Rose Clemens & Peter Nei, Jr.

FAMILY LINE AND HISTORY

Rose Clemens
6th of 7 living children of Mathias/Mathew Clemens & Anna Mary Reiland
Born: Jun 12, 1871, Mazeppa, Wabasha Co., Minnesota
Died: Nov 24, 1943 (age 72), Kenmare, Ward Co., North Dakota
Buried: Saint Agnes Catholic Cemetery in Kenmare, Ward Co., North Dakota
Married: Oct 24, 1889, Peter Nei, Jr., Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
One child: Peter Cletus Nei

Peter Nei, Jr.
6th of 6 children of Peter Nei, Sr. & Catharina “Catherine” Welter
Born: Apr 4, 1867, Mazeppa, Wabasha Co., Minnesota
Died: May 12, 1932 (age 65), Kenmare, Ward Co., North Dakota
Buried: May 16, 1932, Saint Agnes Catholic Cemetery in Kenmare, Ward Co., North Dakota
Occupation: Farmer, laborer, janitor at electric power company
Married: Oct 24, 1889, Rose Clemens, Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
One child: Peter Cletus Nei

1. Peter Cletus Nei
Only child of Peter Nei, Jr. & Rose Clemens
Born: Jun 14, 1891, Mazeppa, Wabasha Co., Minnesota
Died: Dec 20, 1967 (age 76), Minneapolis, Hennepin Co., Minnesota
Buried: Dec 26, 1967, Gethsemane Cemetery, New Hope, Hennepin Co., Minnesota
Occupation: Farmer, delivered ice cut from the lake for ice boxes during the depression, truck driver for mine, janitor at Kenmare high school, after retirement worked part time as a janitor at St. Agnes Catholic school in Kenmare
Married: Jun 21, 1916, Hazel Marie Gorman, Kenmare, Ward Co., North Dakota
Four children: Marian Marie Nei, Cletus Clement Nei, Evelyn Eileen “Evie” Nei, Margaret Agnes Nei

Hazel Marie Gorman
3rd of 9 living children of Louis J. Gorman & Helena “Lena” Theisen
Born: Jul 25, 1899, Perham, Otter Tail Co., Minnesota
Died: Jan 15, 1989 (age 89), Minneapolis, Hennepin Co., Minnesota
Buried: Gethsemane Cemetery, New Hope, Hennepin Co., Minnesota
Married: Jul 25, 1916, Peter Cletus Nei, Kenmare, Ward Co., North Dakota
1. Marian Marie Nei
1917–2006
2. Cletus Clement Nei
1921–1989
3. Evelyn Eileen “Evie” Nei
1922 –2018
4. Margaret Agnes Nei
1924–2018

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Seven living children of Mathias/Mathew Clemens & Anna Mary Reiland:
0. infant Clemens
1860–1860
1. Maria Elizabeth “Mary” Clemens
1861–1874
2. Catherine “Kate” Clemens
1863–1934
3. Peter Daniel Clemens
1864–1956
4. Margaret Elizabeth Clemens
1866–1954
5. Angeline “Annie” Clemens
1869–1962
6. Rose Clemens
1871–1943
7. Mathew Sylvester “Matt” Clemens
1874–1947

Six children of Peter Nei, Sr. & Catharina “Catherine” Welter
1. Elizabeth “Lizzie” Nei
1859–1879
2. John Nei 
1860–1937
3. George Nei
1862–1947
4. Mathew Nei
1864–1940
5. Anna Nei (m.1885, William Peter Clemens, son of Peter Clemens & Mary “Maria” Reiland)
1865–1942
6. Peter Nei, Jr.
1867–1932

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Timeline and Records

Spellings and information in the census and other records
are retained as in the original documents.
(italicized clarifications or corrections are in parentheses)

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Marriage of Peter Nei, Sr., & Catharina “Catherine” Welter, in Saarland, Germany
Six children: Elizabeth “Lizzie” Nei, John Nei, George Nei, Mathew Nei, Anna Nei, Peter Nei


Correction: Standing: John Nei, Peter Nei, Mathew Nei, George Nei
Seated: Anna “Annie” (Nei) Clemens, Mary Christine (Peter) Porter (daughter of Elizabeth “Lizzie” Nei (d. 1879) & Nickolas “Nick” Peter)

Apr 24, 1858: Marriage of Mathias/Mathew Clemens & Anna Mary Reiland, in Mazeppa, Wabasha Co., Minnesota
Eight children, seven living: (infant Clemens), Maria Elizabeth “Mary” Clemens, Catherine “Kate” Clemens, Peter Daniel Clemens, Margaret Elizabeth “Maggie” Clemens, Angeline “Annie” Clemens, Rose Clemens, Mathew Sylvester “Matt” Clemens

Standing: Mathew Sylvester Clemens, Rose (Clemens) Nei, Peter Daniel Clemens, Angeline “Annie” (Clemens) Schabo
Seated: Catherine “Kate” (Clemens) Hoeft, Anna Mary (Reiland) Clemens, Margaret Elizabeth (Clemens) von Ruden, Mathias/Mathew Clemens

Apr 4, 1867: Birth of Peter Nei, Jr., 6th of 6 children of Peter Nei, Sr. & Catharina “Catherine” Welter, in Mazeppa, Wabasha Co., Minnesota

Sep 1, 1870: U.S. Federal Census, Pine Island, Goodhue, Minnesota
Peter Nye (Peter Nei Sr., father of Peter Nei, Jr.)
Age in 1870 49
Birth Date abt 1821
Birthplace Luxembourg
Dwelling Number 84
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 750
Real Estate Value 1800
Household Members (Name) Age:
Peter Nye Age 49, Farmer, born Luxembourg (Peter Nei Sr.)
Catherine Nye Age 47, Keeping house, born Luxembourg (Catherine (Welter) Nei, mother of Peter Nei, Jr.)
Lizzie Nye Age 11, at home, born Iowa (Elizabeth “Lizzie” Nei)
John Nye Age 10, at home, born Minnesota (John Nei)
George Nye Age 9, at home, born Minnesota (George Nei)
Matthew Nye Age 7, at home, born Minnesota (Matthew Nei)
Ennie Nye Age 5, at home, born Minnesota (Anna “Annie” Nei)
Peter Nye Age 3, at home, born Minnesota (Peter Nei, Jr.)

