THE WILLETT FAMILY HISTORY 1500s to Present

As Researched and Written by Monique Willett

Edited by Veronique (Nikki) Willett 2007, Edited and Updated by Kristopher Willett 2009

Forward by Veronique (Nikki) Willett

My mother Monique Willett, nee Favreau (b. 1925 1996), spent many countless hours
researching the Willett family history. As I a child I remember sitting quietly in different
libraries while my mother researched books and records to find any clues to the family
history. Can you imagine being quiet at the age 5 for that long?
Much of her research also brought her to France looking up what happened to the
French Huguenots of the Willett ancestry. My mothers family history was not as
successful as the Willetts due to many of the wars that destroyed records. Funny
enough, one thing she did find that in her ancestry and my fathers, at one time in
history each family lived in the next town from each other and could have at one time
passed by or known each other. It truly is small world. After reading all this history and
knowing the arrival of our Family in the early days of America I can no longer say that
I am a Daughter of the Revolution, but I guess a Daughter of the Loyalists?

WILLETT FAMILY HISTORY

MOTTO: DIEU ET MON DEVOIR

(French Translation God and My Duty)

WILLETT FAMILY HISTORY

The Willett Family has a Coat of Arms, which hangs in the Fort Anne Museum in
Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia. Miss Gertrude Willett of Granville, a descendent of
Walter Willett (3), donated it to the museum. This Coat of Arms is the same Coat of
Arms that was granted in 1583 to Thomas Willett (1) of Walthamstow, Essex, England.
Arms: Argent three bars gemelles, in chief three Lions rampant sable. Crest: Out of a
Ducal Coronet or a Heathcock Volant sable, beaked and legged gules. The Coat of
arms can be found at: http://www.houseofnames.com/xq/asp.c/qx/willett-coat-arms.htm
You will have by now noticed that the Willett names typically have a number in
parenthesis following them. This is simply to help clarify which person is being
referenced. As was tradition way back then, first names were often used again and
again to honor their predecessors. This is all well and fine but when you start working
your way through 15 generations of the family tree in can get a bit confusing when
there are multiple people with the same first name.
The surname Willett is derived from the diminutive form of the Old English personal
name Will or William. Thus, the name refers to a son of Willett. Willett is an AngloSaxon surname which has survived the rigorous course of history to the present day.
Emerging from the shadows of time, the records reveal the earliest origins of this
distinguished family.
Historians have researched such ancient manuscripts as the Doomsday Book compiled
in 1086 A.D., by Duke William of Normandy, the Ragman Rolls (1291 1296) collected
by King Edward 1st of England, the Curia Regis Rolls, the Pipe Rolls, the Hearth Rolls,
parish registers, baptismal, tax records and other ancient documents. Researches
found the first record of the name Willett in Essex, where the Willett family was seated
from very ancient times. Records of the name in Essex and the surrounding shires
date back to the Middle Ages, during the years immediately following the Norman
Conquest.
The name Willett occurred in many manuscripts, where the name could also be found
spelled Willett, Willet, Willette, Willhite, Willot, Willitt, Willets, Willats with these
changes in spelling sometimes occurring even between father and son. In the 16 th
century even literate people such as William Shakespeare varied the spelling of their
own names. There are many reasons for these spelling variations, for instance official
court languages such as Latin and French had their influence on how a name was
recorded. In general, church officials and scribes recorded a name as it was told to
them, rather than follow any spelling rules or conventions.
It is claimed that a Huguenot family by the name of Villette or Ouellette fled from France
to England and the name was Anglicized into Willett. I have found mention of Villette in
France on the web back to 1510. 1 In England, the Willett name was found primarily in
three areas; Leicester, Essex and in Devonshire. It is in Leicester where we find
Reverend Thomas Willett of the Church of England. He was the reverend of Ely and
Sub Almoner to King Edward VI during his short reign. He was also Rector of Bailey
and was succeeded in all his offices by his son Reverend Andrew Willett. Andrew had
a son Henry who married the sister of the Bishop of London, and his great grandson,
Ralph founded the famous Mereley Library at Mereley. Andrew who wrote some 40
3

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books during his lifetime had a total of 18 children (go forth and multiply). It was one of
these children, Capt. Thomas Willett (3) who would sail to America in 1632.

During the course of my research much confusion arose around Thomas Willett. There
was a Thomas Willet (different spelling and different branch of genealogy) who arrived
in the New World in 1630 and our Thomas Willett (the focus of this genealogy) who
arrived in 1632 on the good ship Lyon.
The following is an excellent resource on Willett Genealogy up until 1906. You can
view the entire book on line at:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/20832108/WillettGenealogy-by-J-E-Bookstaver-Published-1906

WILLETT FAMILY HISTORY

WILLETT FAMILY HISTORY

According to Planters of the Commonwealth (contains the names of 3,600 passengers

on the ninety-six ships which brought them to New England between 1620 and 1640)
other Willetts sailing during that time period were; Thomas, Richard, Francis, Tobie and
Nathaniel. Thomas Willett would go on to become the first English Mayor of New York
City. Richard became a merchant in Brooklyn and also left a large number of
descendants, one large branch of which were Friends of Quakers. Francis settled in
New England and had quite a large family. Nathaniel settled at Hartford, Connecticut
but as he had no sons (only daughters) the Willett name there soon disappeared. No
further mention can be found of Tobie other than the fact that he too crossed on the
ship Lyon in 1632. Now his last name was spelled with only one t in the ships
passenger list and Tobie was a name that was some times interchanged with Thomas
much like Bill and William are today. If he is the person that takes the name Thomas
Willet in New England he will become the source of much confusion for authors writing
about Marinus Willett down the road. Thomas Willett the future mayor of New York is
the great, great grandfather of Colonel Marinus Willett of Revolutionary War fame.
From these emigrants branches spread out into New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Western
new York, into the south as far as Texas and into Nova Scotia, Canada. Those in
Canada were generally loyalist refugees.
One branch in Nova Scotia are
descendants of Continental prisoners of war carried their from Virginia during the
Revolutionary War.
Capt. Thomas Willett (3) was married in the Reformed Dutch Church of New
Amsterdam on the 1st of September, 1643, to Sarah Cornell, the daughter of Thomas
Cornell, the patentee of Cornells Neck. The erroneous Thomas Willet was the son of
Thomas Willet, of Plymouth. He was not born until October 1, 1646. He was never
married, and died before his father. Thomas Willet of Plymouth also had no son by the
name of William, since he never married, we can assume he never had children at all.
I can say this with confidence since during my research any time I looked at birth
records of that era it was always glaringly pointed out if a child was born out of
wedlock. If you do any research for yourself and the family history of Colonel Marinus
Willett watch out; there are lots of confused authors out there both in print and on the
web that got caught up in the confusion created by the two Thomass! Adding to the
confusion is the propensity for fathers of this era to name their sons after themselves.
Hell, the Colonel had three sons each named Marinus by three different women over
the course of his lifetime. Must have been confusing at family reunions.

