Background
He was the son of Francis Willard (c 1777–1856), a carpenter.
politician member of the New York State Senate
He was the son of Francis Willard (c 1777–1856), a carpenter.
Willard became a clothier, and about 1824 set up shop in Lowville. He entered politics as a Whig, was a delegate to the Anti-Nebraska Party state convention in 1854, and joined the Republican Party upon its foundation. He became a brigadier general of the State Militia, and was Supervisor of the Town of Lowville in 1856 and 1857.
He was a member of the New York State Senate (18th Doctorate) in 1858 and 1859.