Family History

Early History of the Willick Family in Canada

  (Composed by Gerry and Doris Willick, 1979. Transcribed and edited by Michael M. Willick)

In 1828 or 1829 Nicholus Willig, his wife Anna Marie (nee Girodat), and their four children settled on Lot 11 Concession 3 in Willoughby Township, District of Niagara, Upper Canada (present day Ontario). They came from Kœstlach, France, in the Upper Alsace (Haut Rein) region, and were Roman Catholic.

Nicholus' wife Anna Marie, was born in 1777. Their children were:

    Anne Marie (born 1807)

    Joseph        (born 1808)

    Johann        (born 1811)

    Nicholus     (born 1815)

Shortly after the family's arrival in Canada, the father (Nicholus) died, on July 16, 1831.  A copy of the original will shows that the two sons Johann and Nicholus were to share the responsibility of giving their mother Anne Marie a home. In return, Johann and Nicholus were each willed 25 acres of land.

At the time of the 1851 Census, the mother Anne Marie, was living with Nicholus and his wife Esther. Anne Marie died in 1852 and was one of the early burials in St. Joseph's cemetery, New Germany (present day Snyder, Ontario).

The name "Willig" gradually change to Willick to confirm to the English language spoken in this region of Canada.

The 1851 Census shows Joseph, Joahann, and Nicholus each had 100 acres of land. Items produced on their farms included cider, wool, beef, and pork. Also, Nicholus had produced 400 pounds of butter on his farm, and Johann had produced 200 pounds of butter. Animals the three brothers kept included oxen, sheep, mik cows, horses, and pigs.

Along with the acres they had under cultivation, they each had their own orchards and gardens, and their land included acres that were woods or wildland.