Dirk Willems
Dirk Willems (* 15th century or 16th century; † May 16, 1569 near Asperen / Netherlands ) was an Anabaptist who became a martyr due to his selflessness .
Life
Willems was born in Asperen in the Netherlands and received as a young man, the believers' baptism . Because of the Anabaptist mandate , he was sentenced to death and imprisoned. However, he managed to escape from the prison tower. On the run from his pursuers, he saved one of them who had broken through the ice of a pond. He was arrested and burned at the stake on May 16, 1569 not far from his hometown .
Dirk Willems is one of the most famous Anabaptist martyrs today. His fate is documented in the Martyrs' Mirror, first published in 1600 . A historical drama written by James C. Juhnke entitled Dirk's Exodus is also based on his life.
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| personal data | |
|---|---|
| SURNAME | Willems, Dirk |
| BRIEF DESCRIPTION | Baptists and Martyrs |
| DATE OF BIRTH | 15th century or 16th century |
| PLACE OF BIRTH | Asperen |
| DATE OF DEATH | May 16, 1569 |
| Place of death | near Asperen , the Netherlands |