Jun 12, 1871: Birth of Rose Clemens, 6th of 7 living children of Mathew Clemens & Anna Mary Reiland, in Mazeppa, Wabasha Co., Minnesota

May 1, 1875: Minnesota State Census, Olmsted Co., Minnesota:
Clemens M age 38, Male, born Luxembourg, father born Luxembourg, mother born Luxembourg (Mathew Clemens)
Clemens Mary age 41, Female, born Luxembourg, father born Luxembourg, mother born Luxembourg (Anna Mary Reiland) Clemens, wife of Mathew and daughter of John Reiland)
Clemens C age 12, Female, born Minnesota, father born Luxembourg, mother born Luxembourg (Catherine Clemens, daughter)
Clemens P age 11, Male, born Minnesota, father born Luxembourg, mother born Luxembourg (Peter Daniel Clemens, son)
Clemens M age 6, Female, born Minnesota, father born Luxembourg, mother born Luxembourg (Margaret Elizabeth Clemens, daughter)
Clemens A age 4, Female, born Minnesota, father born Luxembourg, mother born Luxembourg (Angeline “Annie” Clemens, daughter)
Clemens R age 4, Female, born Minnesota, father born Luxembourg, mother born Luxembourg (Rose Clemens, daughter)
Clemens M age 1, Male, born Minnesota, father born Luxembourg, mother born Luxembourg (Mathew Sylvester Clemens, son)
Miller, John age 35, Male, born Prussia, father born Prussia, mother born Prussia (unknown relationship)
Reiland, John age 77, Male, born Luxembourg, father born Prussia, mother born Prussia (father of Anna Mary (Reiland) Clemens)

Jun 15, 1880: U.S. Federal Census, Cascade, Olmsted Co., Minnesota:
Name Matthew Clemmens
[Mathew Clemens]
Age 44
Birth Date Abt 1836
Birthplace Netherlands (Luxembourg)
Home in 1880 Cascade, Olmsted, Minnesota
Dwelling Number 70
Race White
Gender Male
Relation to Head of House Self (Head)
Marital Status Married
Spouse’s Name Anna M. Clemmens
Father’s Birthplace Netherlands (Luxembourg)
Mother’s Birthplace Netherlands (Luxembourg)
Occupation Farmer
Household Members (Name) Age Relationship:
Matthew Clemmens Age 44 Self (Head) Farmer, born Netherlands, father born Netherlands, mother born Netherlands (Mathias/Mathew Clemens)
Anna M. Clemmens Age 46, Wife, Keeping house, born Netherlands, father born Netherlands, mother born Netherlands (Anna Mary (Reiland) Clemens)
Catherine Clemmens Age 17, Daughter, born Minnesota, father born Netherlands, mother born Netherlands
Peter Clemmens Age 16, Son, works on farm, born Minnesota, father born Netherlands, mother born Netherlands
Margarite Clemmens Age 13, Daughter, born Minnesota, father born Netherlands, mother born Netherlands
Angeline Clemmens Age 11 Daughter, born Minnesota, father born Netherlands, mother born Netherlands
Rosa Clemmens Age 9, Daughter, born Minnesota, father born Netherlands, mother born Netherlands
Matthew Clemmens Age 6, Son, born Minnesota, father born Netherlands, mother born Netherlands
John Reiland Age 84, Father-in-law, widowed, born Netherlands, father born Netherlands, mother born Netherlands (father of Anna Mary (Reiland) Clemens)

circa 1880: Family of Mathew Clemens & Anna Mary Reiland:

Standing: Catherine “Kate” Clemens, Margaret Elizabeth “Maggie” Clemens, Angeline “Annie” Clemens, Mathew Sylvester “Matt” Clemens
Seated: mother Anna Mary Reiland, Rose Clemens, father Mathias/Mathew Clemens, Peter Daniel Clemens

Jun 16, 1880: U.S. Federal Census, Pine Island, Goodhue, Minnesota:
Name Peter Ney (Peter Nei, Jr.)
[Peter Nei]
Age 13
Birth Date Abt 1867
Birthplace Minnesota
Home in 1880 Pine Island, Goodhue, Minnesota
Dwelling Number 113
Race White
Gender Male
Relation to Head of House Son
Marital Status Single
Father’s Name Peter Ney
Father’s Birthplace Astanaugh (perhaps this is a place in Germany or Luxembourg)
Mother’s Name Catharine Ney
Mother’s Birthplace Astanaugh
Occupation Homeworker
Maimed, Crippled, or Bedridden Y
Household Members (Name) Age Relationship:
Peter Ney Age 56, Self, Head, Farmer born, Astanaugh, father born Astanaugh, mother born Astanaugh (Peter Nei Sr., father of Peter Nei, Jr.)
Catharine Ney Age 54, Wife, Keeping house, born Astanaugh, father born Astanaugh, mother born Astanaugh (Catherine (Welter) Nei, mother of Peter Nei, Jr.)
John Ney Age 19, Son, at home, born Minnesota, father born Astanaugh, mother born Astanaugh (John Nei)
George Ney Age 18, Son, at home, born Minnesota, father born Astanaugh, mother born Astanaugh (George Nei)
Matthew Ney Age 16, Son, at home, born Minnesota, father born Astanaugh, mother born Astanaugh (Matthew Nei)
Anna Ney Age 14, Daughter, at home, born Minnesota, father born Astanaugh, mother born Astanaugh (Anna “Annie” Nei)
Peter Ney Age 13, Son, at home, Maimed, Crippled, or Bedridden Y, born Minnesota, father born Astanaugh, mother born Astanaugh (Peter Nei, Jr.)
Christina Peter Age 1, Granddaughter, born Minnesota, father born Iowa, mother born Belgium (daughter of Elizabeth “Lizzie” Nei, the oldest child of Peter & Catherine who died in 1879)

