Willard, Stephen F.–Wethersfield, Connecticut–in 1871, Stephen F. Willard began working for William G. Comstock and Comstock, Ferre & Co. as a “traveler” and delivered seed to general stores in the Northeast using a horse and wagon.  In 1883, S. F. Willard became one of the founders of the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA), becoming president in 1903, and in 1889, he became president of Comstock, Ferre & Co.  Willard’s sons, Edward W. and Richard G., succeeded him after his death.  A history of the company was written by Corinne Willard, the wife of Richard G. Willard in 1980.
Sources: Comstock; SW2; AN