retirement in 1969.[2]

Later life, death, and legacy

After leaving the House, Willis moved to Lynn, Massachusetts.[1]

Willis died on October 2, 1971 in Lynn.[2]

The Frederick B. Willis Fishing Pier in Lynn is dedicated to him.

References

  1. 1 2 3 1969–1970 Public Officers of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
  2. 1 2 3 4 "Frederick Bancroft Willis, former Mass. speaker, 67". The Boston Globe. October 3, 1971.
Massachusetts House of Representatives
Preceded by
Rudolph King		 Speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives
1944-1949 		Succeeded by
Thomas P. O'Neill
Legal offices
Preceded by
Henry Dwight Wiggin		 Counsel to the Massachusetts House of Representatives
1949-1969 		Succeeded by
Harry Coltun


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