John E. Clemens & Mary Befort

FAMILY LINE AND HISTORY

John E. Clemens
4th of 4 children of Peter Clemens & Maria Mary Reding
Born: Jun 29, 1844, Consdorf, Canton d’Echternach, Grevenmacher, Luxembourg
Died: Feb 17, 1901 (age 56), Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Buried: Saint Michael’s Catholic Cemetery, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Immigrated: Feb 10, 1855, from Antwerp, Belgium to New York, United States
Occupation: Farmer
Married: Dec 8, 1867, Mary Befort, Mazeppa, Wabasha Co., Minnesota
Six children: Anna Mary “Annie” Clemens, John M. Clemens, Josephine “Josie” Clemens, Mathew Mark Clemens, George Edward Clemens, William Henry “Willie” Clemens

Mary Befort
Daughter of John Pierre Befort & Angeline Schumer
Born: May 8, 1838, Canton d’Grevenmacher, Grevenmacher, Luxembourg
Died: Aug 18, 1907 (age 69), Pine Island, Goodhue Co., Minnesota; heart failure
Buried: Aug 21, 1907, Saint Michael’s Catholic Cemetery, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Immigrated: Jul 11, 1856, arriving New York
Married: Dec 8, 1867, John E. Clemens, Mazeppa, Wabasha Co., Minnesota
Six children: Anna Mary “Annie” Clemens, John M. Clemens, Josephine Clemens, Mathew Mark Clemens, George Edward Clemens, William Henry “Willie” Clemens

1. Anna Mary “Annie” Clemens
1st of 6 children of John E. Clemens & Mary Befort
Born: Sep 17, 1868, Bellechester, Goodhue Co., Minnesota
Died: Feb 20, 1897 (age 28), Mazeppa, Wabasha Co., Minnesota; lung fever/pneumonia
Buried: Mazeppa Cemetery, Mazeppa, Wabasha Co., Minnesota
Married: 1885, Charles LaVan, Minnesota
Children: Ann K. “Annie” LaVan, Mary Angeline LaVan, Elizabeth Cecelia “Lizzie” LaVan, Clara Mary LaVan, William Martin “Mark” LaVan

2. John M. Clemens
2nd of 6 children of John E. Clemens & Mary Befort
Born: Nov 3, 1869, Pine Island, Goodhue Co., Minnesota
Died: Apr 25, 1955 (age 85), Portland, Multnomah Co., Oregon; coronary disease
Buried: Apr 28, 1955, Mount Calvary Cemetery, Portland, Multnomah Co., Oregon
Occupation: Farmer, laborer, contractor, construction for city of Portland
Married: Nov 14, 1894, Mary Ann Hines, Pine Island, Goodhue Co., Minnesota
Two children: Edmonda Anna Elizabeth Clemens, Margaret Colette Clemens

3. Josephine “Josie” Clemens
3rd of 6 children of John E. Clemens & Mary Befort
Born: Feb 8, 1871, Pine Island, Goodhue Co., Minnesota
Died: Dec 20, 1941 (age 70), Pine Island, Goodhue Co., Minnesota
Buried: Pine Island Cemetery, Pine Island, Goodhue Co., Minnesota
Married: Jun 7, 1899, Henry Barth, Pine Island, Goodhue Co., Minnesota
One child: Marion Olive Barth

4. Mathew Mark Clemens
4th of 6 children of John E. Clemens & Mary Befort
Born: Dec 7, 1872, Mazeppa, Wabasha Co., Minnesota
Died: Mar 30, 1920 (age 47), Pine Island, Goodhue Co., Minnesota
Buried: Saint Michael’s Catholic Cemetery, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Occupation: Farmer
Married: Dec 20, 1894, Cora May Rew, Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
One child: Kathryn D. Clemens

5. George Edward Clemens
5th of 6 children of John E. Clemens & Mary Befort
Born: Feb 20, 1876, Pine Island, Goodhue Co., Minnesota
Died: Oct 6, 1955 (age 79), Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Buried: Oct 8, 1955, Saint Michael’s Catholic Cemetery, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Occupation: Dairy farmer
Married: Feb 18, 1903, Catherine Hames, Pine Island, Goodhue Co., Minnesota
Five children: Elnora Anna Mary Clemens, Irene Marie Clemens, Russell George Clemens, Edward Caryl Clemens, George Merrill Clemens

6. William Henry “Willie” Clemens
6th of 6 children of John E. Clemens & Mary Befort
Born: Oct 19, 1878, Pine Island, Goodhue Co., Minnesota
Died: Dec 6, 1949 (age 71), Mazeppa, Wabasha Co., Minnesota; heart ailment
Buried: Dec 9, 1949, Saint Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery, Mazeppa, Wabasha Co., Minnesota
Occupation: Farmer
Married: Oct 21, 1905, Susan Lucy Reiland, Mazeppa, Wabasha Co., Minnesota
Three children: Dolores Veronica Mary Clemens, William Michael Clemens, Clarence Mathew Clemens