Clemens sisters: Margaret, Rose, Angeline “Annie,” and Catherine “Kate”:

Apr 23, 1889: Death of Catherina “Catherine” (Welter) Nei (age 62), wife of Peter Nei, Sr. and the mother of Peter Nei, Jr., in Mazeppa, Wabasha Co., Minnesota

Burial of Catherina “Catherine” (Welter) Nei at Saints Peter And Paul Catholic Cemetery in Mazeppa, Wabasha Co., Minnesota

Oct 24, 1889: Marriage of Rose Clemens & Peter Nei, Jr., in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Pictured: Peter Nei, Mathew Sylvester Clemens, Rose (Clemens) Nei, unkn woman:

Oct 24, 1889: Minnesota Marriage Record:
Name Peter Nie (Peter Nie, Jr.)
Marriage Date 24 Oct 1889
Marriage Place Olmsted, Minnesota
Spouse Rosana Clemens (Rose Clemens)
Certificate Number I588 (B05280aa.a56)

circa 1890: Mathias/Mathew Clemens & Anna Mary Reiland family:

Standing: Mathew Sylvester Clemens, Rose (Clemens) Nei, Peter Daniel Clemens, Angeline “Annie” (Clemens) Schabo
Seated: Catherine “Kate” (Clemens) Hoeft, Anna Mary (Reiland) Clemens, Margaret Elizabeth (Clemens) von Ruden, Mathias/Mathew Clemens

Jun 14, 1891: Birth of Peter Cletus Nei, the only child of Peter Nei, Jr. & Rose Clemens, in Mazeppa, Wabasha Co., Minnesota

Jun 14, 1891: Minnesota Birth Index:
Name Peter Nei
Gender Male
Birth Date 14 Jun 1891
FHL Film Number 1379164

Peter Nei, Jr. & Rose Clemens with son Peter Cletus Nye:

1892: Marriage of Lewis J. Gorman & Helena “Lena” Theisen, Minnesota
Nine living children:
1. Bernard Wallace Gorman
1893–1959
2. Mary Leona Gorman
1896–1977
3. Hazel Marie Gorman (married Peter Cletus Nei)
1899–1989
4. Helena M. Gorman
1900–1990
5. John Henry Gorman
1903–1956
6. Luella Ethel Gorman
1905–1991
7. Mildred Alice Gorman (twin)
1906–1984
8. Milnor Francis Gorman (twin)
1906–1960
9. Roy Elsworth Gorman
1915–1995

Sep 28, 1896: Death of Peter Nei, Sr. (age 72), son of Nicholas Nei & Anna Margaretha Rollinger and father of Peter Nei, Jr., in Mazeppa, Wabasha Co., Minnesota

1896: Burial of Peter Nei, Sr. at Saints Peter And Paul Catholic Cemetery in Mazeppa, Wabasha Co., Minnesota

Jul 25, 1899: Birth of Hazel Marie Gorman, 3rd of 9 living children of Louis J. Gorman & Helena “Lena” Theisen, and future wife of Peter Cletus Nei, in Otter Tail Co., Minnesota

Louis J. Gorman & Helena “Lena” Theisen family, circa 1915:

Jul 9 & 11, 1900: U.S. Federal Census, Pine Island, Goodhue, Minnesota:
Name Peter Nei (Peter Nei, Jr.)
Age 33
Birth Date Apr 1867
Birthplace Minnesota
Home in 1900 Pine Island, Goodhue, Minnesota
Race White
Gender Male
Relation to Head of House Head
Marital Status Married
Spouse’s Name Rose Nei
Marriage Year 1890
Years Married 10
Father’s Birthplace Germany
Mother’s Birthplace Germany
Occupation Farmer
Can Read Yes
Can Write Yes
Can Speak English Yes
House Owned or Rented Own
Home Free or Mortgaged Mortgaged
Farm or House F
Household Members (Name) Age Relationship:
Peter Nei Age 33, Head, Married 10 yrs, born Minnesota, father born Germany, mother born Germany, farmer (Peter Nei, Jr.)
Rose Nei Age 28, Wife, Married 10 yrs, 1 child born, 1 child living, born Minnesota, father born Germany, mother born Germany (Rose (Clemens) Nei)
Peter Nei Age 8, Son, born Minnesota, father born Minnesota, mother born Minnesota (Peter Cletus Nei)

Peter Nei, Jr. & Rose Clemens with son Peter Cletus Nye:

Jun 13, 1905: Minnesota State Census, Pine Island, Goodhue Co., Minnesota:
Peter Nei Age 38, born Minnesota, father born Germany, mother born Germany, farmer
Rose Nei Age 34, born Minnesota, father born Germany, mother born Germany (Daughter of Mathias/Mathew Clemens & Anna Mary Reiland)
Peter Nei Age 13, born Minnesota, father born Minnesota, mother born Minnesota
Clemens Mathew Age 70, born Germany, father born Germany, mother born Germany, resident 5 months (Mathias/Mathew Clemens, father of Rose (Clemens) Nei)
Clemens Mary Age 73, born Germany, father born Germany, mother born Germany, resident 5 months (Anna Mary (Reiland) Clemens, mothjer of Rose (Clemens) Nei)

Mathew Clemens & Anna Mary (Reiland) Clemens, parents of Rose (Clemens) Nei:

May 5, 1910: U.S. Federal Census, Pine Island, Goodhue, Minnesota:
Name Peter Nei Sr
Age in 1910 43
Birth Date 1867
Birthplace Minnesota
Home in 1910 Pine Island, Goodhue, Minnesota
Race White
Gender Male
Relation to Head of House Head
Marital Status Married
Father’s Birthplace Germany
Mother’s Birthplace Germany
Native Tongue English
Occupation Farmer
Employer, Employee or Other Employer
Home Owned or Rented Own
Home Free or Mortgaged Mortgaged
Farm or House Farm
Able to read Yes
Able to Write Yes
Years Married 21
Enumerated Year 1910
Household Members (Name) Age Relationship:
Peter Nei Sr Age 43, Head, M1, 21 yrs, born Minnesota, father born Germany, mother born Germany, farmer (Peter Nei, Jr.)
Rose Nei Age 39, Wife, M1, 21 yrs, 1 child born, 1 child living, born Minnesota, father born Germany, mother born Germany (Rose (Clemens) Nei)
Peter Nei Jr Age 19, Son, single, born Minnesota, father born Minnesota, mother born Minnesota, farm laborer on home farm (Peter Cletus Nei)
Conrad Inglehart Age 8, Boarder, single, born Minnesota, father born Minnesota, mother born Minnesota

