| "Willoughby? Maybe it's wishful thinking
nestled in
a hidden part of a man's mind, or maybe it's the last stop in the vast
design of things--or perhaps, for a man like Gart Williams, who climbed
on a world that went by too fast, it's a place around the bend where he
could jump off. Willoughby? Whatever it is, it comes with sunlight and
serenity, and is a part of the Twilight Zone."
The Twilight Zone, Season One, Episode 30, A Stop At Willoughby, 1960 |
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Named for the short-lived British Colony of Willoughby Land*, this site is dedicated to the history and culture of the Willoughby family and name. Here, it is my goal, that you will find a wealth of information and, maybe, have a little fun. This site is not just dedicated to family trees; though I hope to have many. No, this site has a much broader view and a desire to present a combination of the history and culture of the surname Willoughby. With the Willoughbyland Chronicles, I will present a biography of notable Willoughbys every month or so. I don't think I'll have any shortage of material. Since the inception of the surname in the twelth century, Willoughbys have made thier mark on the history, culture and landscape of western civilization. Many Willoughbys can trace thier roots to the likes of Charlamagne, Lady Godiva, William the Conqueror, El Cid and Harold Godwinson, the last Saxon king of England. And since all the heathen Anglo-Saxon kings ruled by Divine Right, you could even say Willoughby's are decended from the god Woden (Odin).** Throughout history Willoughby's have braved the new frontiers and dared to go where few would follow (at least initally). They have fought in wars, advanced science, contributed to the arts and have had thier hand in commercial ventures, some of which have been world changing. The Willoughby Book of Listsand Geographica Willughbeiawill chronicle the artifacts, characters, professionals, landmarks (both natural and otherwise), books and popular culture of the name Willoughby. Did you know that there are at least two fishes that bear the name? Six mountains, two waterfalls, numerous cities and towns? Teddy Bears, forts, songs, television and radio shows, and air planes? How about a music society, automobiles, a breed of dog, tobacco and toilets? Restaurants, hotels, pubs and even a museum? All this and more can be found in the Willoughby Book of Lists. Did I mention family trees? With The Willow Tree, I hope to consolidate and publish as many branches of the Willoughby Family tree as can be found. Utimately, I intend on tracing the migration of the Willoughbys throughout history and have close estimates of the frequency of the name at different periods. Ambitious? Yes, but very do-able. I draw my inspiration and most of my initial material from my brother, Earl L. Willoughby, Jr.. He has persued, with a passion, the history and geneology of the Willoughbys for over 35 years. Being a teacher, local historian and newspaper columnist doesn't leave much time for Earl to work on web sites. However, he has allowed me access to his extensive archives and will provide much of the impetus for this site. Thomas D. Willoughby, 2006
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 Professor Willoughby and the Silent City  Richard G. Willoughby was a prospector, musician, amatuer
paleontologist, photographer, cattle rancher, indian scout, wagon train
boss, saloon owner and snake charmer. He
had an island named after him and has been called Alaska's best liar.
Willoughby
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