Quick Facts
Biography
William Willes (1814–1890) was an early Latter-day Saint songwriter and, along with Hugh Findlay, was one of the first Mormon missionaries to enter India.
Willes was born in England. He was well-educated and by the age of 22 became head of a boys' college in Cardiff, Wales. He lost his position as a result of joining the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1848. In 1851 he and Findlay traveled to India, where they met limited success. He sailed for the United States in 1855.
Willes served as a "Sabbath School missionary" after his arrival in Utah. He was an accomplished singer and premiered a song by Eliza R. Snow at the Salt Lake City 4 July celebration in 1861.
Willes has the following hymns to his credit in the current LDS hymnal:
Come Along, Come Along, 244
Thanks for the Sabbath School, 278
Willes is no relation to early Mormon figure William S. S. Willes.
Publications
- Willes, William (15 July 1882). "Ornaments and Dress in India". Juvenile Instructor. 17: 221.