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Painting of Windsor Castle by Arthur Willett (1868 1951)

Some Notable Willetts:

Thomas Willett, first English Mayor of New York City

Colonel Marinus Willett, 49 th Mayor of New York City, Sheriff of NYC twice, one
of 16 recipients of the Elegant Smallsword presented by the Continental
Congress, known as the Hero of Mohawk Valley. He has had at least 4 books
written about him.
Colonel Augustine Willett, served with George Washington at Valley Forge
William Willett who took Benjamin Franklins idea for Daylight Savings Time and
made it happen in the UK having parliament pass the idea into law.
Arthur Willett, noted painter
Robert L. Willett, author of Russian Sideshow, Americas Undeclared War
Rev. Marinus Willett (Col. Marinus Willetts son) clergyman and college
professor, author of several books.
Jacob Willett, author of several school books in the 1800s
Joseph E. Willett, Professor of Natural Science at Mercer University
J.H. Willett, author of Natural Philosophy
Ed Willett, professional baseball player with Detroit, 1912 2

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Ed Willett, Detroit Tigers, circa 1912

Edward Willett, author of Crazy Dan and Old Bill Woodworth along with several
other books.
W.H. Willett, author of Charles Vincent or Two Clerks
W. Willett, author of Sketches of the Economy for divine Providence
Oliver Wendell Holmes, although not carrying the Willett name, his great
grandmother was a Willett.

Ralph Willett Miller (1762 1799) was an officer of the Royal Navy and was one
of Admiral Horatio Nelsons Band of Brothers at the Battle of the Nile in 1798

Guy Willett, mountain climber and author of Denali, Great White Fright
Kristopher Willett, author of Gothams Patriot and Forgotten Patriots, Recipients
of the Elegant Smallsword
Patrick Willett, noted painter 3

WILLETT FAMILY HISTORY

WETLANDS 3
Watercolor on Arches paper
by Patrick Willett

Chad Willett, TV and movie star 4

Chad Willett, TV & Movie Actor

WILLETT FAMILY HISTORY

William Willett (1856 1915) circa 1909

Advocate of Day Light Savings Time

Danny Willett, Professional Golfer 5

Danny Willett, Professional Golfer

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Martin Willett, Politician 6

Nick Willett, Entertainer 7
Leon Willett, an award-winning composer of music 8
Dr. Kate Willett, Professor at Yale University 9
Justice Don Willett, Supreme Court of Texas
Dr. Walter Willett, Professor at Harvard Medical School
Marcia Willett, author of multiple books
Fangette Willett, Music Composer10

Fangette Willett, Composer

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Willett Landmarks of Note:

Marinus Willett Center at Fort Stanwix, Rome, NY in honor of Col. Marinus

Willett

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Willett Tower in Somerset, England completed in 1782

The town of Willett is located in Somerset, England
Willett Point, a point in Upper Township, Cape May, NJ
Willettstown, the original name of what is now called South River, NJ
Willetts Pond, in White Plains, NY
Willetts Neck, area near Flushing, NY
Willett, a town in Cayuga County, NY named in honor of Col. Marinus Willett
Willett Street, NYC named in honor of Col. Marinus Willett
Sheriff Street, NYC named in honor of Col. Marinus Willett
Willet, a bird of the snipe or sandpiper family and so called from its cry of wil-wilwillet!
Willett Hall, Portsmouth, Virginia
Willett Hotel London
, 32 Sloane Garden Sloane Square London, UK

The Willett Hotel, London, England

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Willett Hospital, Paris, Ontario

Willett Campus at Albany University on Willett Street

Willett Elementary School in Attleboro, MA

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The origins of daylight saving lie in 18th century Paris, when Benjamin Franklin first
came up with the idea of making the most of the daylight and saving money spent on
candles in 1784. The idea was met with mixed reactions and wasn't heard of again until
the early 1900's when William Willett, a London businessman published a booklet
entitled, "The Waste of Daylight". Willett believed that summer morning light was being
wasted as people slept and that time would be better utilized in the afternoons by
putting the clocks forward one hour. Willett's suggestion became a reality around the
time of the First World War when the British Government adopted the idea, following in
the footsteps of their German and European neighbors to save on coal and boost
wartime production. Many other countries followed suit and nowadays around seventy
countries have daylight saving time.
Several Willett's who's ancestry hails from the Brighton, Bishopstone, Newhaven area
of UK are in fact Willett by change of name only. They were born Catt and changed
their name to inherit money and so passed on the Willett name. 11
This family history is truthfully a detailed documentation of the lineage of Rev. Andrew
Willett (1562 1621) whos son Capt. Thomas Willett (3) (b. 1611 1674) left
England at the tender age of 22 and sailed for the New World to make a new life for
himself. He is listed on the passenger list for the passenger vessel Lyon in 1632. 12
Interestingly, the list referenced 110 specific people yet was carrying a total of 350
passengers on that trip. The people not named were either children or servants of
those listed.
Capt. Thomas Willett (3) originally settled in Plymouth. Here in 1645, he received a
grant of land lying next to the 'GREAT TAVERN' a parcel of irregular shape, averaging
about one hundred and seventy-five feet in width, and extending from the road or
HOOGH STRAET, to the river, a distance of something over one hundred feet. Capt.
Thomas Willett (3), the grantee of the HOOGH STRAET land, - appears in 1643, then
being a young man of twenty-two years - as one of the English soldiers in the employ
of the West India Company. Emigrated from the Shire of Essex in England, he
remained in New Amsterdam for several years, still apparently in the employ of the
West India Company. He was one of those who took part in the massacre of the
Indians, by Director Kieft's orders on the night of 25 February, 1643 at Pavonia. Upon
the next day, he was one of the witnesses of the killing of the Dutchman, Dirck
Straetmaker, and his wife, who in spite of warnings to the contrary had insisted on
visiting the scene of the horrid butchery of the preceding night, where the bodies of the
slain were still lying. He and his wife were there murdered by some of the enraged
Indians who had already begun to gather in the vicinity - the Dutch soldiers being too
far away to afford relief.
He married in 1643, Sarah Willett (1). She was the daughter of Thomas Cornell who
left from England to come to Boston in 1636 with the second Winthrop Expedition and
Rebecca Briggs. Thomas Cornell, with his family, had immigrated to America several
years before, from the Shire of Essex in England. They had acquired from the Indians a
tract lying just east of the Bronx River. Here he established a plantation, which with
those of his neighbors, Jonas Bronck and Edward Jessup, formed the outposts of
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civilization, near New Amsterdam along the East River. Thomas Cornell's tract soon
took the name of Cornell's Neck, and his farmhouse was situated nearly two miles
southeast of the present village of West Farms. Thomas Willett (2) appears to have
remained at New Amsterdam for several years, still apparently in the employ of the
West India Company. Although his ground-brief for the land on Hoogh Street was only
obtained in 1645, there is evidence that he had built upon the plot before that time, his
house occupying very nearly the site of the present building, No 48 Stone Street, -now
an old tea and coffee warehouse. He served under Governor Kieft. Thomas Willett (2)
must have died within a year or so from the last mentioned date, for in November 1647,
his widow Sarah married Charles Bridges, of Canterbury. He had two sons, Col.
Thomas Willett (3) and William Willett (1). Below is a signature of Col. Thomas
Willett (3) as scanned from a Land Deed he had signed circa 1692;

