Mary Elizabeth Anthes was born in Wilmot township February 11, 1860 to parents Jacob Anthes and Magdalena Stricker. She was married September 30, 1886 to Ephraim William Willson and the couple had five children: Leslie A.; Ford Isaac; William Claremont; Norma Margaret; and Martha Bell (Marthabell). She died September 14, 1928 and is buried in Mount Hope Cemetery, Kitchener.