By Marjory J. Sente
Born in 1866 near Sacramento, CA, Frances (Fanny) Lillian Willard was the eighth child born to Joel and Mary Grace Vineyard Willard. Among her ancestors was a member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, a gold miner and politician and temperance advocates.

In 1870 the family relocated to a ranch in Nevada, where access to educational opportunities was limited. For two years, Frances took the daily train to a more advanced school in Palisade and back, acquiring all the education available locally.   

Knowing her daughter thirsted for a good education, Mary sent Frances to live with an older sister and brother-in-law in Pittsfield, Maine. Attending the Maine Central Institute for four years, Frances was dubbed “The Nevada Wildcat” by her New England classmates for her strong will and independence.