The Washington herald., 1908-05-15

In celebration of his eighty-sixth birth
day Henry A. Willard yesterday enter
tanned the members Of the Association
Of the Oldest Inhabitants Of the District
OF Columbia with a reception at his home,
1893 K street northwest.
Besides floral offerings, Mr.. Willard
was the recipient of congratulations from
his guests. Charles Kennedy aged eighty
nine, recited. in honor of the host, the
poem. why Should the Spirit Of Mortal
Be Proud"
After each guest had shaken hands
with Mr.. Willard and members of his
family. a buffet lunch was served.
Grandchildren Assist In Receiving.
Three of Mr. Wizards grandchildren,
Henry Augustus Willard, second, William
Bradley Willard, and Sarah Kellogg VIII
lard, assisted In entertaining the guests.
What was especially attractive TO the
members of the association was picture
taken at the banquet of that organization
November 6. 1906. Many Of the proml-
nent members who have since died were
portrayed among them Dr. William Starr
and Edward +. DTOOp.
Mr.. willard a seIf-made Man.
Mr. Willard was born in Westminster.
Vt, May IA. 1922, Of parents descended
from illustrious families. His career has
been seif-made. He started to earn his
living In boyhood by working on a farm
In summer to defray the expenses Of his
education received during the winter
months
He later procured employment in store
ar Bellows Falls, VI, and later was a
clerk in Chase's Hotel, at Brattleboro. At
the age OF twenty-one years he went TO
Troy, n. Y, and became steward on the
New York and Troy steamship line. II
was while thus employed he met Mrs.
Phoebe Warren. sister of Benjamin
ogle Tayloe
Through Mr. Tayloe's influence he was
persuaded to come here In 1877, when he
opened the City Hotel. later changing its
name 10 WIZARDS Hotel Mr. Willard
managed the hotel alone until 1855. when
his brother. Joseph Willard. Joined part
nership with him. In 1892 Mr. Willard
sold his interests In the hotel to his
brother.
Identified with City's Progress.
The history Of Henry A Willard has
been associated with the business growth
Of Washington. He has been largely lden-
tilted with the financial institutions Of
this city He was the organizer and
first president q the National Savings
and Trust Company in 1857
Mr. Willard was president of the board
of public works under President Grant a
body which was instrumental in making
Washington a modern city.
lie was an intimate friend and adviser
of Gov shepherd From 1878 TO 1883, Mr.
Willard was president of the Columbia
Railway Company. and during this period
the northeastern section Of the city was
developed. II is said his financial assist
ance was responsible for the building Of
All Souls Church.
For many years he was vice president
OF the National Metropolitan Bank. He
organized the Columbia Fire Insurance
Company and was its president from 1881
TO 1892. In company with the late Justice
Miller Of the Supreme Court of the
United States. and Reginald Fendan, Mr..
Willard Incorporated the Garfield Memo
rial Hospital, and is at present vice presi-
dent of that institution.
Mr. Willard is also an active member
Of the Vermont State Association. and
one Of its officers. He is a director Of the
American Security and Trust Company,
and of the Equitable Life Assurance So
ciety.
Mrs. Willard also comes Of Puritan
stock, and is a granddaughter of Stephen
] Rowe Bradley, a Connecticut officer in
/ the Revolutionary war and for three
terms a United States Senator from that
State
Yesterday Mr.. Willard was in good
| spirits and greeted his guests with cheer.
ful smiles and cordiaIity. His health
| seems excellent.
| List of the Guests.
Among the members of the Oldest In
habitants' Association and other guests
who attended the reception We're:
Theodore W Moves president.
Andrew II. Ragan J. d. Cathen, and William r.
Smith vice presidents
r. W. Reiss. recording secretary.
| DT JoseEh T. Howard. corresponding secretary
I