Person Page 382

Walter Willard^1,2,3

Parents

Biography

Citations

1. [S5210] 1901 Census of England, Sussex, Brighton, RG 13, Enumeration District (ED) 13, Piece 929, Schedule 12, folio 125, page 2, Line 13 - 18; Walter Willard household; digital image, Ancestry, Ancestry.ca (https://www.ancestry.ca: accessed 1 Mar 2020) ; citing The National Archives of the UK.
2. [S3800] Ancestry.com, 1891 England Census, Class: RG12; Piece: 811; Folio: 144; Page: 25; GSU roll: 6095921
3. [S5079] 1851 Census of England, Sussex, Brighton. 30 March 1851. WILLARD, Smith (head). PN HO107/1646, ED 1f, FL 168, p. 38, SN 173. https://www.ancestry.ca: accessed 14 August 2019
4. [S115] FreeBMD Index hosted by Rootsweb (Name: http://freebmd.rootsweb.com;)

Selina Edmunds^1,2

Parents

Biography

Citations

1. [S5210] 1901 Census of England, Sussex, Brighton, RG 13, Enumeration District (ED) 13, Piece 929, Schedule 12, folio 125, page 2, Line 13 - 18; Walter Willard household; digital image, Ancestry, Ancestry.ca (https://www.ancestry.ca: accessed 1 Mar 2020) ; citing The National Archives of the UK.
2. [S3800] Ancestry.com, 1891 England Census, Class: RG12; Piece: 811; Folio: 144; Page: 25; GSU roll: 6095921
3. [S115] FreeBMD Index hosted by Rootsweb (Name: http://freebmd.rootsweb.com;)

Edward Smith Willard^{1,2,3,4,5,6,7}

Parents

Edward Smith Willard

Biography

Edward Smith Willard was born on 9 January 1853 in Brighton, Sussex, EnglandO.^2,3,4,6,7 He and Emily Waters were married in March 1875 in Sunderland, Durham, EnglandO.⁸ He died on 9 November 1915, at age 62, in Holloway Sanatorium, St Anne's Heath, Virginia Water, Surrey, England.^9,3,5 He was buried in November 1915 in Extra-Mural Cemetery, Brighton, Sussex, England.