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Peter Clemens & Maria Mary Reding, the parents of John E. Clemens
Four sons:
1. Mathias/Mathew Clemens
1836–1921
2. Nicholas “Nic” Clemens
1838–1911
3. Peter A. Clemens
1841–1918
4. John E. Clemens
1844–1901

John Pierre Befort & Angeline/Angelica Schummer, the parents of Mary Befort
Four known of several children:
1. William “Will” Befort
1827–1909
2. John Henry Befort
1833–1912
3. Mary Befort
1838–1907
4. Matthew/Mathias John Befort
1840–1888

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Timeline and Records

Spellings and information in the census and other records are retained
as in the original documents

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Jun 29, 1835: Marriage of Peter Clemens & Maria Mary Reding, the parents of Peter A. Clemens, in Consdorf, Canton Echternach, Luxembourg; his first of three marriages. Four children: Mathias/Mathew Clemens, Nicholas Clemens, Peter A. Clemens, John E. Clemens

Mar 15, 1836: Birth of Mathias/Mathew Clemens, 1st of 4 children of Peter Clemens & Maria Mary Reding and brother of John, in Consdorf, Canton d’Echternach, Grevenmacher, Luxembourg

May 8, 1838: Birth of Mary Befort, daughter of John Pierre Befort & Angeline Schumer and wife of John E. Clemens, in Canton d’Grevenmacher, Grevenmacher, Luxembourg

Aug 18, 1838: Birth of Nicholas Clemens, 2nd of 4 children of Peter Clemens & Maria Mary Reding and brother of John, in Consdorf, Canton d’Echternach, Grevenmacher, Luxembourg

Mar 14, 1841: Birth of Peter A. Clemens, 3rd of 4 children of Peter Clemens & Maria Mary Reding and brother of John, in Consdorf, Canton d’Echternach, Grevenmacher, Luxembourg

Jun 29, 1844: Birth of John E. Clemens, 4th of 4 children of Peter Clemens & Maria Mary Reding, in Consdorf, Canton d’Echternach, Grevenmacher, Luxembourg

abt 1848: Death of Maria Mary (Reding) Clemens (age 36-37), the mother of John E. Clemens and 1st wife of Peter Clemens, leaving behind their four young sons, ages four through twelve, in Luxembourg

Dec 18, 1854: Marriage of Peter Clemens & Maria “Mary” Reiland, the father of John E. Clemens, his 3rd marriage, in Bech, Grand Duchy, Luxembourg

Feb 10, 1855: John E. Clemens (age 10) immigrated from Luxembourg via Belgium to New York, with his father, stepmother (Maria “Mary” (Reiland) Clemens), and two brothers Nicholas and Peter Clemens

Feb 10, 1855: Dutch Immigration to America:
Name Jean Clemens (John E. Clemens)
Arrival Date February 10, 1855
Port of Arrival New York
Destination U.S.A. (no specific place stated)
Age 9 (age 10)
Gender Male
Occupation Children under 14
Relationship to head-of-household Son
Last Residence Unidentified Dutch Municipality
Port of Departure Antwerp, Belgium
Ship Name Henry Reed
Ship accomodations Steerage
Microfilm series M-237
Microfilm Roll 150

Feb 10, 1855: The Henry Reed passenger list:
Peter is with his 3rd wife (Maria “Mary” (Reiland) Clemens) and three of his four sons from his first marriage
#57 Peter Clemens age 45 male, Holland (age 46)
#58 Marie Clemens age 35 female Holland (age 32)
#59 Nicholas Clemens age 14 male Holland (age 16)
#60 Peter Clemens age 11 male Holland (Peter A. Clemens age 13)
#61 Jean Clemens age 9 male Holland (John E. Clemens, age 10)
Note: They are the bottom five listed on the page below:

Feb 10, 1855: New York U.S. Arriving Passenger and Crew List:
Name Jean Clemens (John E. Clemens)
Gender Male
Ethnicity/ Nationality Dutch
Age 9 (age 10)
Birth Date abt 1846
Place of Origin Holland, Netherlands
Departure Port Antwerp, Belgium
Destination USA
Arrival Date 10 Feb 1855
Arrival Port New York, New York, USA
Ship Name Henry Reed

Jun 11, 1856: Immigration of Mary Befort:
Name Marie Befort
Gender Female
Ethnicity/ Nationality Dutch
Age 20
Birth Date abt 1836
Place of Origin Holland, Netherlands
Departure Port Le Havre, France
Destination USA
Arrival Date 11 Jun 1856
Arrival Port New York, New York, USA
Ship Name George F Patters

