Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Illinois - University Library

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GRAND LODGE OF ILLINOIS, I. O. O. F. 473
While attending college Bro. Willard spent much of his spare time
practicing music, of which he was very fond. He learned to play
several instruments and composed many ballads, songs and hymns,
both words and music, none of which would he ever allow to be
published. - After his graduation from college at Jacksonville, he went
to Quincy to study medicine. Here he obtained his degree of M. D.
from Illinois Medical College, which was at that time attached to
Illinois College at Jacksonville. While a resident at Quincy, in 1849,
Bro. Willard was initiated into the great brotherhood of Odd Fellows
and at once became an active member of the Order.
After graduation Bro. Willard returned to his old home in Collins-
ville and united with Madison Lodge No. 43. On passing the chairs
he was sent to the Grand Lodge as representative, being admitted
Oct. 12, 1852. At once he was appointed on one of the most important
committees. At this time there was no compilation of the laws of
the Order. For his own information Bro. Willard collected the frag-
ments! of the transactions of the Grand Lodge and on his being requested
to do so, edited and completed the first digest worthy of the
name. At the 1856 session he was elected Grand Secretary. He held
this office until his country called in 1861. He served as army surgeon
until 1864. On his return in October he was again elected Grand
Secretary, which office he held till 1869. At the session of the Grand
Lodge of the United States in 1867, Bro. Willard represented the Grand
Lodge of Illinois, with honor to himself and credit to his State.
Bro. Willard was a man of generous impulses, a loveable disposi-
tion and in every way the ideal of a true man. He lived to the ripe
old age of 91 years, filled with good deeds, and went to his reward
Feb. 9, 1913. The remains were cremated at Graceland, Chicago,
February 11.
OWEN SCOTT,
J. P. ELLACOTT,
THOS. B. NEEDLES,
Committee.