He served two terms in the U.S. House of Representatives and was also instrumental in opening the University of Michigan to women.

Willard was born in Bolton, Vermont, where he attended school and received instruction from his father.

He moved with his parents to Battle Creek, Michigan, in 1836 and graduated from Kalamazoo College in 1844.

He taught school, studied theology, and was ordained a minister of the Episcopal Church in 1848.

He was a professor of Latin at Kalamazoo College in 1863 and 1864 and engaged in newspaper work in Battle Creek.