Charles Willing


Charles Willing was a Philadelphia merchant, trader and politician; twice he served as Mayor of Philadelphia, from 1748 until 1749 and again in 1754.

Early life

Charles Willing was born in Bristol, England, on May 18, 1710, the son of Thomas Willing and Anne Harrison. He traveled to the American British colonies by ship and settled in Philadelphia in 1728 at the age of eighteen. His cousin Thomas Willing was selling land and laying out plans for a new community called Willingtown which later became Wilmington, Delaware. While living in Willingtown, Charles Willing became a very successful businessman and held political offices such as councilman and magistrate.

Philadelphia

Later in life Willing moved to Philadelphia and in 1743 was elected to the Common Council. Soon afterwards in the year 1745 Willing was appointed as Justice. Then in 1747 Willing was appointed as one of the Justices of the City Court. The following year in 1748 he was elected as the City Mayor. While serving as mayor Willing was subsequently appointed Justice in the years 1749, 1752 and 1754. Willing was elected to serve a second term as mayor and during this time contracted ships fever and died on November 30, 1754.

Legacy

His wife's grandfather, Edward Shippen, and his eldest son, Thomas Willing, also served as mayors of Philadelphia. Thomas was also a Delegate to the Continental Congress from Pennsylvania. His son James Willing was a representative of the American Continental Congress and led a military expedition during the American War of Independence known as the Willing Expedition.

Career

apprenticed at the firm of Willing & Co., and later became a partner with Thomas in the renamed firm of Willing Morris & Co.

Personal life

He married Anne Nancy Shippen in 1731, daughter of Abigail Grosse and Joseph Shippen, together they had eleven children, including:
Charles Willing died on November 30, 1754 in Philadelphia and is buried in Christ Church Burial Ground.