Edward Smith Willard was a friend of Bram Stoker. He was a friend of Sir Henry Irving. He was a friend of Oscar Wilde. He was a friend of Sir James Matthew Barrie. He resided in Bristol, Gloucestershire, EnglandO, in 1871.⁶ He resided in Battersea, Surrey, EnglandO, in 1881.⁴ He was an Actor in 1881.⁴ He appeared in the newspaper for a Mr. Charles Dickens event in London, EnglandO, on 1 October 1887.⁹ He appeared in the newspaper for an "Actors Next to Irving" in New York, New York, USAO, on 20 April 1890.¹⁰ He appeared in the newspaper for a "The Future of Palmers" in New York, New York, USAO, on 7 September 1890.¹¹ He appeared in the newspaper for an "In Irvings Footsteps" in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, USAO, on 12 October 1890.¹² He appeared in the newspaper for an "Actor and Artist honoured" in New York, New York, USAO, on 9 November 1890.¹³ He appeared in the newspaper for a Mr. Willard's First Appearance in New York, New York, USAO, on 11 November 1890.¹² He appeared in the newspaper for The Middleman Ad in New York, New York, USAO, on 16 November 1890.¹⁴ He appeared in the newspaper for A Stage Villain No More in New York, New York, USAO, on 30 November 1890.¹⁵ He appeared in the newspaper for a To Meet Mr. Willard in New York, New York, USAO, on 31 January 1891.¹⁶ He appeared in the newspaper for an Applause For Willard in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, USAO, on 3 May 1891.¹² He appeared in the newspaper for a Willard Honor's in Boston, Middlesex, Massachusetts, USAO, on 8 May 1891.¹⁷ He appeared in the newspaper for a Gala Night at the Play in Boston, Middlesex, Massachusetts, USAO, on 24 May 1891.¹⁸ He appeared in the newspaper for an "Actor's Benevolent Fund" in London, EnglandO, on 25 June 1891.⁹ He appeared in the newspaper for a People are Generous in Washington, District of Columbia, USAO, on 5 October 1891.¹⁹ He appeared in the newspaper for an At The Whitehouse in Washington, District of Columbia, USAO, on 10 October 1891.¹⁹ He appeared in the newspaper for a Played to over 30,000 people in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, USAO, on 6 November 1891.²⁰ He appeared in the newspaper for a Mr. E.S. Willard secures his place in the affections of the New York Public in Olean, Cattaraugus, New York, USAO, on 20 December 1892.²¹ He appeared in the newspaper for an Actors Left Penniless on 27 December 1892.²² He appeared in the newspaper for a Behind The Footlights in Lincoln, Nebraska, USAO, on 29 December 1892.²³ He appeared in the newspaper for The Theatres in 1892 in London, EnglandO, on 31 December 1892.⁹ He appeared in the newspaper for a Talks Of The Drama in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, USAO, on 13 January 1893.¹² He appeared in the newspaper for a Just Nervousness, Not Stage Fright. in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, USAO, on 14 January 1893.¹² He appeared in the newspaper for a Becomes A favourite in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, USAO, on 15 January 1893.¹² He appeared in the newspaper for a Mr. Willard's Big Hit in Washington, District of Columbia, USAO, on 30 March 1893.¹⁹ He appeared in the newspaper for an E.S. Willard refuses to re-book eight theatres on 29 April 1893.²⁴ He appeared in the newspaper for an Everybody Knew The Actor. in Washington, District of Columbia, USAO, on 15 November 1893.¹⁹ He appeared in the newspaper for In A Dressing Room in Washington, District of Columbia, USAO, on 19 November 1893.¹⁹ He appeared in the newspaper for an E.S. Willard Income in Washington, District of Columbia, USAO, on 10 December 1893.¹⁹ He appeared in the newspaper for a Henry Irving Dines at the Lotos Club in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, USAO, on 17 December 1893.¹² He appeared in the newspaper for a Henry Irving at the Lotos Club in New York, New York, USAO, on 17 December 1893.²⁵ He appeared in the newspaper for an E.S. Willard Acts Hamlet in New York, New York, USAO, on 23 January 1894.²⁶ He appeared in the newspaper for a Willard Is Liked in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, USAO, on 22 April 1894.¹² He appeared in the newspaper for a Willard Says Good-By in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, USAO, on 29 April 1894.¹² He appeared in the newspaper for a Mr. E.S. Willard's Plans in Chicago, Cook, Illinois, USAO, on 13 May 1894.¹² He appeared in the newspaper for a Theatrical Gossip in New York, New York, USAO, on 6 July 1894.²⁷ He appeared in the newspaper for a Henry Irving on 18 July 1894.²⁸ He appeared in the newspaper for a Willard terminates his London engagement on 6 October 1894.²⁹ He appeared in the newspaper for an After Many Years on 25 June 1895.³⁰ He appeared in the newspaper for a Henry Arthur Jones Again on 3 May 1896.³¹ He appeared in the newspaper for a "Welcome Return of E. S. Willard, the Famous English Actor." in Boston, Middlesex, Massachusetts, USAO, on 15 November 1896.³² He appeared in the newspaper for an E.S. Willard in his new play on 17 November 1896.¹² He appeared in the newspaper for a Cries of bravo for E.S. Willard on 8 December 1896.¹² He appeared in the newspaper for a Has To Do All The Acting Himself on 24 December 1896.¹² He appeared in the newspaper for a Tyranny Of The Stage on 24 January 1897.¹⁹ He appeared in the newspaper for an E. S. Willard in 'The Middleman' on 10 March 1897.¹² He appeared in the newspaper for On The Rialto on 2 May 1897.³³ He appeared in the newspaper for a Passengers For Europe on 3 June 1897.³⁴ He appeared in the newspaper for a Willard's New Play on 18 July 1897.³⁵ He appeared in the newspaper for a Mr. Willard's Farewell on 19 December 1897.³⁶ He appeared in the newspaper for a MLLE. Held Left Yesterday on 6 March 1898.³⁷ He appeared in the newspaper for an Anna Held In Atlanta on 6 March 1898.³⁸ He appeared in the newspaper for an Actor Willard Poisoned on 16 March 1898.³⁹ He appeared in the newspaper for a Willard Will Take A Rest on 20 March 1898.³⁷ He appeared in the newspaper for a Willard Has The Fever on 20 March 1898.¹² He appeared in the newspaper for an E. S. Willard Is Better on 21 March 1898.⁴⁰ He appeared in the newspaper for an E. S. Willard Better on 22 March 1898.⁴¹ He appeared in the newspaper for an E. S. Willard's Condition on 27 March 1898.⁴² He appeared in the newspaper for an E. S. Willard Better on 14 April 1898.¹² He appeared in the newspaper for an E. S. Willard fever relapse on 3 May 1898.⁴³ He appeared in the newspaper for an E. S. Willard Is Convalescent. on 22 May 1898.¹² He appeared in the newspaper for a Mrs. Willard Is In Chicago on 23 May 1898.¹²⁷ He appeared in the newspaper for an Earthquake Relief work in San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USAO, on 20 April 1906. He resided in 29 St James's Street, Westminster, Middlesex, England, on 2 April 1911.^2,7 He appeared in the newspaper for The Dickens Centenary Celebration on 8 January 1912.⁹ He appeared in the newspaper for a Theatre Reminiscences in London, London, EnglandO, on 15 April 1912.⁹ He appeared in the newspaper for a Pension Fund committee in London, London, EnglandO, on 18 March 1913.⁹ He appeared in the newspaper for a Death of Mr. Willard in London, London, EnglandO, on 10 November 1915.⁹ He appeared in the newspaper for a "Wills and Bequests" in London, London, EnglandO, on 25 January 1916.⁹

Media

Edward Smith Willard

Edward Smith Willard

The card, courtesy of Robert J. Foster, was published by the Rose Company of Philadelphia.....On the left is Willard in costume for his part in David Garrick, a play by T. W. Robertson first performed in Birmingham in 1864. On the right he plays Bertuccio in Tom Taylor's The Fool's Revenge (c. 1859).....The quotation is from The Cardinal: "There is not one of us knows whither the next step will lead him.

Edward Smith Willard

Willard's portrait is flanked by pictures of him in two plays: on the left The Middleman (1907) by Henry Arthur Jones and on the right The Man Who Was (1900) by Rudyard Kipling. The handwritten quotation is from Act II of The Middleman.....The card was published by The Rose Company, Philadelphia, in its "Histrionic Series.

