Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1878-09-25
Death OF one Of the Founders OF the Re.
publtcan Party.

Died in Wilton. August 3, 1873, Maj. John Fl
willard, aged eghty-three years, six months.
John Haven willard was born in Lancaster, New
Hampshire. February T. I795 and the son o.
Rev Joseph Willard. land owe Haven" vii
lard) the drs settled minister Congregation "list
In that town, ami v hose ministry was continued
there for the long period Of twenty -eisht wears
ami where he died greatly beloved and respected
John H., the subject nj this notice, moved to the
Town Of Wilton. Me in the month o'March, 1885
when u years OF age and Don afe onened +
public house, continu ng in the business for more
IN N tw, nty years, with success ana mu h popn.
larty. For period OF some 81 wears M ~ The
date of his decease, he was u worthy and consis
tent member OF the Congregational church, con
slant IN the discharge of duty, and exhibiting t.
his daily life the ex ellence AMI o,eliness OF the
Christian graces. BE thou fiihtnl unto dealt
and vii give thee n crown OF liie."
lie also for about IN" same period ti'
years) pr ~ inent and much re pectei member OF
The Ord, of F ee ard Accepted Ma-ons many
yea Master of Maine Lodge No 20, a member of
the Grand Lodge of Maine, and for several YEAR
Dsirict Deputy Grand Mater for the 10Th Dstric
Amer more than half a century Of faithful and e.
6cent service the Grand Master above "called
him Il ON labor TO efreshment."
An incident in his life of some historical inter
est (of which the writer of this notice had person
al knoe ledge. rom being present and partcipst.
ing IN the movement shoi Id not pass ilhout be
pa Il San Mai W. had very decided conviction
upon all important nolitical gu siions before The
country. P'ior t. 1884. he was Wing. When.
however anti slavery aud temuerance became the
leading issues in Maine, and the Repu blican par.
" was organized IN tnl- (franklln) county, m a
convention held in strong in the summer Of 1884
he took an act We and prominent part and u was
upon hi- motion that the new party, then and there
formed. given the name of the Republic N
Party Of Franklin County" This party compos
ed Of form "r members of the Wing Democratic and
Free Soil parties, was the first Republican urgani-
Zation in any oil the Staies, being advance of the
general organization OF the Republican party
throughout the several Staies. which followed in
1853 So, an which became a National pa ty IN the
year last AIMED, when Gen Inn c. Fremont was
put in Donii naiion for he Presidency. Major vii
lard is the eior, entitled to the honor of propos.
Ing the name adopted By he party which became
30 great and accomplished such mighty results
that must ever stand ont am ng the m st important
in the history OF the nstion.
He was man of sound common sense, refen-
tive memory much reading aud general informa.
ton, social in his habits, OF genial dspos ton and
generous impulses, possessed Of strong faith, ever
hopeful and cheerful believing the world to be
constantly making progress towards the milleni-
um. He leaves AN aged widow IN Wilton. II m st
esimabe lady, but in feeble he alth and soon to
TO How i'm t. the better land " son and two
daughters all married and residing in OIL her States.
several graDdchild en- and great grandchildren,
hnd Iarge circle OF per -onai friends, to cherish
with pleasure the memory of his warm affection,
naship. and many virtues, and his cheerful,
sunshlny lite. T.. }. L.
East Wilton, Aug. 10, 1873.