Nicholas Nigon & Barbara Leinen

FAMILY LINE AND HISTORY

Nicholas/Nikolas Nigon
2nd of 4 children of Johann Nigon & Magdalena Sellen
Born: Nov 30, 1849, Fitten, Merzig-Wadern, Saarland, Prussia (now Germany)
Died: Jan 27, 1907 (age 57), Hilbringen, Landkreis Merzig-Wadern, Saarland, Germany
Note: Nicholas returned to Germany in search of a new wife, and died while there
Buried: Jan 30, 1907, Friedhof Hilbringen Cemetery in Hilbringen, Landkreis Merzig-Wadern, Saarland, Germany; cenotaph erected at Calvary Cemetery in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Immigrated: May 6, 1881, from Antwerp, Belgium to New York
Occupation: Farmer
Married: Aug 7, 1872, Barbara Leinen, Trier, Fitten, Saarland, Germany
Thirteen children: Barbara Nigon, Lena Nigon, Katharina Nigon, Maria “Mary” Nigon, Nicholas “Nick” Nigon, Jr., Michael “Mike” Nigon, John “Jack” Nigon, Katherine Nigon, Anna Clara Nigon, Francis “Frank” Nigon, Margaret Mary Nigon, Teresa Anna Nigon, Elizabeth Susanna “Jane” Nigon

Barbara Leinen
1st of 6 children of Jacob James Leinen & Regina Maria Fritz
Born: Aug 3, 1853, Besseringen/Schwemlingen, Saarland, Prussia (now Germany)
Died: Jan 14, 1906 (age 52), Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Buried: Calvary Cemetery in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Immigrated: May 6, 1881, from Antwerp, Belgium to New York
Married: Aug 7, 1872, Nicholas/Nikolas Nigon, Trier, Fitten, Saarland, Germany
Thirteen children: Barbara Nigon, Lena Nigon, Katharina Nigon, Maria ”Mary” Nigon, Nicholas “Nick” Nigon, Jr., Michael “Mike” Nigon, John “Jack” Nigon, Katherine Nigon, Anna Clara Nigon, Francis “Frank” Nigon, Margaret Mary Nigon, Teresa Anna Nigon, Elizabeth Susanna “Jane” Nigon

1. Barbara Nigon
1st of 13 children of Nicholas Nigon & Barbara Leinen
Born: May 19, 1873, Schwemlingen, Saarland, Germany
Died: Nov 8, 1937 (age 64), Pepin Township, Wabasha Co., Minnesota; cerebral hemorrhage
Buried: Calvary Cemetery in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Immigrated: May 6, 1881, from Antwerp, Belgium to New York
Naturalized Citizen: 1890
Married: Apr 19, 1898, Mathew Sylvester Clemens, St. John’s Church in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Thirteen children: Unnamed twins, Mary Ann Clemens, Elizabeth Barbara Clemens, Amelia Rose Clemens, Dorothy Clemens, Aloysius Michael Clemens, Carl John Clemens, Cecelia Helen “Sister Ann” Clemens, Agnes Catherine Clemens, Anna Frances Clemens, Lawrence Matthew Clemens, Joseph William Clemens

2. Lena Nigon
2nd of 13 children of Nicholas Nigon & Barbara Leinen
Born: Sep 18, 1874, Ripplingen, Hilbringen, Rheinland, Preußen, Germany (Ripplingen, Saarland, Germany)
Died: Jul 16, 1915 (age 40), Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Buried: Calvary Cemetery, Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Immigrated: May 6, 1881, from Antwerp, Belgium to New York
Occupation: Dressmaker
Never married, no children

3. Katharina Nigon
3rd of 13 children of Nicholas Nigon & Barbara Leinen
Born: Sep 14, 1876, Hilbringen, Saarland, Germany
Died: Dec 16 or 18, 1876 (age 3 months), Hilbringen, Saarland, Germany
Buried: Saarland, Germany

