Willems Family in USA 1911-1919

Representative Willems
John Martin Willems campaign for a seat in the Arkansas House of Representatives was a success. He served back to back terms in 1911 and 1913.  The House was in session from January 12 to March 13, 1911 with a special session from May 22 to June 10, 1911.  For his second term the session reconvened in Little Rock from January 13 to March 14, 1913.  John M. Willems roomed at 1513 McGowan in Little Rock and made his way home to the farm once business was concluded.  With three little ones at home and more on the way Anna Marie wasn't able to stay with her husband although she may have visited between pregnancies.  On October 31, 1911 she gave birth at home to Mathew John Willems, then a year and a half later William "Willie" Mathew Willems was born on May 12, 1913, making them a family of seven.  Anna Marie Willems delivered three more sons before the end of the decade: Fred Victor on October 3, 1914, Aloys Jacob on October 7, 1916, and then Frank Joseph June 23, 1919.

January 8, 1914, click to enlarge.
This German Catholic newspaper
ran a story regarding John M. Willems
decision to not run for office.



John M. Willems bought land to enlarge the farm when he believed it prudent, making the farm more self sufficient with each purchase.  With this growth more hired hands were needed.  The hands, some with families, lived in cabins on the fertile bottom land.  In these early years most everything was done with mule power, and the herd of mules grew as well. Chores from plowing and planting, to hauling timber or harvesting crops was made easier with a pair of mules.

Frank and M. Louise family move to Nebraska
Frank and Mary Louise didn't stay in Marysville, Kansas long.  It was no time and they moved the 30 or so miles north and settled in Gage County, Nebraska at a town called Beatrice.  Louise gave birth to their fourth child there.  Leo arrived on March 29, 1911.  While living in Gage County, Frank worked as a salesman and the family raised chickens, having large flocks to tend. Emma, Eleanor, and young Frank, Jr. were attending school at St. Joseph's School in Beatrice when Frank came down with diphtheria.  The six year old first grader died of the disease early in the morning of October 20, 1915.
The Beatrice Daily Sun ran a story telling of four cases of diphtheria resulting in closing the school for fumigation.  Frank Willems Jr. was the first diphtheria case diagnosed.
Frank was laid to rest in St. Joseph Cemetery in Beatrice.

1917 Phillip and Katherine move to Beatrice, Nebraska
On June 27, 1917 Phillip and Katherine applied for admission to the United States.
The admissions document listed Phillip Willems as being a 58 year old farmer, able to read, write, and speak English.  He was Canadian nationality of German origin who last resided at Annaheim, Saskatchewan.  Listed as a relative or friend in Canada is "August" John Willems, his son.  It should have read "Alois" John Willems.  Phillip and Katherine's final destination was Beatrice, Nebraska. When the document asks for who they are going to see and his complete address it reads Frank X., Annaheim, Charleston, Ark.  (The person filling this out was obviously confused!) As recorded, the last time Phillip and Katherine left the USA was 1910.  They are intending to reside permanently in the USA and become citizens.  Phillip is carrying $125.  Kate, that is how she is recorded, was age 65, and recorded her place of birth as Ouren, Germany (now presently in eastern Belgium). Kate was listed as being 5'2" with gray hair and brown eyes while her husband Phillip was 5'8" gray headed with blue eyes. Both were dark complected.  Kate reported they'd migrated from Germany in May 1883.
They were admitted to the USA on August 24, 1917 and headed to what would be their home for a time-- Beatrice, Nebraska.

The World War
Europe was in turmoil and the USA was being drawn into the fray after losing ships to German submarines.  Finally on April 2, 1917, President Woodrow Wilson went before a joint session of Congress to request a declaration of war against Germany. With the United States involved in the World War, later known as WWI, men were require to register for the draft.  There were three registrations:
First Registration.  This registration took place on June 5, 1917.  It was for men aged 21 to 31--men born between June 6, 1886 and June 5, 1896.
Second Registration. This registration took place on June 5, 1918.  It was for men who had turned 21 since the previous registration.  In addition, a supplemental registration on August 24, 1918 was for men who turned 21 since June 5, 1918.
Third Registration. The third and last registration was held on September 12, 1918 for men aged 18 to 21 and 21 to 45.  
Aliens were not required to register, and not all that registered were drafted.

During the time span the USA was involved-- April 6, 1917 to 11-11-1918, 4 million men were mobilized for the military.  110 thousand died including 43 thousand that succumbed to the Spanish flu pandemic.  

click to enlarge John Martin Willems registration

John Martin Willems and brother's Frank and Joseph registered on September 12, 1918.  See each man's signature on the bottom left side.  John, Frank, and Joseph were never called to serve. The war ended November 11, 1918.
Frank was working as a salesman for Nebraska Bank Auto Company.

Frank Xaver Willems registration

John Martin's brother Joseph registered in Kirkwood, Missouri where he was self employed as a merchant.  His home address was also that of his business.

Joseph Willems registration

At Charleston, Mathias and Dorothea Willems sons John and Joe were 21 years of age when they registered. Joe was drafted into the US Army, John did not get called to serve.

Questions, corrections, or comments?  Email me at mhlady31@gmail.com.