Let us take a brief glance at the land at the time of the British occupation. On the West,
lying between the Hudson and the Bronx rivers, was Colen Donck; next came
Broncksland between Harlem and the Bronx; next to Eastward came the West Farms;
East of this track was Cornell's Neck; adjoining it on the North Oostdorp, or
Westchester, beyond on the Sound was Throgg's Neck; and North of Westchester was
Pell's purchase of 1654. The only settlement or town in the whole district was
Westchester; and the settlers had an agreement with Pell, who claimed the land to the
East river, by which they were to pay him a certain annual rent. This they failed to do
and in acknowledgment of his right on June 14, 1664, they surrendered into his hands
all right, title, and interests in the lands. We have already referred to Thomas Pell's
purchase of 1654 and to his claim of ownership of Westchester, which was admitted by
the settlers. He now advanced the claim to all the land eastward of the Bronx River, as
far as Richbell's purchase by the Connecticut authorities. He even tried to oust Mrs.
Bridges, daughter of Thomas Cornell, from her property at Cornell's Neck, which she
had inherited from her father. She was Thomas Willett's (2) widow. The case was tried
before a jury September 29, 1665; Pell lost his case. The case was very important. It
validated, under English law, every land, grants, conveyance, deed or patent given by
the Company of its officers, and secured to every holder of land the possession of his
lot, farm, or track.
It is almost impossible to locate with accuracy any of the early grants as the land marks
often have disappeared entirely or have lost their identity with the passage of many
generations. The bounds of the Manor of Pelham are fairly well defined. It comprises
9166 acres of which 6100 acres were bought by Governor Leisler in 1688 for the
Huguenot settlement of New Rochelle. On the female side the Willetts are
descendants of Huguenots who settled in New Rochelle.
In April 15, 1667, Governor Nicolls confirmed to William Willett (1), a grand-son of
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Thomas Cornell and son of Sarah Cornell, the original tract of land known as Cornell's
Neck or Black Rock.
Before us is the mouth of the Bronx River, with the low shores of Cornell's Neck on the
opposite side, and beyond that over the East River are the high hills of Long Island. In
1909, Cornell's Neck could be reached by a trolley line running down Clason Point
Avenue from Westchester Avenue about two miles. The Neck was occupied by Thomas
Cornell, one of the Rockmortons' Colonists in 1643. The Neck remained in the
possession of the Willett family until 1793, when the West half was conveyed to
Dominick Lynch. He built a mansion that later became the Sacred Heart Academy, and
later was known as the Clason's Point Military Academy.
In 1673, the Dutch again obtained possession of New York and we find the inhabitants
of Westchester, and of adjacent hamlets, offering to submit themselves to the states
General and the Prince of Orange. Sarah Willett (1), daughter of Thomas Cornell, must
have been an attractive widow, for she was so pestered and annoyed by suitors, both
Dutch and English, she was obliged to appeal to the Court for protection from their
ardent advances. She finally married Thomas Bridges.
The house of Charles Bridges, formerly of Thomas Willett, was on a narrow lane,
leading from High Street down to the East River shore. (This lane occupied the site of
the present building, number 52 Stone Street.). This lane separated the original grant
of Thomas Willett from that of his English neighbor, Richard Smith. We have already
mentioned that Sarah (1) Cornell married in 1647, Charles Bridges and for many years
Bridges and his family, including his young step sons Thomas (3) and William (1),
resided part of the time in the house on Hoogh Street, or in Ulissingen, now Flushing,
Long Island. After the death of Charles Bridges, Sarah (1) married John Laurence of
Flushing.
Colonel Thomas Willett (3), born in 1645, (baptized Nov. 26, 1645, in the Reformed
Dutch Church of New Amsterdam) married in 1667/68 to Helena Willett (1), nee
Stoothoff, born in 1646. Colonel Thomas Willett (3) drew his will at Flushing on Aug.
19, 1672, and he died between that date and Oct. 11, 1722, when the will was proved.
Helena died in 1703/04. Col. Thomas Willett (3) was appointed, on October 13, 1668,
to be a Cornet, with his brother William (1), as a Lieutenant of a volunteer troop of
horses to be raised on Long Island. In 1671, he was Lieutenant of a troop of horses. In
1676-1678, he was Captain and High Sheriff of Long Island. In 1679 -1680 he was one
of three Justices of the Peace. He bought land from the Indians at Cow Neck Long
Island. In 1687, the Militia of the Province was put in readiness to meet the French,
Col. Nicholas Bayard for New York, Col. Thomas Willett (3) & Capt. John Jackson for
Queens were in command. In 1690, Leisler's orders to Queens County officers was to
arrest Colonel Willett (3) for alleged adherents to James the second, he was forced to
flee. In 1692 Petition of Col. Thomas Willett (3) on behalf of Officers and soldiers
employed in the 1687 Expedition to Albany for arrears of pay. In 1692, Order to
Colonel Willett (3) to dispatch 800 men to Albany. In 1695, a letter of Governor
Fletcher to Colonels Young, Willett and Heathcote was to hasten their detachment to
Albany. Colonel Willett was among those paid for service on the Canadian Expedition
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in 1711. From 1710 to 1715, Colonel Willett (3) was a member of the General
Assemblies of the Province.
It would appear that his home in Flushing became the Colden Estates, known as Spring
Hill in the late 18th Century, and since the late 19th century, as the Cedar Grove
Cemetery. The records of the Grace Church, Jamaica, give the burial of his son
Charles Willett (1) at 'Coll. Willetts' in 1719. The 1762 deed between the Willett family
and Colden (Cadwallader Colden was Lt. Governor and frequently acting Governor of
the Province of New York). This was his county seat, where he lived when released
from official cares, and here he died on September 20, 1776. Lt. Governor Colden had
given the property (on which was the house he erected in 1762-1763) to his son David
Colden. It was confiscated in about 1779, and then had a succession of owners until it
became the Cedar Grove cemetery. We are told that in Colden's days, this farm was
one and one half miles south of the village of Flushing, and about two hours traveling
time from the city. Also, the Willett burial ground was near the North line of the farm, not
far from the present Horace Harding Boulevard. Colonel Willett's (3) wife, Helena (1),
died about 1704, less than sixty years before this deed, and hers is the first known
death in the family in Flushing.
This Col. Thomas Willett (3) led an interesting life during the period of New York's
development. The king appointed him in 1689 to the Council of the Province, serving
from 1691 to 1698 under Governor Slaughter, Fletcher, and Bellemont. The judicial
services of Colonel Willett were many, through much of his life he was a Justice of the
Peace. As a Justice of the Peace for the North Riding of Yorkshire, he served in 1680 at
the Court of Assises, then the highest Court of the Province.
As a leader of the community, he was undoubtedly the Thomas Willett (3) appearing
on the early record concerning the parochial church of Jamaica; his son was also an
active member (Grace Church, Jamaica was the successor erected in 1734.) The prior
church lacked a name and was the old Episcopal church of the region.
Col. Thomas Willetts (3) first wife was Helena Stoothoff (1), in one later deed by her
son her name was Anglicized to mother Elena Willett deceased. Thomas Willetts (3)
second wife was Charity Willett, nee Stevenson, to whom he was married by license
on Jan. 13, 1705. Charity Willett of Flushing died in May 1712 according to the
records of the Society of Friends there. Helena Stoothoff's parents were Elbert
Elbertsen Stoothoff (1620-1688) from Holland to Flatlands L.I. who signed himself
Elbert Elbertsen, and Altje Cornelise Cool, they were married at the Dutch Church New
Amsterdam on August 27, 1645. The daughter, Helena (1) was born around 1646-49
and was married about 1667 to Thomas Willett (3). She died between January 8,
1703/04 when she deeded the Stoothoff family land to her children. The census of the
inhabitants of Flushing 1698 gives:

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WILL and TESTAMENT Overview of Thomas Willett:
Thomas Willett (3) of Flushing for love to my son Elbert (1) 200 acres or four fifty
acres lots. To our children namely William (2), Thomas (4), Elbert (1), Charles (1),
Cornelius, Abraham, John (1), Sarah (2) alias De Key, Helena (2) and Elizabeth (2)
convey land in Flatlands bequeathed to us by the last will and testament of our father
Elber Stoothoff deceased. Thomas Willett (3) drew his will at Flushing on August 19,
1722, and he died between that date and October 11, 1722, when the will was proved.
I leave to my eldest son William (2) of Westchester what I have already given to him by
deed, one of my slaves, my seal ring, my riding horse and saddle and its furniture and
my sword and pistols. To my second son Thomas (4) of Flushing all those lands in
Flushing that I have given to him by deed and various other lands including a boggy
meadow lying on the Northeast side of a creek near the house where my son now lives.
To Abraham all those lands in Flushing and elsewhere that I have formerly given to
him by deed and other lands a patentee right of land which belongs to the place where
my son now lives. I leave to my son John (1) all those lands that I have given to him by
deed. I leave to my three sons Thomas (4), Abraham and John (1) my certain swamp
in Flushing called Doughty's Swamp, and all my lands and salt meadows on Newton's
Neck. My son John shall have for his share two fifty acre lots. I also give to my three
sons my two patent rights of meadows at Fresh Meadow in Flushing. I also leave to
each of my sons a Negro slave. I make my four sons executors.
Children of Thomas Willett (3) 12 (11 by 1st wife & 1 by second) William born 1668,
Sarah born 1670 was the oldest daughter of Thomas and was married May 9, 1694, to
Jacobus De Key, (De Kay) born 1672. By 1698, they were in possession of one of the
houses on the Willett homestead in New York City and were given title thereto in 1701,
by her father, Thomas Willett, as part of her marriage portion. Thomas born 1672, Mary
born 1674, Elbert born 1676, Charles born 1678, Helena baptized March 27, 1681at
Flatbush, Cornelius born 1683, died 1722, Abraham born 1685, John Willett (3) born
about 1690 married in 1714 Mary Rodman born in 1693. John died in 1774.
Elizabeth born about 1692 is listed in the 1698 Census as the youngest daughter of
Thomas Willett, who names her in his Will of 1722 as daughter Elizabeth Stevenson.
She married May 24, 1711, Daniel Stevenson of Newtown, who was born about 1692
and died in Flushing in 1754. Mary born about 1705, issue from a second marriage,
she married 16 March 1723 Samuel Rodman. She died May 21, 1751 at the age of
forty-six and is buried in Newport Rhode Island.
Cornelius Willett was born in 1710, married Elizabeth Oakley who was born in 1720
and died in 1792. Cornelius died in 1781. In his will he mentioned daughter Rachel
Haviland and her son Willett Leaycraft. Daughter Mary Willett was born in 1746 and
married in 1762 to John Van Ranstand. Her eldest son Cornelius Willett Vanranst,
grand son Edward Stevenson, minor daughter Martha unmarried, daughter Sarah
unmarried, grand daughters Elizabeth and Amelia Ogilvie and are to be brought by my
wife; my grandson James Graham and my daughter Mary Graham wife of Augustin
Graham Elbert Willett (1) born in 1676 married Joanna Varick. Their son Edward
Willett born 1702 and died 1794 married to Aletta Clowes. Their son Col. Marinus
Willett (1) born 1740 and died 1830. He served as Sheriff of New York City and then
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became the 49th Mayor of New York City serving a two year term between 1807 and
1808.
The Col. Was married 3 times over the course of his lifetime. His first marriage was to
Mary Pearsee with whom he fathered one child Marinus Jr. (2) before Marys early
death. His second marriage to widow Susannah Vardill Nicoll was more grief than bliss
and only lasted two years. His last wife, Margaretta Bancker was a long and fruitful
one producing five more children.
Col. Marinus Willett was born 2nd of 13 children out living all of his siblings passing
away in 1830 at the age of 90. His funeral at Trinity Church in Lower Manhattan was
attended by 10,000 mourners, this at a time when the population of New York City was
a mere 200,000 people.
Col. Marinus Willett is easily the most accomplished and most famous of the Willetts in
the New World. He garnered many unofficial titles over his lifetime; Defender of the
Northern Frontier, Hero of Mohawk Valley and a Revolutionary Patriot. He was
characterized by historian Mark M. Boatner as "one of the truly outstanding American
leaders of the Revolution."