4. Maria Mary Nigon
4th of 13 children of Nicholas Nigon & Barbara Leinen
Born: Mar 5, 1878, Ripplingen, Saarland, Germany
Died: Apr 19, 1966 (age 88), Aurora, Kane Co., Illinois
Buried: Marywood Cemetery in Aurora, Kane Co., Illinois
Immigrated: May 6, 1881, from Antwerp, Belgium to New York
Occupation: Dressmaker
Married: Nov 14, 1904, Michael Nicholas Reuland, Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Five children: Matthew Reuland, Helen Marie Reuland, Catherine Agnes Reuland, Dorothy Theresa Reuland, Marian Margaret Reuland

5. Nicholas “Nick” Nigon, Jr.
5th of 13 children of Nicholas Nigon & Barbara Leinen
Born: Mar 27, 1880, Rech, Saarland, Germany
Died: Jul 1, 1968 (age 88), Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Buried: Calvary Cemetery in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Immigrated: May 6, 1881, from Antwerp, Belgium to New York 
Occupation: Farmer
Married: Oct 8, 1912, Julia Shanahan, Simpson, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Five children: Charles Nicholas Nigon, Mary Colette Nigon, Joseph Patrick Nigon, Kathleen Barbara Nigon, John Michael Nigon

6. Michael “Mike” Nigon
6th of 13 children of Nicholas Nigon & Barbara Leinen
Born: Apr 24, 1882, Pepin Township, Wabasha Co., Minnesota
Died: Oct 30, 1971 (age 89), Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Married: Nov 24, 1908, Catherine Mary Meyer, Pepin Twp, Wabasha Co., Minnesota
Buried: Calvary Cemetery in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Occupation: Farmer
Eight children: Marie Margaret Nigon, Agnes Barbara Nigon, William Michael Nigon, Leo Francis Nigon, Helen Catherine Nigon, Florence Mae Nigon, Rosanna Cecelia Nigon, Evelyn Elizabeth Nigon

7. John “Jack” Nigon
7th of 13 children of Nicholas Nigon & Barbara Leinen
Born: Mar 12, 1884, Pepin Township, Wabasha Co., Minnesota
Died: Mar 9, 1969 (age 84), Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Buried: Calvary Cemetery in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Occupation: Farmer
Married: Nov 7, 1911, Lucy Heaton, Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Six children: Frances Irene Nigon, Lucille Catherine Nigon, Mildred Nigon, Ralph John Nigon, Leonard Joseph Nigon, Lois Margaret Nigon

8. Katherine Nigon
8th of 13 children of Nicholas Nigon & Barbara Leinen
Born: Nov 8, 1885, Pepin Township, Wabasha Co., Minnesota
Died: Jan 4, 1940 (age 54), Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Buried: Calvary Cemetery in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Never married, no children

9. Anna Clara Nigon
9th of 13 children of Nicholas Nigon & Barbara Leinen
Born: Dec 22, 1887, Pepin Township, Wabasha Co., Minnesota
Died: Jan 9, 1948 (age 60), Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Buried: Calvary Cemetery in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Occupation: School Teacher
Never married, no children

10. Francis “Frank” Nigon
10th of 13 children of Nicholas Nigon & Barbara Leinen
Born: Jan 28, 1890, Pepin Township, Wabasha Co., Minnesota
Died: Jul 13, 1953 (age 63), Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Buried: Calvary Cemetery in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Occupation: Farmer
Married: Jun 8, 1915, Mary Bridget “Mayme” Hanrahan, Simpson, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Eight children: Eileen Anna Nigon, Edwin Francis Nigon, Gerald Daniel Nigon, Lorraine Catherine Nigon, Harold Nicholas Nigon, Clair John Nigon, Robert Michael Nigon (twin), infant Nigon (twin)

11. Margaret Mary Nigon
11th of 13 children of Nicholas Nigon & Barbara Leinen
Born: May 16, 1892, Pepin Township, Wabasha Co., Minnesota
Died: May 27, 1992 (age 100), Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Buried: Calvary Cemetery in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Occupation: Office Bookkeeper
Never married, no children

