Alexander Hamilton Willard

Alexander Hamilton Willard. Franklin Cemetery marks the final resting place of Alexander Hamilton Willard. He is remembered as a member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, farmer, soldier in the Blackhawk War, and California pioneer. In 1852, 74-year-old Alexander, his wife and much of his family traveled by covered wagon to the Sacramento Valley. A wagon train of 49 people was organized, leaving Wisconsin in the spring of 1852 and arriving in California with the loss of one man. , Alexander and Eleanor settled in Georgetown, now called Franklin. During this time California Gold Rush was in full swing, and it is possible their farm helped supply the Gold Rush. They owned farmland that is now privately owned in the Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge. , Alexander died at age 87 on 6 March 1865 at his residence on Lower Stockton Road (now Franklin Boulevard). Eleanor died there at age 77 on 1 June 1868. They had 12 children, many descendants of which reside in California and the West. A local park and road are named after Mr. Willard. Their grave markers are located on the West side of the Cemetery, including a tall white stone obelisk. , Erected by the Elk Grove Parlor #41 of Native Sons of the Golden West with assistance of California Chapter of the Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation, Elk Grove Historical Society and the Elk Grove-Cosumnes Cemetery District.