The Willard Family Tree
Where does your story begin?
More than 390 years ago, a family story began across the Atlantic.
In 1634/35, Simon Willard, his half-brother George, and their sister Margery left Horsmonden, Kent, England and immigrated to the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
From these three siblings came generations of families whose stories continue today.
But a family tree isn't really about names and dates. It's about people, the places they called home, the choices they made, the families they built, and all the people who came after them.
You don't have to be a genealogist.
You don't need to know your family tree. You don't need to know your ancestors' names.
You don't need to know which Willard you're descended from. Start with whatever you know — a name, a photograph, a hometown, a family story, or simply a feeling that there's probably something here.
We'll help you take it from there.
Name
Photo
Hometown
Story
Question
Curiosity
— You’re Part of the Story —
A family with deep roots.
Simon Willard's family alone grew into an extraordinary network of descendants.
His children and their families spread throughout New England and, over generations, much farther afield. Some branches kept the Willard name. Others continued through daughters whose surnames.changed
So maybe you're a Willard.
Maybe you're a Davis.
Maybe your last name has changed several times since your Willard ancestor.
Along these branches is a person whose story eventually connects to yours.
Maybe you already know who that person is. Maybe you have an old photograph tucked in a drawer. A name you've heard your whole life. A family story that dosen't quite have an ending. Or maybe you have no idea where to begin. That's okay.