12. Teresa Anna Nigon
12th of 13 children of Nicholas Nigon & Barbara Leinen
Born: May 17, 1894, Pepin Township, Wabasha Co., Minnesota
Died: Oct 23, 1990 (age 96), Conrad, Pondera Co., Montana
Buried: Hillside Cemetery (aka Mt. Olivet) in Conrad, Pondera Co., Montana
Married: Jun 20, 1929, Lee Richard Loundagin, Fort Benton, Chouteau Co., Montana
One child: Rita Loundagin

13. Elizabeth Susanna “Jane” Nigon
13th of 13 children of Nicholas Nigon & Barbara Leinen
Born: Apr 23, 1897, Pepin Township, Wabasha Co., Minnesota
Died: Apr 21, 1930 (age 32), Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Note: Jane died in childbirth
Buried: Calvary Cemetery in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Occupation: Office Bookkeeper
Married: Oct 6, 1925, Clarence Elmer Kleist, Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Two children: Donald Francis Kleist, Elizabeth Margaret “Betty” Kleist

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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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Four children of Johann Nigon & Magdalena Sellen:
1. Barbara Nigon
1848–1914
2. Nikolas Nicholas Nigon
1849–1907
3. Magdalena Nigon
1854–1854
4. Johann Nigon
1855–1871

Six children of Jacob James Leinen & Maria Fritz:
1. Barbara Leinen
1853–1906
2. Johann Joseph Leinen
1855–1927
3. Nikolaus/Nicholas Leinen
1857–1888
4. Peter Leinen
1860–1867
5. Jacob Leinen, Jr.
1862–1901
6. Johann Peter Leinen
1865–1879

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Nov 30, 1849: Birth of Nicholas/Nikolas Nigon, 2nd of 4 children of Johann Nigon & Magdalena Sellen, in Fitten, Merzig-Wadern, Saarland, Prussia (now Germany)

Nov 13, 1849: Germany, Select Births and Baptisms:
Name Nickolas Nigen (Nigon)
Gender Male
Birth Date 13 Nov 1849 (conflicts with birth day in record below)
Birth Place Hilbringen, Rheinland, Preußen, Germany
Residence Place Hilbringen, Rheinland, Preußen, Germany
Father Johann Nigen
Mother Magdalena Sellen
FHL Film Number 1050158

Saarland, Germany, Births, Marriages, and Deaths, 1776-1875
Name: Nikolas Nigen (Nicholas Nigon)
Gender: männlich (Male)
Event Type: Geburt (Birth)
Birth Date: 30 Nov 1849 (conflicts with birth day in record above)
Birth Place: Hilbringen, Saarland, Deutschland (Germany)
Birth Registration Office: Hilbringen
Father: Johann Nigen (Johann Nigon)
Mother: Magdalena Sellen
Certificate Number: 136

Aug 3, 1853: Birth of Barbara Leinen, 1st of 6 children of Jacob James Leinen & Regina Marie Fritz, in Besseringen/Schwemlingen, Saarland, Germany

Aug 7, 1872: Marriage of Nicholas/Nikolas Nigon & Barbara Leinen, at St. Gangolf Parish at St. Paul in Trier, Fitten, Saarland, Germany

Thirteen children: Barbara Nigon, Lena Nigon, Katharina Nigon, Maria “Mary” Nigon, Nicholas “Nick” Nigon, Jr., Michael “Mike” Nigon, John “Jack” Nigon, Katherine Nigon, Anna Clara Nigon, Francis “Frank” Nigon, Margaret Nigon, Teresa Anna Nigon, Elizabeth Susanna “Jane” Nigon
Note: Four of the Nigon sisters, Lena, Katherine, Anna, and Margaret, never married

Aug 7, 1872: Marriage Certificate for Nicholas Nigon & Barbara Leinen (in German and English):

May 19, 1873: Birth of Barbara Nigon, 1st of 13 children of Nicholas Nigon & Barbara Leinen, in Schwemlingen (recorded in Hilbringen), Merzig-Wadern, Saarland, Germany

Mar 19, 1873: Birth Certificate for Barbara Nigon:

