Our History
The Willows was once the German Family Farm. The property has been in the family for more than 157 years and has ties to Frank Lloyd Wright.
Front Row L-R: Minnie, Albert, Louisa, John Sr., Fred, Anna
Back Row L-R: Grant, Dan, John Jr.
John German, Sr.
John German, Sr. was born in Wales in 1828. At the age of 12, his family boarded a ship in London and departed for New York. The Family remained in New York until 1867 when John and his father, Daniel, moved to Wisconsin.
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John German, Sr. purchased the property The Willows now sits on in May of 1867.
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John and his father, Daniel, built the large 2-story, 17- room home. It took years for the structure to be completed. During construction, the family lived in the basement until they were able to move upstairs.
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John and his wife Louisa had nine children, John Jr., Nina, Daniel, Minnie, Anna, Grant, Effie, Frederick, and Albert (A.D).
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John was a machinist, farmer, and an inventor with patents for his cheese factory milk can, corn planter, adjustable hospital bed, and more.
A.D. German
A.D. (Albert Dell) German was the youngest among the German siblings. He married Alta Moore, and they had two daughters, Vera and Anna. A.D. is recognized for his close friendship with Frank Lloyd Wright and for the German Warehouse that the renowned architect designed for him. It is reported that Wright frequently visited the property, not just for social calls, but also work on the plans for the building in downtown Richland Center.
Alta (Moore) German, Anna (Front), Viva, Albert German
The German Brothers
First Row L-R: John Jr., Dan., Grant
Second Row: Fred, Albert
Left to right: Nellie & Dan German, Elizabeth & John German, Jr., Grant German, Anna German, Albert German, Dr. George Mitchell & Minnie (German) Mitchell with Charlotte Mitchell, Freddie Mitchell, Fred German, Jr., Louisa & Fred German, Sr. and Margery Mitchell.