Sep 30, 1857: Minnesota State and Territorial Census, Goodhue Co., Territory of Minnesota:
Name Peter Clemens (father of John E.Clemens)
Age 49
Census Date 21 Sep 1857
County Goodhue
Locality Township 109
Birth Location Germany
Gender Male
Estimated Birth Year abt 1808
Line 12
Roll MN1857_2

Peter Clemens Age 49, farmer, born Germany
Mary Clemens Age 28, housekeeper, born Germany (Peter’s 3rd wife, Maria “Mary” (Reiland) Clemens)
Mathias Clemens Age 21, farmer, born Germany (son of Peter & 1st wife, Maria Reding)
Nicolas Clemens Age 19, farmer, born Germany (son of Peter & 1st wife, Maria Reding)
Peter Clemens Age 18, farmer, born Germany (son of Peter & 1st wife, Maria Reding)
John Clemens Age 16, farmer, born Germany (son of Peter & 1st wife, Maria Reding)
Mary Clemens Age 2, born New York (daughter of Peter & 3rd wife, Maria “Mary” Reiland)
Matthias Clemens Age 1 mo, born Minnesota (son of Peter & 3rd wife, Maria “Mary” Reiland)
John Reiland Age 60, born Germany (father of Maria “Mary” Mary Reiland)
Mary Reiland Age 69, born Germany (mother of Maria “Mary” Reiland)

May 11, 1858: Minnesota becomes the 32nd State of the Union
On May 11, 1858, Minnesota became the 32nd state admitted into the Union. Minnesota’s application for statehood was submitted to President James Buchanan in January, but became entangled with the controversial issue of Kansas statehood, delaying it for several months until it was finally approved by Congress Minnesota’s legal identity was created as the Minnesota Territory in 1849.

Jul 1, 1860: U.S. Federal Census, Goodhue Co., Minnesota:
Name Peter Clemens
Age 52
Birth Year abt 1808
Gender Male
Race White
Birth Place Luxembourg
Home in 1860 Township 109 Range 15, Goodhue, Minnesota
Post Office Pine Island
Dwelling Number 856
Family Number 791
Real Estate Value 50
Personal Estate Value 251
Household Members (Name) Age:
Peter Clemens Age 52 Farmer, born Luxembourg (father)
Mary Clemens Age 38 Housekeeper, born Luxembourg ((Peter’s 3rd wife, Maria “Mary” Reiland)
Nicolas Clemens Age 21 Farmer, born Luxembourg (Nicholas Clemens, son of Peter & 1st wife, Maria Reding)
Peter Clemens Age 18 Farmer, born Luxembourg (Peter A. Clemens, son of Peter & 1st wife, Maria Reding)
John Clemens Age 16 Farmer, born Luxembourg (John E. Clemens, son of Peter & 1st wife, Maria Reding)
Mary Clemens Age 4, born New York (daughter of Peter & 3rd wife, Maria “Mary” Reiland)
Mattes Clemens Age 2, born Minnesota (Mathias/Mathew B. Clemens, son of Peter & 3rd wife, Maria “Mary” Reiland)
Catharine Clemens Age 1, born Minnesota (daughter of Peter & 3rd wife, Maria “Mary” Reiland)

Dec 9, 1861: Peter Clemens & his wife Mary (Reiland) Clemens sell 20 acres of their land (Section 24, Goodhue Co., Minnesota) to their son, John E. Clemens for $55:

Jun 5, 1865: Minnesota State Census, Goodhue Co., Minnesota:
Name John I Clemens (John E. Clemens, listed by himself)
Census Date 1 Jun 1865
County Goodhue
Locality Pine Island
Gender Male
Line 6

Dec 8, 1867: Marriage of John E. Clemens & Mary Befort, in Wabasha Co., Minnesota
Six children: Anna Mary “Annie” Clemens, John M. Clemens, Josephine “Josie” Clemens, Mathew Mark Clemens, George Edward Clemens, William Henry “Willie” Clemens

Sep 17, 1868: Birth of Anna Mary “Annie” Clemens, 1st of 6 children of John E. Clemens & Mary Befort, in Bellechester, Goodhue Co., Minnesota

Nov 3, 1869: Birth of John M. Clemens, 2nd of 6 children of John E. Clemens & Mary Befort, in Pine Island, Goodhue Co., Minnesota