E S Willard as "David Garrick"

E S Willard as "David Garrick","Philip H. Ward Collection of Theatrical Images, 1856-1910..Ms. Coll. 331....Subjects: Willard, E.S...Place: New York, New York..Photographer: Dana..Collection location: Volume 13, Item 449

Oscar Wilde letter to Edward Smith Willard pg1

WILDE, Oscar (1856-1900). Wit and dramatist...Autograph Letter Signed to [Edward Smith] Willard (1853-1915, actor), 3 pages 8vo (slight smudge to signature but in fine condition), 16 Tite Street, Chelsea, no date, ca 1889-1890. Asking for tickets to see Willard in The Middleman..... 'You were kind enough to ask me to come and see The Middleman some night. I know how crowded the House is, but if there should be two stalls vacant on Friday night next I should be charmed to have the opportunity of seeing what I hear from every body is your finest and most passionate performance. ...'....Edward Smith Willard was manager of the Shaftesbury Theatre, with John Lart, during the season of 1889-1890, and it was then that he produced (and evidently acted in) The Middleman, written in the former year by Henry Arthur Jones...There is one mention of Willard in The Complete Letters of Oscar Wilde, ed. Merlin Holland and Rupert Hart-Davis, but no letters to him are published...Recipient's bold endorsement in pencil at the head: 'Yes'...[No: 24432]

Oscar Wilde letter to Edward Smith Willard pg2

WILDE, Oscar (1856-1900). Wit and dramatist...Autograph Letter Signed to [Edward Smith] Willard (1853-1915, actor), 3 pages 8vo (slight smudge to signature but in fine condition), 16 Tite Street, Chelsea, no date, ca 1889-1890. Asking for tickets to see Willard in The Middleman..... 'You were kind enough to ask me to come and see The Middleman some night. I know how crowded the House is, but if there should be two stalls vacant on Friday night next I should be charmed to have the opportunity of seeing what I hear from every body is your finest and most passionate performance. ...'....Edward Smith Willard was manager of the Shaftesbury Theatre, with John Lart, during the season of 1889-1890, and it was then that he produced (and evidently acted in) The Middleman, written in the former year by Henry Arthur Jones...There is one mention of Willard in The Complete Letters of Oscar Wilde, ed. Merlin Holland and Rupert Hart-Davis, but no letters to him are published...Recipient's bold endorsement in pencil at the head: 'Yes'...[No: 24432]

J.M. Barrie letter to E S Willard 1895 pg1

BARRIE J. M.: (1860-1937) Scottish Novelist, created Peter Pan. A.L.S., J M Barrie, two pages, 8vo, London, 23rd April 1895, to [Edward Smith] Willard, on the printed stationery of the Garrick Club. Barrie states that they should agree to a proposal and asks if Willard is ever in London nowadays so that they could meet. In concluding he asks Willard when he starts his play in Scotland. With blank integral leaf. Some very light, minor foxing, otherwise VG

J.M. Barrie letter to E S Willard 1895 pg2

J.M. Barrie letter to E S Willard

BARRIE J. M.: (1860-1937) Scottish Novelist, created Peter Pan. A.L.S., J M Barrie, one page, 8vo, Leinster Corner, Lancaster Gate, 14th February n.y. (1909), to [Edward Smith] Willard. Barrie writes, in full, 'No, I think it would be rather good in one act but there is so little place for one act pieces on our stage. I'll write you again if it comes to anything'. With blank integral leaf. Some very slight, minor foxing, VG

J.M. Barrie letter to E S Willard 1894 pg1

BARRIE J. M.: (1860-1937) Scottish Novelist, created Peter Pan. A.L.S., J. M. Barrie, two pages, 8vo, Kirriemuir, 20th October 1894, to [Edward Smith] Willard. Barrie refers to a letter which he has received and which he is sending to Willard, asking him to make whatever arrangements he thinks best. He continues 'I hope you have been getting on well since I saw you, & that the run at the Garrick ends prosperously' and further adds 'If you are sending my money before the end of next week you may as well send it here, but if after that stick to Garrick Club', before concluding 'If you have got that portrait of yourself you promised me I wish you would send it.' With blank integral leaf. V

J.M. Barrie letter to E S Willard 1894 pg2

Sir Henry Irving Letter to Willard

IRVING HENRY: (1838-1905) English Stage Actor. Series of five A.Ls.S. and one L.S., H Irving and Henry Irving (1), eight pages (total), 8vo, Grafton Street & Lyceum Theatre, London, mainly 1892-3, most to [Edward Smith] Willard. Most of the letters have routine content, thanking Willard for his kindness and sympathy etc., and informing him that he has reserved his box at the Lyceum. Also including an A.L.S. by H. B. Irving and a 12mo printed card of sympathy on the death of Irving, October 1905. Generally VG, 8

Edward Smith Willard

E S Willard as the Cardinal, signed.

Edward Smith Willard

Edward Smith Willard

Edward Smith Willard cabinet photo

E S Willard written note pg2.

E S Willard written note.

Edward Smith Willard

Edward Smith Willard...1903

Edward Smith Willard

in "The Man Who Was"

Edward Smith Willard

The photo is of Edward Smith Willard, the British Actor, who toured the US in 1890-1894 and then, off and on, until 1905. He is shown in costume as the absent-minded professor in James M. Barrie's play, The Professor's Love Story. ....The photo was taken by Otto Sarony of New York City and his mark is in the negative as well as on the cardstock.

E. S. Willard

Edward Smith Willard postcard

E S Willard as Professor Goodwillie

E S WILLARD as Professor Goodwillie in 'The Professor's Love Story' - postcard..Publisher: D F & Co, York - United Kingdom - 1904

E S Willard Doulton ware vase

Accession number: A6170..Producer: Doulton and Company Limited..Production place: Lambeth, London [Lambeth]..Production date: 1889-1890..Material: ceramic; earthenware..Measurements: H 156 mm; DM (shoulder) 90 mm..Museum Section: Decorative Art..Summary: Doulton ware vase which is baluster shaped and cream in colour with a sepia printed photograph on one side of of E.S. Willard as 'Cyrus Blenkarn' in the 'Middleman Shaftesbury Theatre 1889' and painted flowers with a gold edge on the other. It has a gold line to the rim. Under the base has been adhered a handwritten note with the above information about the character in the photograph...Location: Object stored at Mortimer Wheeler House (Ceramics and Glass store)

Mr. Edward S. Willard

Title .Mr. Edward S. Willard in Theater Scrapbook Two,envelop 2....owner .dla..work type .picture..work date .c 1900s..current site .CD: Scrapbook 2, Disk 2....http://imagebase.lib.vt.edu/view_record.php?URN=03TS0269

E. S. WILLARD & HERBERT WARING in 'The Cardinal'

E. S. WILLARD & HERBERT WARING in 'The Cardinal' - postcard..Publisher: Beagles 1938 - United Kingdom - 1905....Black & white matt photo. Unused.

