Elmer E. Willard Biography


	This biography appears on page 239 in "History of Dakota 
	Territory" by George W. Kingsbury, Vol. V (1915) and was 
	scanned, OCRed and edited by Maurice Krueger, mkrueger@iw.net.

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				ELMER E. WILLARD. 

	Elmer E. Willard, who has spent practically his entire life on 
the old homestead farm in Taopi township, Minnehaha county, where his 
father located about thirty-seven years ago, is busily engaged in the 
cultivation of a half section of rich and productive land. His birth 
occurred in Lyon county, Iowa, on the 3d of December, 1878, his parents 
being Levi and Mary Willard, who in 1879 came to Minnehaha county, 
South Dakota, locating in Taopi township. The father acquired a 
homestead and also a timber claim and devoted his attention to 
agricultural pursuits throughout the remainder of his active business 
career, owning two hundred and forty acres of valuable land at the time 
of his retirement. He is now living in Colton at the age of sixtyseven 
years, while his wife has attained the age of sixty four. They were 
among the first settlers of their locality and experienced all the 
hardships and privations of life in an undeveloped region. Markets were 
distant and no roads had been laid out. As the years have passed, 
however, they have witnessed and aided in the wonderful transformation 
that has occurred as pioneer conditions have given way before the 
onward march of civilization. They are the parents of two sons and two 
daughters. 

	Elmer E. Willard attended the common schools in pursuit of an 
education and also took a six months, business course in the University 
of South Dakota at Vermillion. He then returned to assist his father in 
the operation of the home farm in Taopi township and has remained 
thereon continuously since, being actively engaged in the cultivation 
of a hale section of land. He utilizes the latest improved machinery to 
facilitate the work of the fields and also feeds fifty head of cattle, 
one hundred head of sheep and one hundred head of hogs. As an 
agriculturist he has manifested ability and knowledge which insure his 
continued success. 

	On the 31st of January, 1910, Mr. Willard was united in marriage 
to Miss Bertha Waston, by whom he has three children, Myrle, three 
years old; Mabel, two years of age; and Elsie, an infant. 

	At the polls Mr. Willard supports the men and measures of the 
republican party and he has ably served in the office of town clerk. 
His wife is a devoted member of the Lutheran church but he has not 
identified himself with any denomination, though always endeavoring to 
exemplify in his life the highest principles of Christianity. In 
motoring and fishing he finds needed recreation and much pleasure. He 
is a man who takes a deep interest in the general welfare of the 
community, and he commands the respect and confidence of his fellow 
citizens.