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Below is a scan of the actual Pension Application for Col. Marinus Willett for the
Revolutionary War, circa 1780: I have to think that $600 a year was a modest sum
in 1780. George Washington was paid a salary of $25,000 a year from 1789 to
1797 as the first president of the United States. The current salary of the president
has recently been doubled to $400,000, to go with a $50,000 expense account, a
generous pension and several other benefits. Has the remuneration improved?
Making a comparison using the CPI for 1790 shows that $25,000 corresponds to
over $585,000 today, so the recent raise means current presidents have an equal
command over consumer goods as the Father of the Country.13

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Pension Application for Col. Marinus Willett

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Actual Birth Registry for Marinus Willett

Dr. John Rodman, Marys father came from England to the Barbados then to Newport
Rhode Island in about 1682. He was Freeman in 1684, removed to Block Island in
about 1688 to Flushing Long Island in 1691, Freeman in New York City 1698,
Physician, Quaker, and married to Mary Scammon.

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The following book Gothams Patriot on Colonel Marinus Willett will be available in
early 2010.

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COVER NOTES:
Smallsword of Colonel Marinus Willett (1740 1830)
Lies in the foreground of the American Stars and Stripes

This sword is one of sixteen "elegant swords" awarded by the Continental Congress to various officers for
meritorious action against the British during the American Revolution. Owing to lack of funds, the swords
were not crafted until 178586. They were made not by an American craftsman but by one of the finest
fourbisseurs (sword makers) in Paris. The decoration, in part prescribed by Congress, includes the coat
of arms of the United States on one side of the grip and an appropriate presentation inscription on the
other. This example is inscribed: "Congress to Col. Willett, Oct. 11, 1777." These congressional swords
are the first in a long tradition of specially designed presentation swords that would be awarded to
America's military leaders throughout the next century.
Made by: C. Liger (recorded ca. 17701793), French (Paris)
Steel, golf, silver and shagreen; Sword, L. 39 5/8 in. (100.63 cm)
Sheath, L. 33 1/4 in. (84.46 cm)
Col. Marinus Willetts sword was a Bequest of George Willett van Nest, 1917 to the Metropolitan
Museum of Art in New York City and is on permanent display. George was the Colonels great grandson
and had inherited the sword but recognized it was meant for the people to enjoy.

Photo & information courtesy Metropolitan Museum of Art, NYC

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Marriage bond for William Willett and Betsy Stevens 26 May 1806

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Jonathan born 21 October 1722 at Flushing. He died in Bucks County in 1804/05. He
was married to Deborah Lawrence. Their children were Obadiah, John, Samuel, Sarah
(Mitchell), Anne (Mitchell), Mary (Paxson), Elizabeth (Kirkbride), Helena (Carter),
Jonathan, Walter.
Samuel of New York and Pennsylvania was born 11 February 1723 /24, at Flushing,
son of John and Mary, according to the Quaker records. He died in Bucks County
Pennsylvania Jun. 7, 1757/61. He is buried in the cemetery next to the Friends
Meeting House, fourth row from the East wall, 25th gravestone from route 213 or Maple
Avenue. It was evidently in the late 1740s or early 1750 that he married a younger
sister of his brother John 's wife. She was Elizabeth Lawrence, born Feb. 10 1729.
Information was found in the Willett Family of Flushing, Long Island, with the Branch in
Bucks County, Pennsylvania, by Miss Rosalie Fellows Bailey.
The 1753 condemnation for marrying out, since both were Quakers families, must have
been based on some irregularity under the strict Quaker tenets, which the couple no
doubt wished to have disposed of in order to have a good character reference to bring
to their new home. This would explain the time lapse since their marriage. The undated
certificate to Ephamane or Esphemane, Pa. listed by Hinshaw, is shown on the original
records to have been signed at the meeting of 3rd. of 5th month 1753.
1753, 6th of 4th mo., Samuel Willett and his wife sent in a paper condemning there
marrying out of the unity of friends and desired a few lines by way of a certificate. L ater
in 1753, 3rd. of 5th mo. a certificate directed to Esphemene in Pennsylvania for
Samuel Willett and his wife was signed. In 1754, the Will of Samuel Lawrence of
Flushing names inter alia wife Mary, children Deborah Doughty, Elizabeth Willett,
Margaret Lawrence and Mary Waters, Augustine and Thomas Lawrence, proved 1760.
June 9 1757, the Will of Samuel Willett of Northampton Twp. Bucks County Pa.
yeoman, names wife Elizabeth, brother in law Joseph Thomas, Executors, Eldest son
Augustine, youngest son Lawrence, daughters Catherine and Caroline. They were
affiliated with the Middletown Monthly Meeting of Quakers. In his Will, Samuel Willett
devotes a plantation to eldest son Augustine, a minor and to younger son Lawrence,
also to daughters Catherine and Caroline. The Will was proved on June 11, 1761. It is
believed that Samuel Willett named in his Grand-mothers Will, Mary Lawrence, was
born after his fathers death, and that is the reason he is not mentioned in his fathers
will.
After Samuel Willetts early death, Elizabeth Willett widow married January 15, 1761,
to Joseph Thornton, bachelor in the Dutch Church of North & Southampton, Bucks
Co., by Pennsylvania License of December 24, 1760. Being a Quaker, he was
censured for this marriage in a church, by several monthly meetings of Middletown in
1761, but the marriage was finally accepted 5 November 1761. The Middletown Mo.
registers also the birth of Joseph Thorton on 29th day 10th mo. 1736, so he was
younger than his wife. They had two children.