Jun 25, 1916: Marriage of Hazel Marie Gorman & Peter Cletus Nei, the only child of Peter Nei, Jr. & Rose Clemens, in Kenmare, Ward Co., North Dakota

Jul 25, 1916: North Dakota Marriage Index:
Name Hazel Gorman
Marriage Date 25 Jul 1916
Marriage Place Ward, North Dakota
Marriage Registration Place Ward, North Dakota
Spouse Peter, Nei
URL https://statemuseum.nd.gov/marriages

Four children: Marian Marie Nei, Cletus Clement Nei, Evelyn Eileen “Evie” Nei, Margaret Agnes Nei
1. Marian Marie Nei
1st of four children of Peter Cletus Nei & Hazel Marie Gorman
Born: Oct 25, 1917, Tolley, Ward Co., North Dakota
Died: Jun 24, 2006 (age 88), Edina, Hennepin Co., Minnesota
Buried: Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, Hennepin Co., Minnesota; Section 6-A, Site 732
Occupation: Retail sales
Married: Aug 5, 1939, Raymond Gustav Lind, Hennepin Co., Minnesota
No children

2. Cletus Clement Nei
2nd of four children of Peter Cletus Nei & Hazel Marie Gorman
Born: Jan 6, 1921, Sauk Prairie Township, Ward Co., North Dakota
Died: Oct 19, 1989 (age 68), Anoka Co., Minnesota
Buried: Epiphany Catholic Cemetery, Coon Rapids, Anoka Co., Minnesota; Main B-16 L-20 G-2 W
Military: WWII, U.S. Navy, ACMM 115; enlisted May 1942
Occupation: Red Owl Stores, truck driver, mechanic for farm carriage manufacturing
Married: abt 1949, Louise Lucille Segebrecht
Seven children

3. Evelyn Eileen “Evie” Nei
3rd of four children of Peter Cletus Nei & Hazel Marie Gorman
Born: Dec 2, 1922, Sauk Prairie Township, Ward Co., North Dakota
Died: Apr 17, 2018 (age 95), Minneapolis, Hennepin Co., Minnesota
Buried: Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, Hennepin Co., Minnesota; Section 15, Site 1447
Occupation: General office work for mail order company
Married: Jan 19, 1952, Ralph LaBonne, Minneapolis, Hennepin Co., Minnesota
Three children

4. Margaret Agnes Nei
4th of four children of Peter Cletus Nei & Hazel Marie Gorman
Born: Dec 2, 1924, Sauk Prairie Township, Ward Co., North Dakota
Died: Mar 6, 2018 (age 93), Chisago City, Chisago Co., Minnesota; congestive heart failure
Buried: Cremated, inurned at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, Hennepin Co., Minnesota; Section V, Site 1640
Occupation: Worked for Ma Bell in ND; Information Office in Crystal, MN
Married: Nov 22, 1942, Leonard Lewis Christensen, Ward Co., North Dakota
Three children

Jun 5, 1917: WWI Draft Registration Card:
Name Peter Nei Jr
Race Caucasian (White)
Marital Status Married
Birth Date 14 Jun 1891
Natural Born
Birth Place Mazeppa, Minnesota
Occupation Farming
Self Employed, Sauk Prairie Township
Residence Date 1917-1918
Street Address Kenmare
Residence Place Ward County, North Dakota
Height Medium
Hair Color Black
Eye Color Brown

abt 1918: Clemens siblings, children of Mathew Clemens & Anna Mary Reiland:

Standing: Peter Daniel Clemens and Mathew Sylvester “Matt” Clemens
Seated: Catherine “Kate” (Clemens) Hoeft, Rose (Clemens) Nei, Margret Elizabeth (Clemens) Von Ruden, Angeline Anna/Annie (Clemens) Schabo

Mar 16, 1918: Death of Anna Mary (Reiland) Clemens (age 85), wife of Mathew Clemens and mother of Rose (Clemens) Nei, in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota at the home of her son, Peter Clemens, of chronic nephritis and endocarditis

Mar 1918: Rochester, Minnesota newspaper obituary for Anna Maria Mary (Reiland) Clemens

Jan 15, 1920: U.S. Federal Census, Sauk Prairie, Ward Co., North Dakota:
Name Peter Nei (Peter Nei, Jr.)
Age 52
Birth Year abt 1868
Birthplace Minnesota
Home in 1920 Sauk Prairie, Ward, North Dakota
House Number Farm
Residence Date 1920
Race White
Gender Male
Relation to Head of House Head
Marital Status Married
Spouse’s Name Rose Nei
Father’s Birthplace Luxembourg
Mother’s Birthplace Luxembourg
Able to Speak English Yes
Occupation Farmer
Industry Grocery Farm
Employment Field Own Account
Home Owned or Rented Owned
Home Free or Mortgaged Mortgaged
Able to read Yes
Household Members (Name) Age Relationship:
Peter Nei Age 52, Head, Married, born Minnesota, father born Luxembourg, mother born Luxembourg, Farmer on general farm
Rose Nei Age 48, Wife, Married, born Minnesota, father born Luxembourg, mother born Luxembourg
Rachael Nei Age 14, Son (entry error on record, partially crossed out)
Note: Peter & Rose Nei’s son is living next door on census record below

