"113. William5 Willard (Joseph4, Samuel3, Josiah 2, Simon1), born at Sunderland, Mass., in January, 1720-1; … He lived at Winchester, N. H., in his youth; seems to have lived at Putney, Vt., a short time, as 'William Willard, of Putney,' bought land in Westminster in 1760. Made Westminster, Vt., his home. Had extensive holdings of land. Took part in the exciting conflicts and clashes of arms between those who approved of New York's claims to the section and those who stood for New Hampshire or for a new 'Green Mountain' state. He was on New York's side, suffered imprisonment and fines when the other party came into power. He gave tracts of land to three of his sons, Joseph, Abel and Lynde, by deed March 25, 1780. He was a justice of the Court of Common Pleas under the New York government from 1768 to 1772. He died at Brattleboro, Vt., October 23, 1804, 'aged 83.'"
