Peter Willard

Notes:

He held a B.A. from Brown University, a Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Law degree from Northwestern University.

Bio online: http://www.tarawaontheweb.org/willard.htm

Excerpts from the above:

"Willard was credited with serving more consecutive days under constant enemy fire than any chaplain in the history of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. Willard landed with the Marines during the World War II battle at Guadalcanal, and of the eight chaplains who served the Marines there, he was the only survivor. In 1944, he was awarded the Legion of Merit, the Navy’s highest honor, for his service with the 2nd Marine division during the 1943 battle at Tarawa in the Gilbert Islands."

"During his long career in the ministry, Willard was pastor of Forestdale Baptist Church in Sandwich, MA; Federated Church in Kingston, MA.; Third Baptist Church in Barnstable, MA.; and First Presbyterian Church in Waltham, MA. He founded and directed Camp Good News, which still aims to win young people to Christ. The former moderator of the Boston Presbytery, he was also the author of several books, including 'The Leathernecks Come Through,' which was quoted in Random House's 'A History of the Marine Corps in World War II.' He served for twenty years as a chaplain in the U.S. Naval Reserve, retiring with the rank of commander. He was also assistant to the President of Wheaton College for a few years."

In 1940 the family is living in Barnstable, MA.

Warren — Tressa "Grace" Kettell. Tressa (daughter of Edward Peter Kettell and Florence M. Diana) was born Abt 9 Nov 1894, PA; died Jul 1982, MA. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

In the 1900 Federal Census, the "Cotell" family is living at West Pittston, Luzerne Co., PA. The household includes: Edward 30, Florence 23, Nettie 7, Tressa 5, Pedro 4, John 1, and Paul 1 month.

In 1910 and 1920, the family is living at Falls, Wyoming Co., PA. According to the 1910 census data, they have had 11 children, 10 of whom are still living. Tressa has become Grace, and Pedro is Peter; Paul died as a young child. Edward came to America in 1890, and Florence came in 1886.

Edward is a market-gardener or truck farmer.

In the 1930 Federal Census, the family is still at Falls. Edward & Florence are ages 60 & 54; children with them are Eddie 24, Albert 20, & Florence 17. Edward is a farmer (truck farm) and the two sons are farm laborers. There are also three lodgers in the household.

Edward married Florence M. Diana Between 1891 and 1892. Florence was born Abt 1877, Aniona, Italy; died Aft 1 Apr 1930. [Group Sheet]