Horace B. Willard

Horace Birney Willard (May 2, 1825 – April 1, 1900) was an American physician, businessman, politician and pioneer. He served one term in the Wisconsin State Assembly, representing Jefferson County.

Biography Horace Birney Willard was born in Volney, New York, on May 2, 1825. After studying in the public schools, Willard worked as a teacher. He studied medicine under William B. Coye in Gilbertsville, New York, then received a scholarship sponsored by the state. Willard attended the Geneva Medical College, graduating in 1849. He set out west, settling in Aztalan, Wisconsin, to practice medicine. After seven years, he sold his practice due to failing health. After a year of travel, Willard settled in Lake Mills, Wisconsin, in 1857, again practicing medicine. Poor health caused Willard to finally abandon medicine in 1866.

Willard remained in the county, settling in Fort Atkinson. There, Willard engaged in several commercial pursuits. He co-founded the Northwestern Manufacturing Company and served as one of its first directors. Willard was also bookkeeper, secretary, and stockholder in the Foundry and Machining Company. In partnership with N. F. Hopkins and F. M. Vickery, Willard opened the Willard & Co. store.

Willard married Elizabeth S. Vickery on July 11, 1849. They had one daughter, Julia Adola, who married the son of Congressman Lucien B. Caswell. Willard died in Fort Atkinson, on April 1, 1900, aged 74, and was buried there in Evergreen Cemetery.