from Horsham Times
Prominent in Western district athletic circles for many years, and winner of the first Stawell Gift, Mr. William Millard died in the Hamilton and District Base Hospital last Friday. Aged 84 years, he had been twice married, and was the father of a family 22 children one of whom predeceased him. His remains were interred in the Condah Cemetery. His brilliant athletic prowess was demonstrated by a remarkable performance in 1889. The feat occurred 11 years after he won the Stawell Gift, the first to be run in 1878, off three yards. On the latter occasion he made a notable return to high honors in the pedestrian sphere by winning the 230 yards event, running into third place in the Stawell handicap, and by qualifying for the final of the Gift. For many years he engaged in farming pursuits at Condah Swamp and later removed to Branxholme.
'Millard, William (Bill) (1855–1939)', Obituaries Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://oa.anu.edu.au/obituary/millard-william-bill-16021/text27302, accessed 18 April 2024.