Williem was a merchant and storeowner, and quite a leading citizen in the coummunity. He was listed as a witness on the 1880 wedding certificate of John W. Van Beynum. He was listed in the 1860 federal census in the 9th District of Milwaukee, which is where his wedding was conducted in 1862. His name is misspelled in the census, and appears as Van Bynam. The census information is interesting, he was 24 years of age, and a painter, with two sons (John W. 3 years and Hermann, 5 months).928

It is a possibility that Williem was married twice. He has been found to have married in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, but the bride's name was Wilhelmina, which differs from Gertruda Harmsen. From the 1860 census, Williem is listed with two boys. His wife is not listed with him. This gives indication that his wife may have died and that he later remarried.928