Clarke courier. [volume] (Berryville, Va.) 1869-1997, 1905-07-05
CORRESPONDENCE
Hon. Joseph E. Willard.
Communicated

Z. Willard and his mother Miss Antonio
ford, OF Fairfax. General J. f. b.
Stuart, the noted cavalry chief,ain. was
great friend of Mrs. Wiliard's family
and for her bravery and courage had her
commissioned a lieutenant Of cavalry IN
the Confederate Army. Because OF her
outspoken loyalty and devotion 10 the
South she was arrested and brought to
Washington, being confined for period
in the Old Capitol prison.
/ Mrs Willard died Sew years after
her marriage leaving her infant son to
the care Of her sister in FSirfax county.
Mr.. Willard lived the free. untram-
melted existence Of country boy. popu-
lar with his playmstes and leader in
all Athletic sports. He received the
ground work of his education at small
school st Fairfax which was attended by
the boys Of the neighbOrhOod. Mr.. Will
lard matriculated at the Episcopal High
/ school near Alexandria in Fairfax couu-
/ ~ and while there won the esteem of his
professors and the affection and regard
Of his fellow students. He later gradual
ed at the Virginia Military Institute. the
/ West Point OF the South, with high aud
/ richly deserved honors. Afterwards he
I took law at the venerable University Of
\ Virginia and became member of the
/ bar Of his State.
Almost Immediately on his return 10
his home from the University he was
unanimously chosen 10 represent his
county in the House Of Delegatesand so
carefully and conscientiously did he look
after the interests Of his constituents
I that he was returned without opposition
for ten years.
When President Mckinley called for
+ volunteers, upon the breaking out Of the
war with Spain, Mr. Willard at once
offered his services TO the Governor Of
Virginia, and upon being commissioned
Captain organized and equipped al his
own expense a company Of infantry.
His command was mustered in as Com
pany I, Bird Virginia Volunteers. Can
tain Willard proved himself most able
officer and won the regard and affection
% his men 10y his kindness and consid-
Grafton for them. Upon one occasion
when q number Of his company were
quite i'll and while the other officers Of
the Regiment were attending a ball
given in their honor, he remained at the
sick man bedside, caring for him as ten
DERBY as a woman. Numberless instances
might be cited 20 show how thoroughly he
made his mems interests his own and
how literally he contributed 20 their
comfort and welfare. Upon being mus
tered out the enlisted men Of his com
lpany and regiment presented him with s
handsome sword a. a tribute Of their
sincere respect and affection. Though
he never had an opportunity TO lead his
men on The field of battle. lie won theiI
hearts and bore with him into private
life their full measure Of esteem and re
b gard
Captain Willard retired from the Leg
islature 10 become candidate for Lieu.
tenant Governor. His candidacy was
received with a storm Of approval and
he was unanimously nominated at the
Nor.olk Convention, his opponent's name
never being presented. A. Lieutenant
Governor he has so demeaned himself
as 10 win the good opinion Of everyone
And il Is the ooncensus of opinion that
he has never had 4 superior as presiding
: officer of The Senate.
This ! the Iiswless record Of the man
who Is candidate for the Governor OF
Virginia. The anonymous attack mad,
upon him some time ago has had the op
{ posite effect from the one intended
2 Instead Of weakening him ii ha.
strengthened him everywhere, for The
fair minded people OF Virginia have nj
liberation for such unfair political meth
DDS. Neither DO they heed the objection
that he Is rich man and therefore should
, not be accorded political hOnors. Wealth
per Sc, should open the door of prefer
ment 10 no man, but, on the other hand
II should not be bar 10 his advance
ment y rich man should have equa
+. opportunity with any other mann,
j. more. no less-snd the friends Of Captain
n Willard ask no other favor than that b.
: be supported according to his merits.
Has Captain Willard suddenly appear
: Cd before the public and demanded rec
ignition, with no previous training il
= public affairs, and no manly deeds L
u his credit to command public approbs
lion: That for ten years he representa-
d Fairfax county in the House of Dele
J. gates Is pretty fair test of the wa
-. he Is esteemed by his own people
the people among who he was raise
3 and who know him like book.
And just here We may add thar "Jo
Willard : cOrdiality is not assumed
n Is not the veneering of the mere otliC
\ seeker. Brought up unde. Christia
a influences he was early taught the ia,
that true character was not based upO
the worldly possessions but upon hig
and noble principles. He knew no 9th,
distinction as a boy, he has recognize
no other as a man. The friends an
companions of his boyhood are h
u friends Of today Without afTectation
81 pretense.
- This is the man, tried and true. WI
VI now aspires TO be Governor. lie repr
=. SCENTS a record of loysl service 10 the o
State and ripe experience which h
u given him perfect familiarity with h
nj needs, backed by an ability and euer.