Sep 1, 1870: U.S. Federal Census, Pine Island, Goodhue Co., Minnesota:
Name John Clemens
Age in 1870 26
Birth Date abt 1844
Birthplace Luxembourg
Dwelling Number 80
Home in 1870 Pine Island, Goodhue, Minnesota
Race White
Gender Male
Post Office Zumbrota
Occupation Farmer
Father of Foreign Birth Yes
Mother of Foreign Birth Yes
Personal Estate Value 300
Real Estate Value 1000
Household Members (Name) Age:
John Clemens 26, Farmer, born Luxembourg
Mary Clemens Age 34, Keeping House Luxembourg
Mary Clemens Age 2, born Minnesota
John Clemens Age 1, born Minnesota

Feb 8, 1871: Birth of Josephine Clemens, 3rd of 6 children of John E. Clemens & Mary Befort, in Pine Island, Goodhue Co., Minnesota

Jul 3, 1871: Death of Peter Clemens (aged 62), father of John E. Clemens, in Mazeppa, Wabasha Co., Minnesota; consumption

Jul 1871: Burial of Peter Clemens at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery in Mazeppa, Wabasha Co., Minnesota

Peter Clemens
1808 – 1871
Mary Reiland (his 3rd wife)
1822 – 1892

Dec 7, 1872: Birth of Mathew Mark Clemens, 4th of 6 children of John E. Clemens & Mary Befort, in Mazeppa, Wabasha Co., Minnesota

May 1, 1875: Minnesota State Census, Goodhue Co., Minnesota:
Name John E Clemens
Age 31
Census Date 1 May 1875
County Goodhue
Locality Minneola
Birth Location Luxenberg
Gender Male
Estimated Birth Year abt 1844
Race White
Father’s Birth Location Germany
Mother’s Birth Location Germany
Line 15
Roll MNSC_8

Feb 20, 1876: Birth of George Edward Clemens, 5th of 6 children of John E. Clemens & Mary Befort, in Pine Island, Goodhue Co., Minnesota

Feb 20, 1876: Minnesota Birth & Christening Index:
Name George Clemmins (Clemens)
[George Clemens]
Gender Male
Race White
Birth Date 20 Feb 1876
Birth Place Pine Island, Goodhue, Minnesota
Father John Clemins (Clemens)
Mother Mary
FHL Film Number 1379164

Apr 4, 1876: Death of Pierre Befort (age 74), the father of Mary (Befort) Clemens, Bellechester, Goodhue Co., Minnesota

Apr 1876: Burial of Pierre Befort at Saint Mary’s Cemetery in Bellechester, Goodhue Co., Minnesota; ext to Plot 48-E in an unmarked grave. His resting spot is located to left of M. Befort marker and in front of Dahling marker.

Oct 19, 1878: Birth of William Henry “Willie” Clemens, 6th of 6 children of John E. Clemens & Mary Befort, in Pine Island, Goodhue Co., Minnesota

Oct 19, 1878: Minnesota Birth & Christening Index:
Name Willie Clemens
Gender Male
Race White
Birth Date 19 Oct 1878
Birth Place Pine Island, Goodhue, Minnesota
Father John
Mother Mary
FHL Film Number 1379164

Mar 7, 1880: Death of Angeline (Schummer) Befort (age 71), the mother of Mary (Befort) Clemens, Goodhue Co., Minnesota

Mar 1880: Burial of Angeline (Schummer) Befort at Saint Marys Cemetery in Bellechester, Goodhue Co., Minnesota; Plot 48-E in an unmarked grave. Her resting place is located left of M. Befort marker in front of Dahling marker.

Jun 10, 1880: U.S. Federal Census, Pine Island, Goodhue, Minnesota:
Name John E. Clemens
Age 35
Birth Date Abt 1845
Birthplace Luxembourg
Home in 1880 Pine Island, Goodhue, Minnesota, USA
Dwelling Number 76
Race White
Gender Male
Relation to Head of House Self (Head)
Marital Status Married
Spouse’s Name Mary Clemens
Father’s Birthplace Luxembourg
Mother’s Birthplace Luxembourg
Occupation Farmer
Household Members (Name) Age Relationship:
John E. Clemens Age 35, Self (Head), Farmer, born Luxembourg, father born Luxembourg, mother born Luxembourg
Mary Clemens Age 39, Wife, Keeping House, born Luxembourg, father born Luxembourg, mother born Luxembourg
Mary Clemens Age 11, Daughter, born Minnesota, father born Luxembourg, mother born Luxembourg
John Clemens Age 10, Son, born Minnesota, father born Luxembourg, mother born Luxembourg
Josie Clemens Age 9, Daughter, born Minnesota, father born Luxembourg, mother born Luxembourg
Mattie Clemens Age 8, Son, born Minnesota, father born Luxembourg, mother born Luxembourg
George Clemens Age 5, Son, born Minnesota, father born Luxembourg, mother born Luxembourg
Willie Clemens Age 2, Son, born Minnesota, father born Luxembourg, mother born Luxembourg

