At left: Elias & Adeline (Stewart) WillardAt 8:40 o'clock a.m. on last Tuesday, April 19, 1921, and a little less than nine days after the death of his wife, Elias Willard passed away at his home in this city. He had been in failing health for several months, but his condition had not been considered serious, until two or three months ago, when his physical and mental vitality began to give way rapidly. He was able to be about town occasionally, however, but it was evident that the end was not far off, hence the news of his death on Tuesday was no surprise. Complications which terminated in uremic poisoning were the immediate cause of his death.
Funeral services were conducted from the Methodist Episcopal church in this city at 3 o'clock p.m. on Thursday, the pastor, Rev. W. M. Austin, being in charge. He was assisted in the service by Rev. J. B. Handy and the other pastors of the city. Rev. Austin used as a text, "For we know that, if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens," 11 Cor. 5:1. Interment was in the Crown Hill cemetery by the side of his wife, who was laid to rest the week before.
The pall-bearers were the same as those acting at the funeral of Mrs. Willard - all former neighbors of the Willards. The surviving members of the Grand Army of the Republic of this county were honorary pallbearers. The I. O. O. F. lodge also attended the services in a body.
New Erie, Wayne-co, Ohio, was the place and March 23, 1841, the date of the birth of Elias Willard. His father was Samuel Willard, who was one of the pioneer settlers in northern Ohio. Young Willard during his youthful days experienced much of the hardships and endured many of the privations of early settlers, and it was in that way that he became a strong, vigorous and ambitious young man.
He was 20 years of age when the Civil War broke out, and his patriotic impulses soon led him to volunteer his services for the defense of the Union cause. His entry into the army was on October 12, 1861, for a two years enlistment. On December 15, 1863, he re-enlisted for the remainder of the war as a "Veteran Volunteer," and was a member of Co. A., 68th Ohio Infantry. In all, he served his country for nearly four years and participated in many of the principal battles and campaigns of the Civil War. His company took an active part in the battles of Fort Donelson, Corinth, Shiloh, Iuka and Champion Hill, also in the siege of Vicksburg and with Sherman on his famous "march to the sea." At Vicksburg he took part in running the gauntlet on the Mississippi river above that city for a distance of 14 miles, thus aiding materially in the Union victory which attended the fall of that strongly fortified Confederate city. His regimental flag, now in Washington, D. C., shows that Mr. Willard took part in 34 important battles and in 36 minor battles of the war. His record as a soldier indicates that he was always brave and even daring, and that his loyalty to Stars and Stripes was constant and genuine. Several times he was cited for bravery and for distinguished service in action. One of the medals he received was granted by the state of Ohio. He was wounded three times. In the battle of Champion Hill he received quite a severe wound in one of his jaws, but he never had to go to a hospital. Mr. Willard was mustered out of the service on July 10, 1865, and immediately returned to his home in Ohio to again take up the pursuits of peace.
On November 18, 1865, in Napoleon, Ohio, Mr. Willard was united in marriage with Miss Lucy Adeline Stewart. They continued to make their home in northern Ohio, until May, 1884, when the "call of the West" led them to seek a home in southwestern Kansas. They lived for a while in Harper-co., and then moved on to Comanche-co., a part of the family coming in the year 1885 and the remainder of the family in January, 1886. They settled in the eastern part of this county, where they lived for a number of years. About 13 years ago the family moved to Coldwater, and here continued to make their home.
Mr. Willard had, during his 36 years residence in Comanche-co., become one of our best known citizens. He and his faithful wife knew from actual experience what it meant to settle in a new country and to endure the hardships and the struggles of pioneer days, but indomitable industry and perseverance was a part of their nature, so they continued to give their time and labor toward the building up of a home. And they were successful not only in that respect but also in helping to establish good schools and many of the advantages and comforts which contributed to the happiness and success of the people. In every good work Mr. and Mrs. Willard took an active part, and for that reason they were esteemed by all who knew them, and especially by those who were intimately associated with them in any way. Mr. Willard in all his dealings with his fellow men never failed to adhere strictly to the principles of honesty, fairness and justice. As a husband and father he was devoted and considerate, and as a citizen he was classed as a loyal devotee to all that makes for the betterment of the community. His loyalty to his country was pronounced and steadfast, and no less devoted was his loyalty to the Christ whom, during the last 45 years of his life, he had devotedly served. His membership in the Methodist Episcopal church began many years ago and through all the years he was permitted to live, his faith never faltered nor did his devotion to christian ideals ever lessen. he died with a firm faith in Christ as his Savior, and it may truthfully be said that many people here and elsewhere will long remember and be influenced for good by the countless examples of christian living and unselfishness and loving service left by Mr. and Mrs. Willard. They have passed on, but they will not be forgotten. Mr. Willard had been a faithful and consistent member of the Odd Fellows lodge for about 45 years. He had long been a member of the Grand Army of the Republic.
As noted in the obituary of Mrs. Willard, printed last week, the surviving children are eight in number, as follows: Will Willard of this city, Ed Willard of Ashland, Mrs. Geo. Cross of Brentwood, Ark., Frank Willard of Port Clinton, Ohio, Mrs. B. A. Nettleton of Oak Harbor, Ohio, Mrs. E. M. Ireland of this city, Mrs. Robert Dunn of Liberal and Mrs. L. E. Shankel of Spivey, Kans. All were present at the funeral except Frank Willard, Mrs. Cross and Mrs. Nettleton. Two brothers, J. M. Willard and Henry Willard, and one sister, Miss Sarah survive. At the time of is death Mr. Willard was 80 years and 27 days of age.