Mr. Willard, as Cyrus Blenkarn

Stereoscopic Company..Mr. Willard, as Cyrus Blenkarn in "The Middleman." picture..Date(s) of creation: [ca. 1890]..photograph : albumen silver cabinet ; on mount 16.5 x 10.7 cm., approx...Reproduction rights owned by the State Library of Victoria..Accession Number: H9055..Image Number: a15845

Edward Smith Willard postcard

(signed postcard, matt, Rotary Photo, 1104b -..the signature is dated August 1908,..but Willard has added 1896 to the photo)

Edward Smith Willard

This card, courtesy of Robert J. Foster, was published by Rotograph and the photograph is from the Marceau Studio.

Edward Smith Willard

Willard is in costume in this cabinet photograph for his part as Giovanni de Medici in Louis N. Parker's The Cardinal. The play opened under the management of Sir George Alexander in 1901 at the St. James's Theatre and ran for 106 performances. The play, again with Willard as the Cardinal, was revived in 1903.....The photograph, courtesy of Mr. Robert J. Foster, is by Otto Sarony. Note that it is identical to one of the postcards mounted.

Edward Smith Willard as The Cardinal

Willard is in costume in this cabinet photograph for his part as Giovanni de Medici in Louis N. Parker's The Cardinal. The play opened under the management of Sir George Alexander in 1901 at the St. James's Theatre and ran for 106 performances. The play, again with Willard as the Cardinal, was revived in 1903.....The photograph, courtesy of Mr. Robert J. Foster, is by Otto Sarony. Note that it is identical to one of the postcards mounted.

Edward Smith Willard

The former owner, Edward Smith Willard (1853-1915), purchased a number of Mosher's books printed on real vellum. Willard travelled in America from September 29, 1902 to April 27, 1903 where, from Boston, he contacted Mosher. His letters to Mosher from England are located in the Houghton Library's manuscript collections, bMS Am 1096 1613-16, and the following is a cabinet photo of the actor:

Edward Smith Willard

Edward Smith Willard

Edward Smith Willard as The Cardinal

Willard is in costume for his part as Giovanni de Medici in Louis N. Parker's The Cardinal. The play opened under the management of Sir George Alexander in 1901 at the St. James's Theatre and ran for 106 performances. The play, again with Willard as the Cardinal, was revived in 1903.....The photograph is by Otto Sarony.

1906 Edward Willard Kipling Theatre Magazine Photo

1906 Edward Willard Kipling Theatre Magazine Photo....An original page from the Theatre Magazine featuring Edward S Willard.....Here he is dressed "as Kipling's Weird Character, 'The Man Who Was'"....Photo by Otto Sarony....Source: February 1906 Theatre magazine.....Condition: Very good; measures about 10 x 14....http://shop.vendio.com/vintageads4u/item/570542647/

Edward Smith Willard

Edward Smith Willard was born in Brighton and beginning in 1869 played varied roles, including Romeo and Macduff. His first appearance in London was in 1875, and in 1876 he played Antonio with Charles Rice as Shylock. He then went back to the provincial theatres that same year where over the next five years he played such Shakespeare characters as Edmund, Benedick, Iago, and Macbeth.....He returned to London in 1881 and eventually joined the company of Wilson Barrett, staying with him until 1886. During those years with Barrett he had an opportunity to play Claudius in Measure for Measure and Iachimo in Cymbeline. He left Barrett and next played Macbeth in 1888. He went on tour to American from 1890 until 1894, where in his repertory he included Hamlet. Over the next few years he moved back and forth between England and America until he retired from acting in 1906. When he did return to the stage it was for benefit performances, once playing Brutus in 1911. We do not hear his name often now, but E. S. Willard was an important actor who did much to keep Shakespeare's plays on the boards.

Edward Smith Willard

Edward Smith Willard

E S Willard in Toronto, Ontario

May 8th at the Princess Theatre, Toronto E. S. Willard billboard. 146 Bay St., Toronto

Bram Stoker Letter pg1

Stoker was well-connected in the theatre world, as this letter of 7 May 1890 testifies. The letter is addressed to the editor and architect Sir James Thomas Knowles, and concerns an article on actor-managers of the 19th century. Knowles wished for the participation of some of these great men, and Stoker writes to update him: .."I have seen all our people except Wyndham, who is in Paris and will not return till tomorrow"...These 'people' include Sir Henry Irving, Sir John Hare, Sir Squire Bancroft, Edward Smith Willard and Sir George Alexander: all giants of the London stage..." I told them all that you would write personally when sending proof of the article, as of course they will all prefer to hear from you direct"...Image ref: 716/61/1b (pp. 1 & 2)

Bram Stocker Letter pg2

Edward Smith Willard

As "The Cardinal"