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October 9, 1775, the Will of Mary Lawrence of Flushing, widow of Samuel, names inter
alia great grand daughter Mary Colden, grandson Samuel Willett six silver
tablespoons, grandson Augustine a silver cream pot and pepper box, niece Mary
Hicks, and bequeath the rest of the estate to sons Thomas and Augustine and to his
daughter Deborah Doughty, Elizabeth Thornton (once Elizabeth Willett) and Mary
Waters; executors the 2 sons and son in law Samuel Doughty. It was proved in 1784.
Mary Lawrence, widow of Samuel of Black Stump (near Flushing, Long Island) died
April 17 1776.
Jonathan Willett witnessed in 1756 the Will of his uncle Abraham Willett of Flushing.
It was in the mid 1740s that he married Deborah Lawrence, daughter of Obadiah
Lawrence of Flushing. Obadiah Lawrence of Flushing was a minister of the Gospel. He
died on the 30th of September 1732.
At a monthly Meeting at Middletown, Jonathan Willett produced to this meeting a
certificate for himself and his wife from the monthly Meeting of Friends of Flushing,
Long Island, recommending them to as Friends of orderly Life and Conversation. In
1778, on the 8th of October, Jonathan Willett was disowned by Middletown for holding
Negro slaves. In 1804, the 8th of October, the Will of Jonathan Willett of Middletown
twp., Bucks Co., Pa., mentioned wife Deborah, son in law Samuel Mitchell Executor.
Rest of the estate to eight children: Obadiah, John, Samuel, Ann Mitchell, Elizabeth
Kirkbride, Sarah Mitchell, Mary Paxson, and Helena Carter. If his son Jonathan, who
was absent, should return, he was to have an equal share. Son Walter Willett has had
a large portion of the Estate.
Walter married Martha Harding on March 24, 1766, at the Dutch Church of North &
Southampton, Bucks County Pa. She was with child before marriage. In 1784, Walter
Willett was on the list of all persons attainted of high treason. His name appeared, and
also Samuel, in the Muster Rolls of discharged Officers and disbanded soldiers and
Loyalists taken in the County of Annapolis before the 18th and 29th of June 1784." On
October 16, 1786, he was applying for financial relief as a loyalist; he testified to the
Royal Examiners that he was formerly of Pennsylvania and resided in Granville Nova
Scotia since 1784.
Catherine Willett married Joshua Comley in October 1766. She died on July 31, 1826.
They lived on the Green Briar Spring ancestral homestead of the Comley family at
Moreland twp., Philadelphia County, near the present Somerton. They had twelve
children.
Caroline Willett born May 5th 1750, married November 14, 1770, Augustine Stevenson,
born April 22, 1744. She was a daughter of Samuel Willett of Black Stump, Long Island,
and of Elizabeth, daughter of Samuel Lawrence. Caroline died May 1, 1813, mother of
nine children.

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Augustine Willett (was named for his mothers brother) inherited silver from his
grandmother, Mary Lawrence of Flushing) married Elizabeth Hicks on October 2, 1770,
in a disorderly manner with a woman not in community with Friends and without the
consent of her parent. Augustine was a man of note in his day. His wife was the
daughter of Gilbert Hicks of Four Lanes End, now Langhorne, Bucks County. Hicks was
a loyalist who died March 8, 1786, in Nova Scotia. Augustine Willett, who was on the
patriot side of America, raised a Company at his own expense and joined the
army. He was Samuels brother.
He is to have been at the Battles of White Plains, Trenton, Germantown, and
Brandywine. He was Lieutenant of the County in 1791, Captain of Bucks Co. Dragoons
in 1793, Brigade Inspector, Major of General Murray's Brigade of Pa. Militia in the
Whiskey Insurrection in 1794, and was commissioned Brigadier General in 1800. He
died in 1824 and was buried in Friends burying ground at Attleborough (now
Langhorne). His grandson Charles lived and died on a portion of the Homestead track.
October 13, 1821, the Will of Augustine Willett of Bensalem Twp. Bucks Co., Pa, names
wife Elizabeth, son of Joseph, John Paxson of Bensalem and Charles Dyer of Moreland
Twp., Executors; devotes to wife the use of 234 acres of land during her life-time;
devotes real estate to son Joseph, daughters Mary, Elizabeth and Sarah and their
children, and two daughters Grace, Euphemia, Margaret and Lydia Willett, proved on
December 22, 1824.
The 5th of September 1776, Samuel Willett and Benjamin Scott, two young men who
had a birthright amongst Friends of this Meeting, are gone and entered into the War,
and as war is so inconsistent with Friends' Testimony, it is the sense of this Meeting that
they immediately are testified against.
Walter and Samuel were first cousins, born in New York and came from Pennsylvania,
where they had settled, to Nova Scotia in the Loyalist Group of 1783. Samuel had
served on the Loyalist side of the Revolution as a Cornet of a cavalry regiment. On the
June 1784, Muster Roll of discharged Officers and Loyalists taken in Annapolis County,
Nova Scotia, he is listed as Cornet, D. Officer Br. Legion, who had settled in Granville
and had in his household only a servant. Samuel had to be born in 1758/1759. There is
a question about when he was born as he was not mentioned in his fathers Will. The
Will was dated 1757 and proved in 1761, and his mother remarried in 1761. He settled
in Wilmot and was on the 1792 ratable list there -- Wilmot and Granville being
townships in Annapolis County. In 1786, he married Leah de Ste. Croix, daughter of a
French Huguenot Loyalist who came to the country at the same time. Samuel Willett
was a man of good education and fine intellectual powers, scrupulous and exact in the
performance of all his duties. They had twelve children born between 1787 and 1806:
Samuel, Joshua, Benjamin, Walter, Thomas, Augustine, Lawrence, Leah, Eliza,
Caroline, Temple and Margaret. Seven of the twelve are listed as having died
unmarried and it is safe to presume that most of these seven probably died as infants.
Only two, Joshua and Walter, are recorded as having produced large families. Samuel
was not named in his father's Will, this leads to wonder if he was a posthumous child.
He is mentioned in his grandmother's Will, Mary Lawrence.
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Samuel's older cousin and son of Jonathan, was Walter. In the Archives in Halifax one
can read, At Yarmouth, on the 19th, after a lingering illness that he bore with patience
and resignation, SAMUEL WILLETT ESQ. died in the 81st year of his age in
Dec.1839." Mr. Willett was a Cornet in TARLETONS DRAGOONS, so highly signalized
for bravery and enterprise during the American Revolutionary war, and had witnessed
much active service. He was a man of strict integrity and a truly loyal subject (Page 3
Nova Scotia Royal Gazette No 49 VOL XXXVIII, 4 Dec. 1839).
Walter was Jonathan Willetts eldest son. He possessed a farm of 173 acres in Bucks
County, by marriage to Martha, eldest daughter of Thomas Harding. He was
proscribed and his estate was confiscated. He received 7000 pounds Congress money
from Martha Willett by sale of real estate. It is said that by laws of Pennsylvania his wife
is now her own mistress and can purchase his personal estate, the same as if divorced
and that it is considered a divorce.
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Martha Willett of Bucks County, had a household of two males over sixteen, one male
under sixteen and three females. The 1814 Will of Martha Willett devotes to children
Caroline Paxson, Thomas Willett, Ann Walton, Phineas Willett, Walter Willett and
Martha Dyer and to children of late daughter Rachel Baldwin, to grandson George
Willett, natural son of Gilbert Willett, deceased, to granddaughter Martha Baldwin, her
estate. It was proved on January 25, 1815.
In Nova Scotia, Walter Willett is listed as a Lieutenant and has in his household a child
over ten years and a servant. He married again to Abigail and had by her ten more
children born between 1787 and 1805. When he applied for financial relief in 1786, a
Loyalist testified to the Royal Examiners that Walter was formerly of Pennsylvania, and
resided in Granville Nova Scotia since 1784. He was a native of America, he joined the
British Army under Sir William Howe just before the Battle of Germantown and was with
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the army and frequently employed to get intelligence.
Joshua Willett was born in 1788 in Nova Scotia. He married Catherine Durland in
1811, when he was 23 and she was 29. Their home was established in Nictaux Falls.
They had eight children between the years 1812 and 1826. Catherine was born in 1782
and she died on the 23rd of July, 1861.
There is a gravestone in the Nictaux Baptist cemetery for Catherine. No record of
Joshua's death appears in the inscription. It is likely that Catherine predeceased him
due to the wording of the marker; In Memory of Catherine, Wife of Joshua Willett, Died
July 23, 1861, aged 79 years. Their son, Bamford Steven Willett, was born in Nova
Scotia in 1826. He was first married to Salome Parker of Nictaux, daughter of Edward
and Elizabeth Parker. Their children were still-born and on September 9, 1872, when
she was forty two, Salome died in childbirth. She is buried in the Parkers lot of the
Nictaux Baptist Cemetery Bamford then married Lavinia Taylor in 1873 from
Auburn, Nova Scotia. Bamford was a very religious man, he always began his day by
a reading from the bible. Lavinia was a seamstress, and people from Auburn, Nova
Scotia, who remembered her, hold her memory in high esteem. Lavinia was about thirty
and Bamford was nearing fifty when they married. Lavinia died in 1928. They had
three children, Charles Stephen Willett born in 1874, Harry Bamford born in 1876
and Lena born in 1878/1979. Bamford Stephen died May 7, in 1910, just twenty four
days after his 84th birthday. Lavinia was 68 years old at the time, she lived another 18
years, some of which she spent in the States working again as a seamstress. Her last
years were spent in what was known as the Bushman House in Nictaux Falls, and it
was here that she died in her 86 Birthday, Jul. 23, 1928. Both she and her husband are
buried in the Nictaux Baptist Cemetery
Lena, the only daughter of Bamford Willett, married Joseph Baltzer around the turn of
the century and their home was in Halifax. They had no children. During the infamous
Halifax Explosion in 1917, Lena alone at the time suffered a great shock, and in the
fear that followed, her mind failed. She spent many years in an institution. She died at
home however at age 52 in 1930.
Harry, the second son of Bamford and Lavinia and the only child to remain at old
homestead married Cassie Celia Cross on September 25 1907. He was then 31 years
old and Cassie was 21. For ten of their marriage life they lived in one-half of the
Bamford Willetts house, and it was there that five of their eight children were born.
Clarence Reginald b. February 10 1909, Stanley Bamford b. August 9, 1910 m. Louise
Nixon, Dorothy Olive b. September 28, 1912 m. Freeman McLean, Marjorie Derinda b.
October 8 1914 m. Roland Atchinson, Raymond Douglas b. February 20, 1917 m.
Angelina Bruce.
In 1917 the family moved into their own house, a large farm on the Nictaux South
Mountain, there they had three more children. Leroy Cecil b. June 9. 1919 m. Helen
Marie Crouse. Carl Llewellyn b. March 1924 died December 12 1942 in St. Johns
Newfoundland in the Armed Forces. As for Carl Willetts (2) death, theres a bit of a
story there it has been alleged that German agents came ashore from a U Boat and
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started the fire that Saturday night. In 1942, Newfoundland was not yet part of Canada,
it was still part of the British Commonwealth and a quick look at a map of North America
will show that Newfoundland is the furthest point east sticking out nicely into the
Atlantic Ocean. The Germans ascertained that there was a big dance going on at the
hall that night with lots of military personal in attendance and they simply nailed all of
the exits closed to the Dance Hall and then set it on fire 100 civilians and military
personnel perished with over 100 injured.

