The 1870s and 1880s found Germany and its states in troubled times leading to a massive rush to leave for America. To spur the exodus, advertisements appeared in German newspapers depicting the USA as the land of milk and honey. The ads were placed by large employers including the railroads, hoping to attract immigrants who were typically paid less than American born workers.
The Phillip Willems family left Europe for a variety of reasons in hopes of a better life for themselves and their growing family.
Their Story
John Martin Willems was the first child born to the newlyweds at their home in Niederwampach, Luxembourg. He arrived on July 15, 1881 and was baptized in the Roman Catholic Church the following day. April 1, 1883 brought the birth of Frank Xaver, making them a family of four. In order to support his growing family it has been said that Phillip had done some coal mining in Prussia.
Later in 1883, or possibly early in 1884, Phillip, Katherina, toddler John Martin, and baby Frank Xaver Willems headed to the harbor at Antwerp, Belgium. There they boarded the ship that would be home for the several weeks it took to
cross the Atlantic Ocean.
Not much is known of which family members were left behind on Katherina's side of the family. Phillip however had at least five siblings and parents to say goodbye to. When he left Europe Phillip left a brother named Mathias, and four sisters, one named Margaret, two who went by Catherine or Katherine when they were grown, and the eldest sister (whose name I don't know) behind. He would never again see his father, probably named John, a tailor and Mary Ann his mother (maiden name Lernerts or Leonard). Phillip may have "paved the way" as three of the sisters and his brother Mathias, too, eventually called the USA their home. More on them later.
Feel free to email mhlady31@gmail.com if you have a correction, story, photo, or record to share.
Not much is known of which family members were left behind on Katherina's side of the family. Phillip however had at least five siblings and parents to say goodbye to. When he left Europe Phillip left a brother named Mathias, and four sisters, one named Margaret, two who went by Catherine or Katherine when they were grown, and the eldest sister (whose name I don't know) behind. He would never again see his father, probably named John, a tailor and Mary Ann his mother (maiden name Lernerts or Leonard). Phillip may have "paved the way" as three of the sisters and his brother Mathias, too, eventually called the USA their home. More on them later.
Feel free to email mhlady31@gmail.com if you have a correction, story, photo, or record to share.
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