Jan 15, 1920: U.S. Federal Census, Sauk Prairie, Ward Co., North Dakota:
Name Peter Nei Jr (Peter Cletus Nei)
Age 29
Birth Year abt 1891
Birthplace Minnesota
Home in 1920 Sauk Prairie, Ward, North Dakota
House Number Farm
Residence Date 1920
Race White
Gender Male
Relation to Head of House Head
Marital Status Married
Spouse’s Name Hezel Nei (Hazel (Gorman) Nei)
Father’s Birthplace Minnesota
Mother’s Birthplace Minnesota
Able to Speak English Yes
Occupation Farmer
Industry Grocery Farm
Employment Field Own Account
Home Owned or Rented Owned
Home Free or Mortgaged Mortgaged
Able to read Yes
Able to Write Yes
Household Members (Name) Age Relationship:
Peter Nei Age 29, Head, born Minnesota, father born Luxembourg, mother born Luxembourg, Farmer on grocery farm (Peter Cletus Nei)
Hezel Nei Age 20, Wife, born Minnesota, father born Luxembourg, mother born Luxembourg (Hazel (Gorman) Nei)
Marion Nei Age 2 yrs 2 months, Daughter, born North Dakota, father born Minnesota, mother born Minnesota

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

Dec 31, 1920, Mazeppa Journal, Mazeppa, Wabasha Co., Minnesota:
Pioneer Dies of Pneumonia
Mathew Clemens, who first came to Rochester sixty-four years ago passes on
Mathew Clemens, a pioneer resident of Olmsted county, died Wednesday at 5:30 o’clock of double pneumonia, at the home of his son, Peter Clemens, 115 Fifth Avenue NW.

Mr. Clemens was born March 15, 1836, in Construf, Luxumberg. He left for America March 10, 1854, and landed in New York, June 28, and remained there about one year. He then left for Aurora, Illinois, where he remained about nine months. Then he came to Minnesota and settled in a farm near Mazeppa. He came to Rochester in 1856 to work for Charles Cole in the American House. He remained there two years until he was married to Anna Mary Reiland April 24, 1858. They removed to a farm and remained there till 1874 when they bought another farm two miles west of Rochester where they lived until 1908. They came to Rochester to live with their son, Peter. There were eight children, six living and two dying in infancy. Those who survive are Mrs. John Hoeft, Pine Island; Mrs. John Von Ruden and Mrs. Charles Schabo of Reynolds, N.D.; Mrs. Peter Nei of Kenmare, N.D.; and Peter and Mathew of Rochester. Mrs. Clemens died March 16, 1918.
The funeral of Mr. Clemens will be Monday, Dec. 27 at 9 o’clock from St. John’s church.

Apr 3, 1930: U.S. Federal Census, Kenmare, Ward Co., North Dakota:
Name Peter C Nei (Peter Cletus Nei)
Birth Year abt 1893
Gender Male
Race White
Age in 1930 37
Birthplace Minnesota
Marital Status Married
Relation to Head of House Head
Home in 1930 Kenmare, Ward, North Dakota
Street Address First Street
Ward of City First
Dwelling Number 24
Home Owned or Rented Owned
Home Value 450
Radio Set No
Lives on Farm No
Age at First Marriage 25
Attended School No
Able to Read and Write Yes
Father’s Birthplace Minnesota
Mother’s Birthplace Minnesota
Able to Speak English Yes
Occupation Laborer
Industry Farm
Class of Worker Wage or salary worker
Employment Yes
Household Members (Name) Age Relationship:
Peter C Nei Age 37, Head, age at first marriage 25, born Minnesota, father born Minnesota, mother born Minnesota, laborer on farm (Peter Cletus Nei)
Hazel M Nei Age 30, Wife, born Minnesota, father born Iowa, mother born Minnesota (Hazel Marie (Gorman) Nei)
Marion Nei Age 12, Daughter, born North Dakota, father born Minnesota, mother born Minnesota (Marian Marie Nei)
Cletus C Nei Age 9, Son, born North Dakota, father born Minnesota, mother born Minnesota (Cletus Clement Nei)
Evelyn J Nei Age 7, Daughter, born North Dakota, father born Minnesota, mother born Minnesota (Evelyn Eileen Nei)
Margaret Nei Age 5, Daughter, born North Dakota, father born Minnesota, mother born Minnesota (Margaret Agnes Nei)

Apr 4, 1930: U.S. Federal Census, Kenmare, Ward Co., North Dakota:
Name Peter Nei (Peter Nei, Jr.)
Birth Year abt 1868
Gender Male
Race White
Age in 1930 62
Birthplace Minnesota
Marital Status Married
Relation to Head of House Head
Home in 1930 Kenmare, Ward, North Dakota
Street Address Second Street
Ward of City First
Dwelling Number 29
Home Owned or Rented Owned
Home Value 800
Radio Set No
Lives on Farm No
Age at First Marriage 22
Attended School No
Able to Read and Write Yes
Father’s Birthplace Luxembourg
Mother’s Birthplace Luxembourg
Able to Speak English Yes
Occupation Janitor
Industry Electric Power Co
Class of Worker Wage or salary worker
Employment Yes
Household Members (Name) Age Relationship:
Peter Nei Age 62, Head, Married, age at first marriage 22, born Minnesota, father born Luxembourg, mother born Luxembourg, Janitor at Electric Power Company
Rose Nei Age 58, Wife, Married, age at first marriage 18, born Minnesota, father born Luxembourg, mother born Luxembourg

May 12, 1932: Death of Peter Nei, Jr. (age 65), husband of Rose (Clemens) Nei, in Kenmare, Ward Co., North Dakota

May 12, 1932: North Dakota Death Certificate:
Name Peter Nei (Peter Nei, Jr.)
Gender Male
Race White
Death Age 65
Birth Date 4 Apr 1867
Birth Place Pine Island Twp, Minnesota
Death Date 12 May 1932
Death Place Kenmare, Ward, North Dakota
Father Peter Nei
Mother Nei
Spouse Rose Nei
Certificate Number 4657

May 12, 1932: Peter Nei, North Dakota Certificate of Death:

May 16, 1932: Burial of Peter Nei, Jr. at Saint Agnes Catholic Cemetery in Kenmare, Ward Co., North Dakota

