Obit for William W. Willard
(6 Apr 1811 to 25 Sep 1897)
"Fairfield Recorder" newspaper – Fairfield, Freestone County, Texas - Oct 1, 1897 edition
Submitted July 6, 2007 by Rebecca Bryson
"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 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."