Edward Smith Willard

E S Willard as the Cardinal

E S Willard as the Cardinal

Citations

1. [S3888] Ancestry.com, England, Select Births and Christenings, 1538-1975
2. [S5095] 1911 Census of England, Middlesex, Westminster, 2 April 1911. WILLARD, Edward S. (head). RD 06. PN 504. ED 10. SN 124. https://www.ancestry.ca: accessed 27 March 2025
3. [S3899] FreeBMD, England & Wales, Civil Registration Death Index, 1837-1915
4. [S3799] Ancestry.com and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1881 England Census, Class: RG11; Piece: 644; Folio: 138; Page: 30; GSU roll: 1341149
5. [S3844] Ancestry.com, England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1858-1966, 1973-1995
6. [S3798] 1871 Census of England, Gloucestershire, Bristol. 7 April 1871. WILLARD, Edward S. (head). PN 2519. FL 92. SN 4. ED 7. p. 1. https://www.ancestry.ca : accessed 6 June 2026.
7. [S3809] Ancestry.com, New York, Passenger Lists, 1820-1957, Year: 1905; Arrival: New York, New York; Microfilm Serial: T715, 1897-1957; Microfilm Roll: Roll 0529; Line: 18; Page Number: 6
8. [S115] FreeBMD Index hosted by Rootsweb (Name: http://freebmd.rootsweb.com;)
9. [S184] Newspaper - The London Times online Archives
10. [S187] New York Times, The, (1890) Actors Next to Irving. The New York Times. 20 April. p. 10. Collection: ProQuest Historical Newspapers https://www.proquest.com : accessed 17 August 2023.
11. [S187] New York Times, The, (1890) The Future of Palmers. The New York Times. 7 September. p. 2. Collection: ProQuest Historical Newspapers https://www.proquest.com : accessed 4 April 2014.
12. [S161] Newspaper - Chicago Daily Tribune
13. [S187] New York Times, The, (1890) Actor and Artist Honored. The New York Times. 09 November. p. 7. Collection: ProQuest Historical Newspapers https://www.proquest.com : accessed 4 April 2014.
14. [S187] New York Times, The, (1890) The Middleman Ad. The New York Times. 16 November. Collection: ProQuest Historical Newspapers https://www.proquest.com : accessed 4 April 2014.
15. [S187] New York Times, The, (1890) Stage Villain No More. The New York Times. 30 November. p. 13. Collection: ProQuest Historical Newspapers https://www.proquest.com : accessed 4 April 2014.
16. [S187] New York Times, The, (1891) To Meet Mr. Willard. The New York Times. 31 January. p. 08. Collection: ProQuest Historical Newspapers https://www.proquest.com : accessed 4 April 2014.
17. [S4348] Boston Daily Globe (1872-1987), Boston, Massachusetts (online archive), "Willard Honor's"; 8 May 1891, Pg. 4; Edward Smith Willard; accessed: 2 Apr 2014
18. [S4348] Boston Daily Globe (1872-1987), Boston, Massachusetts (online archive), "Gala Night at the Play"; 24 May 1891, Pg. 4; Edward Smith Willard; accessed: 2 Apr 2014
19. [S194] Newspaper - The Washington Post
20. [S196] Newspaper Clipping
21. [S174] Newspaper - Olean Weekly Democrat
22. [S167] Newspaper - Lean Weekly Democrat
23. [S169] Newspaper - Lincoln Evening News
24. [S177] Newspaper - The Daily Citizen
25. [S187] New York Times, The, (1893) Henry Irving Dines at the Lotos Club. The New York Times. 17 December. p. 5. Collection: ProQuest Historical Newspapers https://www.proquest.com : accessed 4 April 2014.
26. [S187] New York Times, The, (1894) E.S. Willard Acts Hamlet. The New York Times. 23 January. p. 5. Collection: ProQuest Historical Newspapers https://www.proquest.com : accessed 4 April 2014.
27. [S187] New York Times, The, (1894) Theatrical Gossip. The New York Times. 06 July. p. 8. Collection: ProQuest Historical Newspapers https://www.proquest.com : accessed 4 April 2014.
28. [S178] Newspaper - The Daily Gleaner
29. [S172] Newspaper - Oakland Daily Evening Tribune
30. [S179] Newspaper - The Delphos Daily Herald (Name: Delphos, Ohio;)
31. [S187] New York Times, The, (1896) Henry Arthur Jones Again. The New York Times. 03 May. p. 10. Collection: ProQuest Historical Newspapers https://www.proquest.com : accessed 4 April 2014.
32. [S4348] Boston Daily Globe (1872-1987), Boston, Massachusetts (online archive), "Welcome Return of E. S. Willard, the Famous English Actor.", 15 Nov 1896, pg. 18
33. [S181] Newspaper - The Herald (Name: Syracuse, New York;)
34. [S187] New York Times, The, (1897) Passengers For Europe. The New York Times. 03 June. p. 03. Collection: ProQuest Historical Newspapers https://www.proquest.com : accessed 4 April 2014.
35. [S4348] Boston Daily Globe (1872-1987), Boston, Massachusetts (online archive), "Willard's New Play", 18 Jul 1897, Pg. 30; Edward Smith Willard; accessed: 2 Apr 2014
36. [S4348] Boston Daily Globe (1872-1987), Boston, Massachusetts (online archive), "Mr. Willard's Farewell"; 19 Dec 1897, Pg. 2; Edward Smith Willard; accessed: 2 Apr 2014
37. [S176] Newspaper - The Atlanta Constitution
38. [S187] New York Times, The, (1898) Anna Held In Atlanta. The New York Times. 06 March. p. 8. Collection: ProQuest Historical Newspapers https://www.proquest.com : accessed 4 April 2014.
39. [S150] Middletown Daily Argus
40. [S187] New York Times, The, (1898) E. S. Willard Is Better. The New York Times. 21 March. p. 3. Collection: ProQuest Historical Newspapers https://www.proquest.com : accessed 4 April 2014.
41. [S187] New York Times, The, (1898) E. S. Willard Better. The New York Times. 22 March. p. 1. Collection: ProQuest Historical Newspapers https://www.proquest.com : accessed 4 April 2014.
42. [S187] New York Times, The, (1898) E. S. Willard's Condition. The New York Times. 27 March. p. 7. Collection: ProQuest Historical Newspapers https://www.proquest.com : accessed 4 April 2014.
43. [S4246] Bismark Daily Tribune, Bismark, North Dakota, USA (online archive), "E. S. Willard fever relapse"; 3 May 1898; Edward Smith Willard; accessed: 2 Apr 2014