Apr 15, 1940: U.S. Federal Census, Kenmare, Ward Co., North Dakota:
Name Rose Nye (Rose (Clemens) Nei)
Age 69
Estimated Birth Year abt 1871
Gender Female
Race White
Birthplace Minnesota
Marital Status Widowed
Relation to Head of House Head
Home in 1940 Kenmare, Ward, North Dakota
Street 2d Ave East
Farm No
Inferred Residence in 1935 Kenmare, Ward, North Dakota
Residence in 1935 Kenmare
Number of Household in Order of Visitation 273
House Owned or Rented Rented
Value of Home 7.00
Attended School or College No
Highest Grade Completed Elementary school, 7th grade
Weeks Worked in 1939 0
Income 0
Income Other Sources Yes
Household Members (Name) Age Relationship
Rose Nye Age 69, Head (Rose (Clemens) Nei)

Apr 15, 1940: U.S. Federal Census, Kenmare, Ward Co., North Dakota:
Name Pete Nye (Peter Cletus Nei)
Age 47
Estimated Birth Year abt 1893
Gender Male
Race White
Birthplace Minnesota
Marital Status Married
Relation to Head of House Head
Home in 1940 Kenmare, Ward, North Dakota
Street 3d Ave E
Farm No
Inferred Residence in 1935 Kenmare, Ward, North Dakota
Occupation Truck Driver
Industry Mine
House Owned or Rented Owned
Value of Home 750
Highest Grade Completed High School, 2nd year
Class of Worker Wage or salary worker in private work
Weeks Worked in 1939 52
Income 500
Income Other Sources No
Household Members (Name) Age Relationship:
Pete Nye Age 47, Head, born Minnesota, truck driver in mine (Peter Cletus Nei)
Hazel Nye Age 40, Wife, born Minnesota (Hazel Marie (Gorman) Nei)
Merlyn Nye Age 17, Daughter, born North Dakota (Evelyn Eileen Nei)
Margaret Nye Age 15, Daughter, born North Dakota (Margaret Agnes Nei)
Cletus C Nye Age 19, Son, born North Dakota, truck driver (Cletus Clement Nei)

Apr 27, 1942: WWII Draft Card, Peter Cletus Nei:

Apr 27, 1942: WWII Draft Card, Peter Cletus Nei 
Name Peter Clement Nei (Peter Cletus Nei)
Race White
Age 50
Birth Date 14 Jun 1891
Birth Place Pine Island, Minnesota (Mazeppa, Wabasha Co., Minnesota)
Registration Date 27 Apr 1942
Registration Place Kenmare, Ward, North Dakota
Employer Larson Feed and Seed Co.
Height 67
Weight 180
Complexion Ruddy
Hair Color Gray
Eye Color Blue
Next of Kin Hazel Nei

Nov 24, 1943: Death of Rose (Clemens) Nei (age 72), 6th of 7 living children of Mathias/Mathew Clemens & Anna Mary Reiland, and the wife of Peter Nei, Jr.. in Kenmare, Ward Co., North Dakota

Nov 1943: Burial of Rose (Clemens) Nei at Saint Agnes Catholic Cemetery in Kenmare, Ward Co., North Dakota

Apr 18, 1950: U.S. Federal Census, Kenmare, Ward Co., North Dakota:
Name Peter E Nei (Peter Cletus Nei)
Age 58
Birth Date abt 1900
Gender Female
Race White
Birth Place Minnesota
Marital Status Married
Relation to Head of House Wife
Residence Date 1950
Home in 1950 Kenmare, Ward, North Dakota
House Number 67
Occupation Category Keeping House
Worked Last Week No
Seeking Work No
Employment Status No
Household Members (Name) Age Relationship
Nei Peter E Age 58, Head, Male, Married, born Minnesota, Janitor in Public Schools (Peter Cletus Nei)
Nei Hazel M Age 50, Wife, Female, Married, born Minnesota (Hazel Marie (Gorman) Nei)

May 1962: Kenmare News, Kenmare, Ward Co., North Dakota:

May 1962: Kenmare News, Kenmare, Ward Co., North Dakota (transcription):
Nei, School Custodian, Resigns After Completing Twenty Years of Service
“Things won’t be the same around here,” reluctantly announced Supt. E.C. Johnson, when he related that Peter Nei, school custodian for twenty years was retiring on Monday.

“Pete” as he is affectionately known to students and faculty alike, was honored at an assembly on Monday morning, and Supt. Johnson and G.R. Dolan on behalf of the faculty paid tribute to Mr. Nei for his twenty years of faithful service to the school system, and for the countless long-forgotten incidents that has made him a friend of all.

 On behalf of the student body and faculty, Mr. Nei was presented with a fishing rod and a bag of silver dollars, the presentation being made by Supt. Johnson and Don Jorgensen. Mr. Nei responded and acknowledged that “although I’m through, as of today, I’ll be around this summer and fall to help out a bit.”

Mr. Nei began his duties as custodian in September 1942 and “I guess I have done just about everything except teach” was his comment. He operated a school bus for 18 years, driven countless basketball, football and track teams, and conducted my band and skip day tours.

Graduates of the school over the twenty-year period will approximate 1000, yet Mr. Nei feels he can call nearly everyone by name and he delights in relating anecdotes of the parents to the second generation of students now in the lower grades.

Included in the graduates are four of his children, all living in Minneapolis now. They are Mrs. Raymond Lind, Mrs. Ralph LaBonne, Mrs. Leonard Christensen and Cletus Nei, and the highlight of the year is when Mr. and Mrs. Nei visit their children and Mr. Nei takes his grandchildren fishing.

