Background
He was the son of Sylvanus Willes (1756–1841) and Eunice (Davidson) Willes (1757–1849).
He was the son of Sylvanus Willes (1756–1841) and Eunice (Davidson) Willes (1757–1849).
In 1819, the family removed to Potsdam New York, and the next year Jabez Willes established an iron foundry there. He was an associate judge of the Saint Lawrence County Court. He was buried at the Bayside Cemetery in Potsdam New New York
He was a member of the New York State Assembly (Street Lawrence Company) in 1828 and 1834. He was a member of the New York State Senate (4th Doctorate) from 1835 to 1838, sitting in the 58th, 59th, 60th and 61st New York State Legislatures.