14

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For fifteen years the Willetts lived on this farm, and Cassie remembers that there was a
seemingly continuous streak of misfortune, particularly with the live stocks, culminating
in the collapse of the barn and the disastrous loss of the animals inside. In 1933, not
long after this tragedy, the Willetts moved to the present homestead on the Nictaux
Plains. Harry then began roadwork, opening a gravel pit on his property, although he
did not altogether abandon farming. In mid 1937, he became ill and on December 30 of
the same year, at the age of 61, he died of cancer.

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LeRoy Cecil Willett married Helen Marie Crouse. Together they had a total of five
children; Blayne LeRoy, Marsha Lynn (died at 4 months of age) both of whom were
born in Nova Scotia, the remaining three children were born in Grimsby, Ontario;
Bradley Kent, Kristopher Dana and Scott Anthony.
My brother Blayne recently sent me an anecdote that will help put our modern times
into perspective. Actually Im more worried about future than the past our children
cant function these days without a computer, cant go anywhere without their cell
phone or their music. They cant go a day without texting which really scares me; these
are the people that will be driving on our roads tomorrow!
I remember a picture of me when I was 3 or 4 standing in front of this big row house in
Grimsby, (Ontario, Canada) just west of the old arena on Livingston. From that place
we moved to the Graham house in Grimsby Beach and I remember it very clearly. This
house had a field stone fireplace with a big model ship on the mantle. I have a picture
of me in the yard and I think the date is on the back. We had a big pond on the
property with great big goldfish that lived there all year. I remember gathering down the
street to watch the first television in the neighborhood. About 30 people gather in the
small veranda room to watch this amazing black white show. Only two shows to watch
back then, Dragnet or Ed Sullivan. We played down at the beach by the restaurant
where you could get the best hand cut fries you ever saw

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Edward A. Willett born in 1843 in New York. In 1880 he was a resident of Kansas City,
Mo. and was married to an Anna M Hawk (Houck) and had two children, Pearl Robert
born in 1876 and Maude born in 1880. His wife and children move to L.A in 1883 and
there are no records of him after 1882. 15
The Immediate Family of Monique Willett My Great Grand Parents
Charles Stephen Willett, born 1874, in Nova Scotia, married Elizabeth Mae Scofield
in 1897, in Middletown Nova Scotia. He died in Boston MA on November 1914 of
pneumonia. Elizabeth Mae Willett died in Boston MA on May 1928. According to
their son Charles (Fred) Willett, they lived at one time at Sterling Street in Roxbury,
Marshfield St. Roxbury/Dorchester, Conant St. and Calumet St. Roxbury. Elizabeth
died while living at Calumet St.