May 29, 1885: Minnesota State Census, Pine Island, Goodhue Co., Minnesota:
Name John Clemens
Age 40
Census Date 1 May 1885
County Goodhue
Locality Pine Island
Birth Location Luxembourg
Gender Male
Estimated Birth Year abt 1845
Race White
Line 24
Roll MNSC_26

Jul 30, 1895: Minnesota State Census, Pine Island, Goodhue Co., Minnesota:
Name John Clemens
Age 50
Census Date 1895
County Goodhue
Locality Pine Island
Birth Location Germany
Gender Male
Estimated Birth Year abt 1845
Race White
Line 9
Roll V290_60

Feb 20, 1897: Death of Anna Mary “Annie” (Clemens) LaVan (age 28), 1st of 6 children of John E. Clemens & Mary Befort, in Mazeppa, Wabasha Co., Minnesota; lung fever/pneumonia

Feb 20, 1897: Death of Charles LaVan, (age 38) husband of Anna Mary “Annie” Clemens, in Mazeppa, Wabasha Co., Minnesota; lung fever/pneumonia

Charles LaVan & Anna Mary “Annie” Clemens married in 1885 and had five children:
1. Ann K. “Annie” LaVan
1886-1987
2. Mary Angeline LaVan
1888-1923
3. Elizabeth Cecelia “Lizzie” LaVan
1890-1975
4. Clara Mary LaVan
1892-1967
5. William Martin/Mark LaVan
1895-1941

“Charles and Anna Levan in death, pictured with their five young children” is written on back:

Elizabeth Cecelia “Lizzie” LaVan, Mary Angeline LaVan, Ann K. “Annie” LaVan, William Martin LaVan, Clara Mary LaVan surrounding their deceased parents, Charles & Anna Mary “Annie” (Clemens) LaVan

Feb 21, 1897: Burials of Charles LaVan & Anna Mary “Annie” (Clemens) LaVan

Feb 26, 1897: The Rochester Post, Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota (pg 3):

Mar 5, 1897: Pine Island Record, Pine Island, Goodhue Co., Minnesota:

Mar 5, 1897: Pine Island Record, Pine Island, Goodhue Co., Minnesota:

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Email correspondence excerpts with Jeff Mackey, the great-great-grandson of John E. Clemens & Mary Befort Clemens, great-grandson of Charles LaVan & Anna Mary “Annie” Clemens, grandson of Elizabeth Cecilia LaVan:

May 2015:
Hi Catherine, I just typed Charles LaVan’s name into a search, found your sight, and saw a photo I have never seen: the funeral photo of Charles and Anna and their children. You have one photo of the girls among the photos I sent a long time ago. Thank you for putting that photo out there. 
Sincerely, Jeff
——-
Hi Jeff, A woman came across it in a second-hand store, found me online, and emailed it to me with this written on the back: “Charles and Anna Levan in death, pictured with their five young children” She was mostly curious how they died. I couldn’t post it on Find A Grave as they don’t allow photos of the deceased on there. It creeps some folks out. It is a bit macabre. Catherine
——
Hi Catherine, Mom told me, maybe thirty years ago, that, on their wedding day, Charles and Anna told each other that they didn’t want to live a day without one another. I’m certain that they had not been thinking about any children. Even if they had not said that on their wedding day, they probably still would have passed just as they did.

According to a newspaper paragraph (dated Mar 5 1987, Pine Island Record), they died from pneumonia. She passed a few hours before he did. A subsequent newspaper note indicated that the children were going to be living with John E. and Mary Clemens.

The place I found that information was The Minnesota Historical Society (online) which has, in one of the drop-down menus, a “Digital Newspaper Hub.” You may want to look there for info for your family as well. I typed LaVan into that search engine and found those two notes and a few other things of interest.

I can send the photo of the girls again. It will be from a red velvet book that has been in the house for a really long time. John’s photo in that book is what got me searching and eventually got me in touch with you. The girls in the photo are a couple years older than in yours.
Jeff

Note: Unidentified photos from the red velvet book sent from Jeff Mackey are at end of this post

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1897: LaVan sisters: Mary is standing to the left, Ann is seated at the center, Elizabeth is standing to the right, and Clara is sitting below Elizabeth.

1. Ann K. “Annie” LaVan
1886-1987
2. Mary Angeline LaVan
1888-1923
3. Elizabeth Cecelia “Lizzie” LaVan
1890-1975
4. Clara Mary LaVan
1892-1967

Original photo from the red velvet book, contributed by Jeff Mackey, the great-grandson of Ann K. “Annie” LaVan:

Circa 1890s: Clemens brothers (the sons of Peter Clemens & Maria Mary Reding) emigrated to America from Luxembourg and settled in Minnesota; assuming this photo was taken around the late 1890s.