Caroline Willard^1,2,3

Parents

Biography

Citations

1. [S3800] Ancestry.com, 1891 England Census, Class: RG12; Piece: 201; Folio: 67; Page: 46; GSU roll: 6095311
2. [S3799] Ancestry.com and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1881 England Census, Class: RG11; Piece: 274; Folio: 62; Page: 17; GSU roll: 1341059
3. [S3798] 1871 Census of England, Sussex, Lewis, RG10/1067, ED 2, folio 41, page 21, schedule 89; Caroline Willard; digital image, Ancestry, Ancestry.ca (https://www.ancestry.ca: accessed 1 Mar 2020); citing The National Archives of the UK, GSU roll: 827492
4. [S115] FreeBMD Index hosted by Rootsweb (Name: http://freebmd.rootsweb.com;)

Edmund Willard^1,2,3,4,5,6

Parents

Edmund Willard

Biography

Edmund Willard was born on 19 December 1884 in Brighton, Sussex, EnglandO.^1,2,4,5,6 He and Mabel Teresa Tebbs were married on 12 November 1907 in Steyning, Sussex, EnglandO.^7,8 He died on 6 October 1956, at age 71, in Kingston Upon Thames, Surrey, EnglandO.^9,4

Edmund Willard was also known as Edmund Vassall Vaughan. He was an actor. With the Military Foot Police during World War One.⁸ He resided in Brighton, Sussex, EnglandO, in 1891.¹ He resided in Wandsworth, London, EnglandO, in 1911.⁵ He resided in 3 Upper Tooting Park Mansion, Balham, Surrey, England, in 1916.⁶ He resided in Richmond, Surrey, EnglandO, in 1939.² He appeared in the newspaper for an Arsenic and Old Lace Review in EnglandO on 1 January 1943.¹⁰

Media

Edmund Willard

Edmund Willard

Outside of Hamlet, other characters were beginning to stamp their influence upon the play. Edmund Willard's Claudius, pictured here, was said to be a very businesslike villain ? memorable because his appearance differed from Claudius's of the past. He didn't wear a crown. There was no insignia of royalty to suggest his royal status.

Trade Show Ad

mystery-of-the-marie-celeste-pressbook-back-cover

Cardboard Cavalier

Edmund Willard and Bela Lugosi

Edmund Willard in character

Edmund Willard in character

film-weekly-august-16th-1935

Cardboard Cavalier

Edmund Willard in the Cardboard Cavalier.

Cardboard Cavalier

Edmund Willard in the Cardboard Cavalier.

Edmund Willard Phantom Ship Poster

Phantom Ship starring Edmund Willard.

Edmund Willard

Edmund Willard in Phantom Ship.

Edmund Willard

"The Phantom Ship" 1934 Edmund Willard as Toby Bilson

Phantom Ship scene

Burial at sea scene with Edmund Willard.

Edmund Willard

Citations

1. [S3800] Ancestry.com, 1891 England Census, Class: RG12; Piece: 811; Folio: 144; Page: 25; GSU roll: 6095921
2. [S4130] Ancestry.com, 1939 England and Wales Register, The National Archives; Kew, London, England; 1939 Register; Reference: RG 101/1379E
3. [S3914] FreeBMD, England & Wales, Civil Registration Marriage Index, 1837-1915
4. [S3885] Ancestry.com, England & Wales, Civil Registration Death Index, 1916-2007, General Register Office; United Kingdom; Volume: 5g; Page: 374
5. [S5095] 1911 Census of England, Surrey, Wandsworth, 2 April 1911. VAUGHAN, Edward V. (head). RD 26. PN 2294. ED 09. SN 119. https://www.ancestry.ca: accessed 13 Apr 2025
6. [S4448] Ancestry.com, UK, British Army World War I Pension Records 1914-1920, WO364; Piece: 4362
7. [S115] FreeBMD Index hosted by Rootsweb (Name: http://freebmd.rootsweb.com;), Year of Registration: 1907 Quarter of Registration: Oct-Nov -Dec District: Steyning County: Sussex Volume: 2b Pag e: 656
8. [S310] The National Archives of the UK (TNA): Public Record Office (PRO)., "British Army WWI Service Records, 1914-1920," digital images, Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2008, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed ), 1 May 2015; Edmund Vassall Vaughan, P3777
9. [S184] Newspaper - The London Times online Archives
10. [S187] New York Times, The, (1943) Arsenic and Old Lace Review. The New York Times. 01 January. Collection: ProQuest Historical Newspapers https://www.proquest.com : accessed 4 April 2014.