Typical of the attitude of the students, and the respect they have for Mr. Nei, is humorously related by Supt. Johnson in telling of an incident of a few years ago. Walking to school with a second grader one noon, Mr. Johnson told the youngster “I’m going to be out of town for a couple of days, and I want you to be good while I’m gone.” The youngster soberly inquired, “Did Pete say you could go?”
Source: Transcribed by J.B. Mogren

Dec 20, 1967: Death of Peter Cletus Nei, the only child of Peter Nei, Jr. & Rose Clemens, in Minneapolis, Hennepin Co., Minnesota

Dec 20, 1967: Minnesota Death Index:
Name Peter C Nei
Death Age 76
Record Type Death
Birth Date 14 Jun 1891
Death Date 20 Dec 1967
Death Place Hennepin, Minnesota
Death Registration Date 1967
Mother’s Maiden Name Clemons (Clemens)
Certificate Number 030766
Record Number 1692356

Dec 20, 1967: Social Security Death Index:
Name Peter Nei
Birth Date 14 Jun 1891
Issue year Before 1951
Issue State North Dakota
Last Residence 58746, Kenmare, Ward, North Dakota
Death Date Dec 1967

Dec 22, 1967: Star Tribune, Minneapolis, Minnesota (obituary index):
Name Peter C. Nei
Gender Male
Death Age 76
Birth Date abt 1891
Residence Place Kenmare, Ward, North Dakota
Death Date Abt 1967
Death Place Robbinsdale, Hennepin, Minnesota
Burial Place New Hope, Hennepin, Minnesota
Obituary Date 22 Dec 1967
Obituary Place Minneapolis, Minnesota
Newspaper Title Star Tribune
Spouse Hazel
Children: Cletus C, Raymond G.

Dec 22, 1967: Minot Daily News, Minot, Ward Co., Minneapolis; (Friday)
Peter Nei
Kenmare – The funeral will be Saturday at 11 in Saint Agnes Catholic Church, Kenmare for Peter Nei, 76, Kenmare, who died Wednesday in Minneapolis where he was visiting.

Rev. Stephen Kralich will officiate and burial will be in the Gethsemane Catholic Cemetery in Minneapolis.

Mr. Nei is survived by his wife, Hazel; a son, Cletus of Fridley, Minn.; three daughters, Mrs. Ray (Marian) Lind of Wayzata, Minn., and Mrs. Ralph (Evelyn) LaBonne and Mrs. Leonard (Margaret) Christensen, both of Minneapolis; ten grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. (Ringen Funeral Home of Kenmare, Evans-Norby Funeral Home of Minneapolis)

Dec 26, 1967: Burial of Peter Cletus Nei at Gethsemane Cemetery in New Hope, Hennepin Co., Minnesota; Section 3, block 7, lot 7, grave 7

Dec 27, 1967: Kenmare News, Kenmare, Ward Co., North Dakota:

Dec 27, 1967: Kenmare News, Kenmare, Ward Co., North Dakota (transcription):
Peter Nei Rites Held On Saturday
Requiem Mass was said Saturday at 11 in Saint Agnes Catholic Church, Kenmare for Peter Nei, 76, longtime resident of the area and of Kenmare, who succumbed unexpectedly in Minneapolis on Wednesday. Fr. Stephen Kralich officiated and bearers were Lawrence and Luke Schumacher, Lawrence and Maurice Ackerman, Geo. Bauer and Gerald Caroline.

Interment services were held Tuesday at 11 a.m. at the Gethsemane Catholic Cemetery in New Hope, Minn.

Mr. Nei had entered a Minneapolis hospital on Monday for a check-up, and was to have been discharged on Wednesday afternoon. He suffered a heart attack in October and had been hospitalized at Kenmare. Having recovered nicely, he and Mrs. Nei had gone to Minneapolis, December 10, to spend the holidays.

Surviving in addition to his widow, are a son, Cletus of Fridley, Minn.; three daughters, Mrs. Ray (Marian) Lind of Wayzata, Minn., and Mrs. Ralph (Evelyn) LaBonne and Mrs. Leonard (Margaret) Christensen, both of Minneapolis; ten grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Mr. Nei was born at Mazeppa, Minn, June 14, 1891 and had lived in this community for 55 years. He was married to the former Hazel Gorman at Tolley on June 21, 1916. They had made their home in Kenmare since 1930. Mr. Nei farmed until 1942, and then accepted a position as custodian in the public school. He retired in 1962. He subsequently had assisted at the Saint Agnes Catholic School.

Mr. and Mrs. Nei observed their golden wedding anniversary in June 1966. He was a member of the Saint Agnes Catholic Church and of the Holy Name Society.

Funeral arrangements were made by the Evans-Norby Funeral Home of Minneapolis with local arrangements by the Ringen Funeral Home of Kenmare.
Source: Transcribed by J.B. Mogren

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Peter Cletus Nei was employed as a custodian in the school system at Kenmare from September 1942 to May 1962. He started out in the Public School and the last few years of his career was in the Saint Agnes Catholic Parochial School, both at Kenmare. (The Saint Agnes Catholic Parochial School discontinued to operate in May 1962 and the children went to public school then.)

John Mogren posted on the Kenmare Facebook page a picture of Peter Nei, who was a long-time school custodian at the schools in Kenmare.

John shared this: “Peter was fondly remembered. Several posted comments about what a wonderful man he was and how endeared he was to them when they were young and attending school:”
“A warm caring person, we were lucky to have known him. He set a wonderful example for all of us.”
“He was the best”
“What a nice man!”
“He was a genuinely nice guy.”
“Absolutely, one of the sweetest men I know.”
“Pete was wonderful. All the early year helpers at K.H.S. were so nice. We who went there was very lucky souls, me included. Thank you all.”
“Pete was my confirmation sponsor.”
“B4 we moved to the country in ’55’, I started 1st grade in Kenmare. I started walking home a few blocks away and a dog came running out toward me. I was really scared and ran back to school and Pete loaded me in the bus and took me home. Never forgot that good deed!”
“He was special!”
“Special guy!!”
“He was a great guy!!”
“Thanks for the neat picture! I love them.”
“Oh my gosh, Pete! I think of him often. He was so kind to the students.”
“Peter was the janitor at the school. He always spoke to me when I entered or left the school. He was a friendly tease. May he rest in peace.”
“One of the most amazing spreaders of good cheer I have met in my life!!”
“He was a real sweetheart”
“My first -grade rural bus driver in 1957”
Source: John Mogren, local historian for the Lake County Historical Society & Museum at Kenmare, North Dakota 

Quote: “Initially, Peter was a farmer in North Dakota. He eventually became the school janitor after moving the family from the farm to the town. He was a huge JOKESTER with the school children and the grand kids, all his life.” David Nei