Restored and enlarged photo: courtesy of a member of the “Old Photo Restoration” Facebook page:

1. Mathias/Mathew Clemens
1836 – 1921
2. Nicholas “Nic” Clemens
1838 – 1911
3. Peter A. Clemens
1841 – 1918
4. John E. Clemens
1844 – 1901

Original photo with names and relationships on the reverse side:


Sister Ann Clemens is the daughter of Mathew Sylvester Clemens & Barbara Nigon
Mildred Anna Ahneman (whose handwriting is above) is the daughter of Rose Lusetta Clemens & Isaac Henry “Ike” Ahneman
Stephen Aloysius “Steve” Clemens is the son of Frank John Clemens & & Adelia Louisa “Della” Maire
Irene Marie Clemens is the daughter of George Edward Clemens & Catherine Hames

Jun 19, 1900: U.S. Federal Census, Pine Island, Goodhue Co., Minnesota:
Name John E Clemens
Age 58
Birth Date Jun 1844
Birthplace Germany
Home in 1900 Pine Island, Goodhue, Minnesota
House Number 260
Race White
Gender Male
Immigration Year 1856
Relation to Head of House Head
Marital Status Married
Spouse’s Name Mary Clemens
Marriage Year 1868
Years Married 32
Father’s Birthplace Germany
Mother’s Birthplace Germany
Years in US 44
Occupation Farmer
Attended School 0
Can Read No
Can Write No
Can Speak English Yes
House Owned or Rented Own
Home Free or Mortgaged F
Farm or House F
Household Members (Name) Age Relationship
John E Clemens 58 Head, date of birth Jun 1844, Married 32 years, born Germany, father born Germany, mother born Germany, Immigrated 1856, 44 years in US, farmer
Mary Clemens Age 64 Wife, date of birth May 1836, Married 32 years, 6 children born, five living, born Germany, father born Germany, mother born Germany, Immigrated 1856, 44 years in US
George Clemens Age 24 Son, date of birth Feb 1876, Single, born Minnesota, father born Germany, mother born Germany
William Clemens Age 21 Son, date of birth, Oct 1878, born Minnesota, father born Germany, mother born Germany
Annie Lavan Age 13 Granddaughter, date of birth, Jun 1886, born Minnesota, father born Iowa, mother born Minnesota
Mary Lavan Age 12 Granddaughter, date of birth, Mar 1888, born Minnesota, father born Iowa, mother born Minnesota
Lizzie Lavan Age 10 Granddaughter, date of birth, May 1890, born Minnesota, father born Iowa, mother born Minnesota
Clara Lavan Age 7 Granddaughter, date of birth, Jul 1892, born Minnesota, father born Iowa, mother born Minnesota
William Lavan Age 5 Grandson, date of birth, Jul 1894, born Minnesota, father born Iowa, mother born Minnesota

Feb 5, 1901: Minnesota U.S. Wills and Probate Records:
Name John E Clemens
Residence Date Abt 1901
Residence Place Pine Island, Goodhue County, Minnesota
Will Date 5 Feb 1901
Probate Date 5 Feb 1901
Probate Place Goodhue, Minnesota, USA
Inferred Death Year 1901
Inferred Death Place Minnesota, USA
Item Description Wills, Vol B, 1889-1902
Individuals Listed (Name) Relationship
John E Clemens
Josephine Barth, Daughter
Mary Clemens, Wife
John M. Clemens, Son
Mathew Clemens, Son
Annie Levan, Daughter

Feb 17, 1901: Death of John E. Clemens (age 56), 4th of 4 children of Peter Clemens & Maria Mary Reding, in Olmsted Co., Minnesota

Feb 17, 1901: Minnesota Cemetery Inscription Index:
Township New Haven
County Olmsted
Name John E Clemens
Birth Date 29/Jun/1844
Death Date 17/Feb/1901
Cemetery St. Michael’s Cath.
Comments SP. MARY
Section 1S 1

Feb 1901: Burial of John E. Clemens at Saint Michael’s Catholic Cemetery in Olmsted Co., Minnesota

Jun 13, 1905: Minnesota State Census, Pine Island, Goodhue Co., Minnesota:

