Harper's Encyclopedia of United States History
Benson Lossing, Ed.

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Willich, August 1810-1878

Military officer; born in Gorzyn, Prussia, in 1810; was trained for the army and appointed second lieutenant of artillery in 1828; resigned in 1846 owing to his republican views, which led him to take part in the revolution; and after its failure he became an exile. In 1853 he settled in Brooklyn, N. Y., and a few years later removed to Cincinnati, O. When the Civil War broke out he was appointed adjutant in the 9th Ohio Volunteers and shortly after was promoted major. In the fall of 1861 he was made colonel of the 32d Indiana Infantry; in July, 1862, promoted brigadier-general of volunteers; and early in the battle of Stone River, Dec. 31, 1862, was captured and remained a prisoner for some months. He distinguished himself at the battle of Chickamauga and in other actions, and was brevetted major-general of volunteers, Oct. 21, 1865. He died in St. Mary's, O., Jan. 23, 1878.