******************

Jan 15, 1989: Death of Hazel Marie (Gorman) Nei, 3rd of 8 children of Louis J. Gorman & Helena “Lena” Theisen and wife of Peter Cletus Nei, in Minneapolis, Hennepin Co., Minnesota

Jan 15, 1989: Social Security Death Index:
Name Hazel Nei (Hazel Marie (Gorman) Nei)
Birth Date 25 Jul 1899
Issue year Before 1951
Issue State North Dakota
Death Date Jan 1989

Jan 1989: Burial of Hazel Marie (Gorman) Nei at Gethsemane Cemetery in New Hope, Hennepin Co., Minnesota; Section 3, block 7, lot 7, grave 7

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Family of Peter Nei, Sr. & Catharina “Catherine” Welter

Correction: John Nei, Peter Nei, Mathew Nei, George Nei
Anna “Annie” (Nei) Clemens, Mary Christine (Peter) Porter (daughter of Elizabeth “Lizzie” Nei (d. 1879) & Nickolas “Nick” Peter

Peter Nei, Sr.
Son of Nicholas Nei & Anna Margaretha Rollinger
Born: Mar 4, 1824, Consdorf, Echternach, Grevenmacher, Luxembourg
Died: Sep 28, 1896, Mazeppa, Wabasha Co., Minnesota
Buried: Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery in Mazeppa, Wabasha Co., Minnesota
Married: Catharina “Catherine” Welter, Saarland, Germany
Six children: Elizabeth “Lizzie” Nei, John Nei, George Nei, Mathew Nei, Anna Nei, Peter Nei

Catharina “Catherine” Welter
Daughter of Valentine Welter & Catherine Felten
Born: Sep 9, 1826, Luxembourg
Died: Apr 23, 1889, Mazeppa, Wabasha Co., Minnesota
Buried: Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery in Mazeppa, Wabasha Co., Minnesota
Married: Peter Nei, Sr. , Saarland, Germany, Saarland, Germany
Six children: Elizabeth “Lizzie” Nei, John Nei, George Nei, Mathew Nei, Anna Nei, Peter Nei

1. Elizabeth “Lizzie” Nei
1st of 6 children of Peter Nei, Sr., & Catharina “Catherine” Welter
Born: Feb 5, 1859, Iowa
Died: Mar 26, 1879 (age 20), Chester, Wabasha Co., Minnesota
Buried: Saint Marys Cemetery in Bellechester, Goodhue Co., Minnesota
Married: Mar 5, 1878, Nickolas “Nick” Peter, Mazeppa, Wabasha Co., Minnesota
One child: Mary Christina/Christine Peter

2. John Nei
2nd of 6 children of Peter Nei, Sr. & Catharina “Catherine” Welter
Born: Aug 28, 1860, Mazeppa, Wabasha Co., Minnesota
Died: Dec 10, 1937, Park Rapids, Hubbard Co., Minnesota
Buried: Calvary Cemetery in Wadena, Wadena Co., Minnesota
Married: May 12, 1884, Mary Ann Leisen, Highland, Wabasha Co., Minnesota
Eight children: Mary Katherine “Katie” Nei, Elizabeth Dora “Lizzie” Nei, Gertrude Anna “Gertie” Nei, Anna Agnes, “Annie” Nei, Margaret Ellen “Maggie” Nei, Frank John Nei, Willaim H. Nei, Murial Irene Nei

3. George Nei
3rd of 6 children of Peter Nei, Sr., & Catharina “Catherine” Welter
Born: Oct 9, 1862, Pine Island, Goodhue Co., Minnesota
Died: Mar 29, 1947 (age 84), Mazeppa, Wabasha Co., Minnesota
Buried: Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery in Mazeppa, Wabasha Co., Minnesota
Married: 1888, Elizabeth “Lizzie” Huberty
Two children: Helena “Lena” Nei, Clara Katherine Nei

4. Mathew Nei
4th of 6 children of Peter Nei, Sr., & Catharina “Catherine” Welter
Born: Dec 16, 1864, Pine Island, Goodhue Co., Minnesota
Died: Feb 6, 1940 (age 75), Pine Island, Goodhue Co., Minnesota
Buried: Mazeppa Cemetery in Mazeppa, Wabasha Co., Minnesota
Married: Jan 3, 1893, Emma Preble, Mazeppa, Wabasha Co., Minnesota
No children

5. Anna “Annie” Nei 
5th of 6 children of Peter Nei, Sr., & Catharina “Catherine” Welter
Born: Sep 20, 1865, Pine, Goodhue Co., Minnesota
Died: Dec 24, 1942, Fargo, Cass Co., North Dakota
Buried: Holy Cross Cemetery in Fargo, Cass Co., North Dakota
Married: 1885, William Peter Clemens, son of Peter Clemens & Mary “Maria” Reiland
Five children: Pierre William “Peter” Clemens, George Arthur Clemens, Walter Henry Clemens, Mary Katherine Clemens, Grace Ann Clemens

6. Peter Nei, Jr.
6th of 6 children of Peter Nei, Sr. & Catharina “Catherine” Welter
Born: Apr 4, 1867, Mazeppa, Wabasha Co., Minnesota
Died: May 12, 1932 (age 65), Kenmare, Ward Co., North Dakota
Buried: May 16, 1932, Saint Agnes Catholic Cemetery in Kenmare, Ward Co., North Dakota
Occupation: Farmer, laborer, janitor at electric power company
Married: Oct 24, 1889, Rose Clemens, Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
One child: Peter Cletus Nei

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2025: Researched and compiled by siblings Catherine (Clemens) Sevenau and Gordon Clemens, the great-grandchildren of Mathias/Mathew Clemens & Anna Mary Reiland. Thank you to Rita Elkerton, granddaughter of Peter & Rose (Gorman) Nei and Father Gerald Conway/Dana (Walker) Conway, contributors of the Nei photos, and to John Mogren, a historian for the Lake County Historical Society & Museum at Kenmare, North Dakota for the information on Peter Cletus Nei.

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