Emily Willard^1,2

Parents

Biography

Citations

1. [S5210] 1901 Census of England, Sussex, Brighton, RG 13, Enumeration District (ED) 13, Piece 929, Schedule 12, folio 125, page 2, Line 13 - 18; Walter Willard household; digital image, Ancestry, Ancestry.ca (https://www.ancestry.ca: accessed 1 Mar 2020) ; citing The National Archives of the UK.
2. [S3800] Ancestry.com, 1891 England Census, Class: RG12; Piece: 811; Folio: 144; Page: 25; GSU roll: 6095921

Herbert Frank Willard¹

Parents

Biography

Citations

1. [S3800] Ancestry.com, 1891 England Census, Class: RG12; Piece: 811; Folio: 144; Page: 25; GSU roll: 6095921

Izake Field^1,2

Parents

Biography

Citations

1. [S3888] Ancestry.com, England, Select Births and Christenings, 1538-1975
2. [S4760] Ancestry.com, East Sussex, England, Church of England Baptisms, Marriages and Burials, 1538-1812, East Sussex and Brighton and Hove Record Office; Brighton, England, UK; Sussex Parish Registers

Charles Willard^1,2

Parents

Biography

Charles Willard was born on 5 September 1887 in Brighton, Sussex, EnglandO.^1,2 He and Annie Louisa Giles were married on 25 August 1917 in Fulham, Middlesex, EnglandO.³ He died on 14 May 1938, at age 50, in Fulham, Middlesex, EnglandO.

Citations

1. [S5210] 1901 Census of England, Sussex, Brighton, RG 13, Enumeration District (ED) 13, Piece 929, Schedule 12, folio 125, page 2, Line 13 - 18; Walter Willard household; digital image, Ancestry, Ancestry.ca (https://www.ancestry.ca: accessed 1 Mar 2020) ; citing The National Archives of the UK.
2. [S3800] Ancestry.com, 1891 England Census, Class: RG12; Piece: 811; Folio: 144; Page: 25; GSU roll: 6095921
3. [S256] Gerald and Tracy Willard, Willard Family (Name: Willard family decendants.;)

Harry Willard¹

Parents

Biography

Citations

1. [S5210] 1901 Census of England, Sussex, Brighton, RG 13, Enumeration District (ED) 13, Piece 929, Schedule 12, folio 125, page 2, Line 13 - 18; Walter Willard household; digital image, Ancestry, Ancestry.ca (https://www.ancestry.ca: accessed 1 Mar 2020) ; citing The National Archives of the UK.

Sydney Smith Willard¹

Parents

Biography

Citations

1. [S5210] 1901 Census of England, Sussex, Brighton, RG 13, Enumeration District (ED) 13, Piece 929, Schedule 12, folio 125, page 2, Line 13 - 18; Walter Willard household; digital image, Ancestry, Ancestry.ca (https://www.ancestry.ca: accessed 1 Mar 2020) ; citing The National Archives of the UK.

Mabel Teresa Tebbs^1,2,3

Mabel Teresa Tebbs

Biography

Mabel Teresa Tebbs was born in 1885 in Hove, Sussex, EnglandO.^2,1 She and Edmund Willard were married on 12 November 1907 in Steyning, Sussex, EnglandO.^4,5 She died on 3 February 1944, at age ~59, in Richmond, Surrey, EnglandO.⁶ She was buried on 8 February 1944 in Richmond Cemetery, Richmond, Surrey, England.⁷

Media

Mabel Tebbs

Mabel with her younger sister Mary

Mabel (right) with younger sisters Mary and Christine

Christopher, called Kit, with mother Mabel Tebbs and sister Barbara.

Christopher, called Kit, with mother Mabel Tebbs and sister Barbara c.1926.

Citations

1. [S4130] Ancestry.com, 1939 England and Wales Register, The National Archives; Kew, London, England; 1939 Register; Reference: RG 101/1379E
2. [S5095] 1911 Census of England, Surrey, Wandsworth, 2 April 1911. VAUGHAN, Edward V. (head). RD 26. PN 2294. ED 09. SN 119. https://www.ancestry.ca: accessed 13 Apr 2025
3. [S4448] Ancestry.com, UK, British Army World War I Pension Records 1914-1920, WO364; Piece: 4362
4. [S115] FreeBMD Index hosted by Rootsweb (Name: http://freebmd.rootsweb.com;), Year of Registration: 1907 Quarter of Registration: Oct-Nov -Dec District: Steyning County: Sussex Volume: 2b Pag e: 656
5. [S310] The National Archives of the UK (TNA): Public Record Office (PRO)., "British Army WWI Service Records, 1914-1920," digital images, Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2008, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed ), 1 May 2015; Edmund Vassall Vaughan, P3777
6. [S184] Newspaper - The London Times online Archives
7. [S218] London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, Richmond upon Thames Burial registry (Name: Burial register for Richmond upon Thames cemeteries.Online;)

Edmund 'Chris' Christopher Willard

Parents

Edmund 'Chris' Christopher Willard

Biography

Edmund 'Chris' Christopher Willard was born in 1921 in Brighton, Sussex, EnglandO. He died on 13 April 1944, at age ~23.¹ He was buried on 18 April 1944 in Richmond Cemetery, Richmond, Surrey, England.²

Media

Christopher, called Kit, with mother Mabel Tebbs and sister Barbara.

Christopher, called Kit, with mother Mabel Tebbs and sister Barbara c.1926.

Chris and cousin Mary Savage circ 1927

Edmund Christopher Willard

In uniform, WWII. Christopher died in action 1944.

