Kannunik (Dutch), Kanoniker (German) or Canon (priest)

A canon (from the Latin canonicus) is a member of certain bodies subject to an ecclesiastical rule.
Originally, a canon was a cleric living with others in a clergy house or, later, in one of the houses within the precinct of or close to a cathedral and ordering his life according to the orders or rules of the church. In the eleventh century, some churches required clergy thus living together to adopt the rule first proposed by Saint Augustine that they renounce private wealth. Those who embraced this change were known as Augustinians or Canons Regular, while those who did not were known as Secular Canons.

Most secular canons were nobles, who were often able to add their personal assets. Their pastoral duties would fall into the background and were then done by vicars. It often was a springboard for a career in the clergy or at court. A positive aspect of secular canons was their significant roles in the foundation of universities in the late Middle Ages. The first professors of the newly established universities were mostly secular canons.

Canons from church registers:

• Genekin von Ossenbruch (also registered in 1348 as Ossenbroyc) 1357- †1374 Dec. 20.
• Gerhard von Ossenbruch junior 1358-1390. Canon at WisseI 1358-1365 ; Canon at Xanten †1390.
• Dietrich von Ossenbruch 1367. In 1357 the Count of Cleves released him from his vows and gave him a court function.
• Adolf von Ossenbroich 1418 Dec. 24.
• Johannes von Ossenbroich junior 1442-1478; 1442 June 2 admitted, † 1478 March.
• Daniel von Ossenbruch 1452-1482; Had to promise to go to school in 1452. Clerk in Cologne. Received still a pension from the "Kanonikates" in 1482.
• Gerhard v. Ossenbroich - the son of Gerrit and Yda van Bueren.
  For centuries it had been a custom for the Pope to give a golden rose to a deserving monarch, church or other on the 4th Sunday of Lent. In 1489, in a great celebratory ceremony, Gerhard v. Ossenbroich was chosen to present the golden rose with an apostolic letter to Duke Johann von Kleve, on behalf of Pope Innocent VIII. Present were also Johan van Bronckhorst and Batenburg, provost of Münster and all prelates of Xanten, Rees and Cranenburg.