Willard, James Bassett, 1859-1947

James Bassett Willard was a playwright, actor, comedian and theatrical producer. He was the father of Las Vegas entertainment writer, producer, and critic William Norman (Bill) Willard. Willard was born in 1859 in Marion, Illinois to William W. Willard and Mary A. Thorp. Willard married Bertha Frances John on August 22, 1906. He died December 10, 1947.

Source:

"Longtime entertainment critic Willard dies at 89." Las Vegas Sun. January 31, 2000. Accessed June 10, 2020.