Citations

1. [S184] Newspaper - The London Times online Archives
2. [S218] London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, Richmond upon Thames Burial registry (Name: Burial register for Richmond upon Thames cemeteries.Online;)

Barbara Mary Willard^1,2,3,4,5

Parents

Barbara Mary Willard

Biography

In the rich tapestry of English literature, certain authors possess the unique ability to transport readers to bygone eras, offering glimpses into the lives and landscapes of times long past. Barbara Willard, a prolific writer of historical fiction, was one such author, whose evocative storytelling and meticulous attention to detail captivated readers of all ages. Through her timeless tales, Willard breathed life into the pages of history, illuminating the past with a clarity and resonance that continues to enchant readers to this day.
Early Life and Literary Influences
Barbara Willard was born Barbara Mary Murphy on January 4, 1909, in Brighton, England. From an early age, she displayed a keen interest in literature and history, nurtured by her parents' love of books and storytelling. Her upbringing instilled in her a deep appreciation for the power of words to transport readers to distant times and places, laying the groundwork for her future career as a writer.
Willard's literary influences were diverse and eclectic, ranging from classic works of English literature to historical novels and biographies. She drew inspiration from authors such as Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, and Walter Scott, whose vivid portrayals of life in bygone eras left an indelible impression on her imagination.
Literary Career and Contributions
Barbara Willard's literary career began in earnest in the 1950s when she published her debut novel, "The Lark on the Wing." Set in Elizabethan England, the novel follows the fortunes of a young girl who dreams of becoming a singer at the court of Queen Elizabeth I. Willard's meticulously researched historical detail and richly drawn characters captivated readers and established her as a formidable talent in the world of historical fiction.
Over the course of her career, Willard wrote numerous novels for both children and adults, spanning a wide range of historical periods and settings. From Tudor England to the Regency era, her novels brought to life the sights, sounds, and struggles of everyday life in times gone by, offering readers a window into the past that was as informative as it was entertaining.
One of Willard's most acclaimed works is the "Mantlemass" series, a trilogy of novels set in 15th-century England. Through the eyes of her young protagonist, Nicholas, Willard vividly portrays the tumultuous events of the Wars of the Roses, weaving a tale of intrigue, betrayal, and redemption that resonates with readers of all ages.
Legacy and Impact
Barbara Willard's contributions to the world of literature were immense, earning her a devoted following and critical acclaim. Her novels continue to be cherished by readers for their vivid storytelling, rich historical detail, and timeless themes of love, loyalty, and resilience.
Though she passed away in 1994, Barbara Willard's literary legacy endures, as her novels continue to inspire and enchant readers around the world. Through her evocative storytelling and meticulous attention to detail, she illuminated the past with a clarity and resonance that will be cherished for generations to come. Barbara Mary Willard resided in Wandsworth, London, EnglandO, in 1911. She resided in 1916. She resided in Richmond, Surrey, EnglandO, in 1939. The estate of Barbara Mary Willard was probated on 5 September 1994 in Brighton, Sussex, EnglandO.⁴

Media

Barbara (left) with grandmother Mary Laidler and cousin Jo Tebbs

Barbara (right) with grandmother Mary Laidler and cousin Jo Tebbs

Barbara Mary Willard

About 1923

Christopher, called Kit, with mother Mabel Tebbs and sister Barbara.

Christopher, called Kit, with mother Mabel Tebbs and sister Barbara c.1926.

Barbara Mary Willard

Late 1920s photo of the author

Citations

1. [S4130] Ancestry.com, 1939 England and Wales Register, The National Archives; Kew, London, England; 1939 Register; Reference: RG 101/1379E
2. [S5095] 1911 Census of England, Surrey, Wandsworth, 2 April 1911. VAUGHAN, Edward V. (head). RD 26. PN 2294. ED 09. SN 119. https://www.ancestry.ca: accessed 13 Apr 2025
3. [S4448] Ancestry.com, UK, British Army World War I Pension Records 1914-1920, WO364; Piece: 4362
4. [S3844] Ancestry.com, England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1858-1966, 1973-1995
5. [S3816] FreeBMD, England & Wales, Civil Registration Birth Index, 1837-1915

Ann Burns

Parents

Biography

Edith Mary King^1,2,3,4,5

Parents

Biography

Citations

1. [S3799] Ancestry.com and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1881 England Census, Class: RG11; Piece: 1686; Folio: 28; Page: 11; GSU roll: 1341403
2. [S5210] 1901 Census of England, Surrey, Streatham, RG 13, Enumeration District (ED) 52, Piece 477, Schedule 18, folio 83, page 3, Line 6 - 7; Emma King household; digital image, Ancestry, Ancestry.ca (https://www.ancestry.ca: accessed 1 Mar 2020) ; citing The National Archives of the UK.
3. [S3793] Ancestry.com, Surrey, England, Church of England Baptisms, 1813-1912
4. [S5091] Ancestry.com, Beddington, Surrey, England, Royal Female Orphanage List of Children, 1890-1913
5. [S5081] 1921 Census of England, Surrey, Wandsworth, 19 June 1921. KING, Edith Mary (head). RG15/2342, ED 5, Sch 293; Book: 02342, https://www.ancestry.ca: accessed 20 January 2025

Robert Field

Biography

Citations

1. [S599] East Sussex Record Office

Percy King^1,2,3,4,5

Parents

Biography

Citations

1. [S5095] 1911 Census of England, Middlesex, Ealing, 2 April 1911. KING, Percy (head). RD 128. PN 6900. ED 33. SN 310. https://www.ancestry.ca: accessed 25 March 2025
2. [S5210] 1901 Census of England, Kent, Beckenham, RG 13, Enumeration District (ED) 13, Piece 689, Schedule 97, folio 12, page 15, Line 24; Percy King household; digital image, Ancestry, Ancestry.ca (https://www.ancestry.ca: accessed 1 Mar 2020) ; citing The National Archives of the UK.
3. [S3799] Ancestry.com and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1881 England Census, Class: RG11; Piece: 1686; Folio: 28; Page: 11; GSU roll: 1341403
4. [S3932] Ancestry.com, London, England, Church of England Marriages and Banns, 1754-1921, London Metropolitan Archives, DRO/174/A/03/007
5. [S3792] Ancestry.com, Public Member Trees