Maj. Edward Banker Willis:

Born in 1831, Edward Banker Willis joined Company A, First California Infantry as a first lieutenant on August 15, 1861. During his time in service, Willis was ordered to Arizona to establish a fort due to the discovery of gold in the region. Upon reaching Del Rio Springs on December 23, 1863, Willis founded Fort Whipple. Willis was later promoted to lieutenant colonel on February 3, 1866 as a part of the 1st New Mexico Infantry and later honorably discharged on October 1, 1866.