#65 Clemens William (age 25, 6th of 6 children of John E. Clemens & Mary Befort)
#66 Clemens Mary (age 69, Mary (Befort) Clemens, widow of John E. Clemens)
#67 La Van Mary (age 17, 2nd of 5 children of deceased Charles LaVan & Anna Mary Clemens)
#68 La Van Clara (age 12, 4th of 5 children of deceased Charles LaVan & Anna Mary Clemens)
#69 La Van William (age 10, 5th of 5 children of deceased Charles LaVan & Anna Mary Clemens)
#70 Clemens Mathew (age 33, 4th of 6 children of John E. Clemens & Mary Befort)
#71 Clemens Cora (wife of the above Mathew Clemens)
#72 Clemens Catherine (daughter and only child of the above Mathew & Cora Clemens)

Aug 18, 1907: Death of Mary (Befort) Clemens (age 69), daughter of John Pierre Befort & Angeline Schumer and wife of John E. Clemens, in Pine Island, Goodhue Co., Minnesota; heart failure

Aug 18, 1907: Minnesota Cemetery Headstone Inscription Index:
Township New Haven
County Olmsted
Name Mary Clemens
Birth Date 08/May/1838
Death Date 18/Aug/1907
Cemetery St. Michael’s Cath.
Comments SP. JOHN E.
Section S1 S

Aug 21, 1907: Burial of Mary (Befort) Clemens at Saint Michael’s Catholic Cemetery in Olmsted Co., Minnesota

Aug 22, 1907: Pine Island Record, Pine Island, Goodhue Co., Minnesota (pg 1):

Aug 28, 1907: Mazeppa Tribune, Mazeppa, Wabasha Co., Minnesota (pg 1):

Sep 18, 1911: Death of Nicholas “Nic” Clemens (age 73), 2nd of 4 children of Peter Clemens & Maria Mary Reding and brother of John E. Clemens, in Mazeppa, Wabasha Co., Minnesota; atheroma of arteries, paralysis

Sep 19, 1911: Burial of Nicholas “Nic” Clemens at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery, Mazeppa, Wabasha Co., Minnesota

Apr 28, 1918: Death of Peter A. Clemens (age 77), 3rd of 4 children of Peter Clemens & Maria Mary Reding and brother of John E. Clemens, in Mazeppa, Wabasha Co., Minnesota; chronic and acute intestinal nephritis, ending in a coma

Apr 30, 1918: Burial of Peter A. Clemens at Mazeppa Cemetery in Mazeppa, Wabasha Co., Minnesota

Mar 30, 1920: Death of Mathew Mark Clemens (age 47), 4th of 6 children of John E. Clemens & Mary Befort, in Mazeppa, Wabasha Co., Minnesota

Apr 1920: Burial of Mathew Mark Clemens at Saint Michael’s Catholic Cemetery in Olmsted Co., Minnesota; Section 7S11

Minnesota Cemetery Inscription Index:
Township New Haven
County Olmsted
Name Mathew M. Clemens
Birth Date 1872
Death Date 1920
Cemetery St. Michael’s Cath.
Comments SP. CORA M.
Section 7S 11

Dec 22, 1920: Death of Mathias/Mathew Clemens (age 84), 1st of 4 children of Peter Clemens & Maria Mary Reding and brother of John, in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota; lobar pneumonia

Dec 27, 1920: Burial of Mathew Clemens at Calvary Cemetery in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Note: Mathew’s death year on his headstone is incorrect; he died in 1920

Dec 20, 1941: Death of Josephine “Josie” (Clemens) Barth, 3rd of 6 children of John E. Clemens & Mary Befort, in Pine Island, Goodhue Co., Minnesota; heart aliment

Dec 20, 1941: Minnesota Death Index:
Name Josephine Barth
Record Type Death
Death Date 20 Dec 1941
Death Place Goodhue, Minnesota, USA
Death Registration Date 1941
Certificate Number 004783
Record Number 883031

Dec 1941: Burial of Josephine (Clemens) Barth at Pine Island Cemetery in Pine Island, Goodhue Co., Minnesota; Sec E

Minnesota Cemetery Inscription Index:
Township Pine Island
County Goodhue
Name Josephine Barth
Birth Date 1871
Death Date 1941
Cemetery Pine Island
Comments SP. HENRY. WITH MARION BARTH MOON
Section E

Dec 6, 1949: Death of William Henry “Willie” Clemens (age 71), 6th of 6 children of John E. Clemens & Mary Befort, in Mazeppa, Wabasha Co., Minnesota

Dec 6, 1949: Minnesota Death Index:
Name William Henry Clemens
Record Type Death
Death Date 6 Dec 1949
Death Place Olmsted, Minnesota, USA
Death Registration Date 1949
Certificate Number 011566
Record Number 1111665