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Their children were Archibald Willett, born in Nova Scotia, later moved to US, adopted
by Edward Bean and Lola Bean his aunt and uncle, in Arlington, MA, about 1915. Later
they moved to Seattle, Washington.
Winifred Willett was born in Nova Scotia, moved later to US. She married Melvyn
Hollis about 1925, lived in New London, Conn.
Josephine Mae Willett, born in Nova Scotia in 1901, moved later to US. married
Edward Wright Thomson in 1927. One daughter Patricia was born 1932 in Roslindale,
MA. Josephine died in 1971.
Margaret Willett was born in U.S. about 1930, she married Chester Newton Brantrock,
MA. Later she married Mr. Wheelock. She died in 1989 in Warren Rhode Island.
Edward Willett was born in Nova Scotia. Moved to U S. married Nora Walsh and
fathered many children. The family moved to U.S. about 1903. The records on birth,
marriages etc. were destroyed when the local church burned down.
Elsie Willett was born in Boston MA. 1913.
Charles Frederick Willett was born in Boston MA. May 28, 1915. Married Doris Davis
on February 28, 1940. Lived in Melrose MA. until June 1981. One child, Constance
Evelyn, was born on June 25 1946 in Melrose MA. Doris Davis died November 19,
1977. Charles then moved to Warren Pa. and married Margaret Olson on February 4,
1978. Charles died 21 January 1995.
(Note from Veronique Willett: My great Uncle Charles (known as Fred) had a great
passion for model trains. I still remember to this day his basement full of trains and
models he put together with such detail.)
Myrtle Willett, born in Nova Scotia, June 12, 1898, later moved to US, married Lockhart
J Smith in Brantrock, MA, on May 31, 1919. They had two children, Lockhart J. Smith,
Jr. and Marie. Myrtle died in October 1972.
(Note from Veronique Willett: My great Aunt Myrtle held the large family reunions to
keep the family together. I have the pleasure to remember those picnics very fondly.
Sadly, after she died, the reunions stopped and many family contacts were lost.)
Carl Eugene Willett born in Nova Scotia, on September 25, 1900, later moved to
US. married 25 February 1930 in Brookline MA to Etta Smith who was born in Nova
Scotia on September 12, 1902. Carl at the time lived at 138 Botolph St. He was a
Salesman. Etta lived at 700 Huntington Ave. She was a housekeeper. Etta died 17 April
1963. Carl died June 29, 1978. Carl and Etta had four children.
(Note from Veronique Willett: The above are my grandparents. Although I do not
remember my grandmother who died when I was around two, we do miss them.)

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Gordon Willett was born on 13 March 1930. Gordon married Elaine Preston, born in
Sept. 1933., on the 1 June 1957. They have two daughters, Diane born Aug. 21, 1959
and Sharon born on August 11 1962. Diane married David Brown on December 13,
1986. They have three children Jesse born Dec. 14 1988, Joshua born 20th Feb.1991
(now deceased) and Justin Michael born 15 Feb. 1994. They reside in Greenville South
Carolina. Sharon Willett still remains single. Shirley Willett born May 23, 1933
remained single.

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Donald Eugene Willett born 18 Feb. 1932. Donald married Monique Favreau, born 10
October 1925, in La Rochelle Charente Maritime France on the 24 September 1955.
They were married in the morning in the Town hall in La Rochelle France and in the
afternoon in the Cathedral in La Rochelle. Lucette Fleuret was her maid of Honor. They
have one daughter Vronique born 23 February 1961, at St. Elizabeth Hospital.
Vronique married on 9 Sept. 1989 in Boston Waclaw Jurczyk, born 16 July 1959 in
Krakow Poland. They have no children.

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Richard Willett born Nov. 26 1936 married Rita Kennedy. They have three children,
Laura born August 21 1960, Susan born Dec. 1962 and Jeff Willett, Ritas son, adopted
by Richard Willett. Laura married in December 1994 a man in the military; they left for
Japan after the wedding. Susan married on the fifteen of July 1995 they live in Los
Angeles.

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EPILOGUE:

By Kristopher Willett, August, 2009

We all owe a death, there are no exceptions. It is fascinating to look in to our past, to
read about the people who helped make us what we are today. While we have choices
in our own lives, it is the destiny of those who went before us that has contributed to
where we stand in life at this very moment.
I hope you have enjoyed looking at this brief glimpse of history and I would like to thank
both Monique and her daughter Nikki for their countless hours of work that went in to
the creation of this document I hope it will impact you and make you think of those in
the future that will look back on your life, what foot prints you want to leave behind for
them to see. Maybe there is another Col. Marinus Willett out there or yet to come?
I want to re-tell an old short story of a man who was exploring caves by the seashore.
In one of the caves he found a canvas bag with a bunch of hardened clay balls. It was
like someone had rolled clay balls and left them out in the sun to bake. They didn't
look like much, but they intrigued the man, so he took the bag out of the cave with him.
As he strolled along the beach, he would throw the clay balls one at a time out into the
ocean as far as he could.
He thought little about it, until he dropped one of the clay balls and it cracked open on a
rock . Inside was a beautiful, precious stone!
Excited, the man started breaking open the remaining clay balls. Each contained a
similar treasure. He found thousands of dollars worth of jewels in the 20 or so clay
balls he had left.
Then it struck him He had been on the beach a long time. He had thrown maybe 50 or
60 of the clay balls with their hidden treasure into the ocean waves. Instead of
thousands of dollars in treasure, he could have taken home tens of thousands, but he
had just thrown it away!
It's like that with people. We look at someone, maybe even ourselves, and we see the
external clay vessel. It doesn't look like much from the outside. It isn't always beautiful
or sparkling, so we discount it.
We see that person as less important than someone more beautiful or stylish or well
known or wealthy. But we have not taken the time to find the treasure hidden inside
that person. Take the timeThere is a treasure in each and every one of us. If we
take the time to get to know that person, and if we ask God to show us that person the
way He sees them, then the clay begins to peel away and the brilliant gem begins to
shine forth.
May we not come to the end of our lives and find out that we have thrown away a
fortune in friendships because the gems were hidden in bits of clay. May we see the
people in our world as God sees them.

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http://genforum.genealogy.com/willett/messages/1289.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ed_Willett
http://www.pwillett.com/
http://www.theprovince.com/entertainment/movieguide/about+face+Willett/2080370/story.html
http://www.upi.com/Sports_News/2009/10/09/Garcia-Drysdale-share-Madrid-Masterslead/UPI-68781255117738/
http://www.mwillett.org/
http://nickwillett.tripod.com/nickwillett/
http://www.leonwillett.com/leonwillett.com/Biography.html
http://kmwillett.googlepages.com/
http://www.spectropop.com/FangetteWillett/index.htm
http://genforum.genealogy.com/willett/messages/1316.html
http://www.whipple.org/docs/lyon.html
http://www.measuringworth.com/uscompare/
http://www.janetmcnaughton.ca/fire.html
http://genforum.genealogy.com/willett/messages/1307.html