William Willard

Son of John & Elizabeth Willard.

Fairfield Recorder newspaper - Oct 1, 1897 edition "Died- Mr. William Willard, one of the oldest men in our county died at his home on Ward Prairie last Friday. We did not learn his exact age, but he was nearly 90. He came to this county from Tennessee after the war with a large family of children and other relatives settling on Ward Prairie where he was one of the leading and most successful farmers in that section. He was a man of very strong physical build and up to a few years ago possessed remarkable health and vigor for one of his age. He was a good exemplary citizen, a man of sterling integrity, honest and straightforward in his dealings and a man of influence amongst his friends and neighbors. He was a member of the Baptist church and his life was consistent of his profession. His remains were interred last Saturday [25 September 1897] in Ward Prairie cemetery Rev. E. A. Puthuff officiating. The deceased probably had the largest family connection of any man in the country having reared a large family of sons and daughters that grew up to maturity and had married. There was a large number of people at the burial and friends and neighbors mingled their sorrow with that of children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and other relatives. Peace to the old man's ashes. After a long life he has fallen asleep with the Christian hope of a happy resurrection."