Dec 8, 1949: Obituary for William Henry Clemens, Mazeppa, Wabasha Co., Minnesota:
Mazeppa — William H. Clemens, lifelong resident of this sector, died of a heart ailment at 4 p.m. Tuesday in St. Mary’s hospital, where he had been taken two hours before. He was 71 years old. Born in Pine Island township in Goodhue county, October 19, 1878, he operated a farm two miles south of here for several years. He retired in 1938 and moved to Mazeppa. Surviving are his wife, the former Susan Reiland, who he married in Mazeppa October 24, 1905; two sons, William of Mazeppa and Clarence Clemens of Chicago and one grandchild. Two brothers, John of Portland, Ore., and George Clemens of Pine Island, also survive. Funeral services will be conducted at 9:30 a.m. Friday in Sts. Peter and Paul’s Catholic church. Rev. D.J. Lavery will read the requiem Mass and burial will be in the church cemetery. Pallbearers will be Peter Marx, Emil Hofschulte, P.J. Majerus, William Webster, George Sand and Hubert Schafer.

Dec 9, 1949: Burial of William Henry “Willie” Clemens at Saint Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery in Mazeppa, Wabasha Co., Minnesota

Apr 25, 1955: Death of John M. Clemens, (age 85), 2nd of 6 children of John E. Clemens & Mary Befort, in Portland, Multnomah Co., Oregon; coronary disease

Apr 25, 1955: Oregon Death Index:
Name John M Clemens
Death Date 25 Apr 1955
Death Place Multnomah
Spouse Mary
Certificate 4665

Apr 28, 1955: Burial of John M. Clemens at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Portland, Multnomah Co., Oregon; Sec T, Block 5, Lot 678, Grave 3

Oct 6, 1955: Death of George Edward Clemens (age 79) 5th of 6 children of John E. Clemens & Mary Befort, in Pine Island, Goodhue Co., Minnesota

Oct 6, 1955: Minnesota Death Index:
Name George E Clemens
Death Age 79
Record Type Death
Birth Date 20 Feb 1876
Death Date 6 Oct 1955
Death Place Olmsted, Minnesota, USA
Death Registration Date 1955
Mother’s Maiden Name Befort
Certificate Number 011547
Record Number 1285710

Oct 6, 1955: Minnesota Cemetery Inscription Index:
Township New Haven
County Olmsted
Name George E Clemens
Birth Date 1876
Death Date 06/Oct/1955
Cemetery St. Michael’s Cath.
Comments SP. CATHERINE
Section 8S 13

Oct 8, 1955: Burial of George Edward Clemens at Saint Michael’s Catholic Cemetery in Olmsted Co., Minnesota; Section 8S 13

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Unidentified Photos from the Red Velvet Book
contributed by Jeff Mackey, the great-grandson of Ann K. “Annie” LaVan

?? possibly Charles LaVan (1859-1897) & Anna Mary Clemens (1868-1897)
Married 1885

?? possibly Harry Klingman (1877-1932) & Ann K. LaVan (1886-1987)
Married: Oct 4, 1932, Rochester Olmsted Co., Minnesota

?? possibly William Martin LaVan (1895-1941) & Esther Hermina Rohrer (1895-1975)
Married: Feb 1920, Cochrane, Buffalo Co., Wisconsin

?? possibly William Martin LaVan (1895-1941)

?? possibly William Martin LaVan (1895-1941)

?? possibly LaVan sisters: Clara (1892-1967), Elizabeth (1890-1975), Ann (1886-1987), and Mary (1888-1923)

?? possibly Ann K. LaVan (1886-1987)

?? possibly Ann K. LaVan (1886-1987)

?? possibly Ann K. LaVan (1886-1987) & grandmother Mary (Befort) Clemens (1836-1907)

unknown three young men in heart

unknown boy in glasses

Note: there are seven other photos of small children not posted

unknown woman holding infant and at right is probably the mother of the child

unknown woman with infant

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2025: Researched and compiled by siblings Catherine (Clemens) Sevenau and Gordon Clemens (the great-great-grandchildren of Peter Clemens & Maria Reding)

Sources: Gordon Clemens & Marian (McLellan) Clemens, John F. Clemens, Helen Reiland, Father Gerald Conway, Robert J. Lari, Jeff Mackey, Dana (Walker) Conway, Ancestry.com, Find A Grave, Family Search, miscellaneous internet searches

Catherine (Clemens) Sevenau and Gordon Clemens

Direct line of Catherine and Gordon:
Peter Clemens & Maria Mary Reding (great-great-grandparents)
Mathias “Mathew” Clemens & Anna Mary Reiland (great-grandparents)
Mathew Sylvester “Matt” Clemens & Barbara Nigon (grandparents)
Carl John Clemens & Noreen Ellen Chatfield (parents)
Gordon Lawrence Clemens and sister Cathrine Frances (Clemens) Sevenau

Note: The cemetery headstone photos from Find A Grave contained herein are the property of those who photographed them.