Transcription in Old German:
No. 54 Geburts- Akt. — im Sreise Merzig Hilbringen — – der neunzehnten des Monats Mar achtzehnhundert drei und siebensig, er mittags raht Uhr — erichien vor mir Joseph Hodch Bergermeister dls Begnten des Civisstandes der Bürgermeisterei Hilbringen der Nicolaus Nigon drer und zwgnzig Jahre alt, Standes Aekerer wohnhaft zu efmantelug im _, welcher mir erklärte, daß von seiner Iheffrau Barbara geborne Leinen neunzehn Jahre alt ohne Stand emmen wolghatt zu Schwenn lingen _ am nunzeheten Mai ieser Jahres Morgens dn dee Uhr in semmen Wohnung Zu Schweinlingen n ein Kind weiblichen Geschlechts geboren sei, welchem Kinde der Vorname “Barbara beigelegt wurde. Diese von mirindoppeltem Originale aufgenommene Erflärung ist geschehen in Anwesenheit der beiden Zeugen, als nämlich: “) Peter Fmthe drei und frefzg en Jahre alt, Standesirt wohnhaft zu Zulbrigen 2) Peter Setzellenbach Zwei und Fünfzig Jahre alt, Standes Ackerer wohnhaft zu echern en Gegenwärtige Urkunde ist demnach dann Deklarant nn und den Zeugen vorgelesen und mit denselben von mir schrieben worden. Oige Einten Schiktenbach Rosch
English Translation (Google):
No. 54 Birth Certificate – in the town of Merzig Hilbringen – – on the nineteenth of the month March 1873, at noon – I present to you Joseph Hodch, master miner, and beneficiary of the civic order of the mayoralty of Hilbringen, Nicolaus Nigon, twenty-thirty years old, farmer, resident in Schweinlingen, who declared to me that a female child was born to his wife Barbara, née Lemon (Leinen), nineteen years old, without a civic order, on the tenth of May of this year, at 8 p.m. in his apartment in Schweinlingen, to whom the first name “Barbara” was given. This declaration, which I have recorded in duplicate in original, was made in the presence of two witnesses, namely: Peter Fm, the three-and-twenty years old, farmer, resident in Furthermore, 2) Peter Setzellenbach, fifty-two years old, farmer, resident in Eger. The present document was therefore read to the declarant and the witnesses and signed by me. Oige Einten Schiktenbach Rosch

Sep 18, 1874: Birth of Lena Nigon, 2nd of 13 children of Nicholas Nigon & Barbara Leinen, in Ripplingen, Hilbringen, Rheinland, Preußen, Germany (Ripplingen, Saarland, Germany)

Sep 18, 1874: Birth Certificate for Magdalena “Lena” Nigon:

Transcription in Old German:
Geburts-Akt. No. 85. Hilbringen ___ im Se Merzig_ der acstzeheten des Monats SegZember, _ Zahtzehnhundert pier und siebenzig, B4r mittags nenne Uhr erschien vor mir Joseph Hobch Bürgermeter – Begnten des Eivisstandes der Bürgermeisterei Hilbringen as 2 der Uwohans Nigon Jahre att, Standes Rekerer fünf und Zwanzih welcher mir erklärte, daß von Jenger Hhehren Logkeit zu Riplingen Barbara geborne Lemen (Leinen), ein und zwanzig Jahre alt ohne Stand — -am achtzeheten September wohnhett, iu Riplingen – Uhr in Iamner Wohnung Jahres Morg emb van drm dieses ein Kind zu Riplingan Geschlechts geboren sei, welchem Kinde dzr Vorname weiblichen. ” Magdalnna _ beigelegt wurde. Diese von mir in doppeltem Originale aufgenommene Erklärung ist geschehen in Anwesenheit der beiden Zeugen, als nämlich: Jacob Altmager fünfend vierzig – Jahre alt, Standes Kentver 1 wohnhaft zu Hilbringen 2 oham Schmitt acht und zwanzg Jahre att, Stander Müllerknecht wohnhaft zu Smler Gegenwärtige Urkunde ist demnach d nm Deklarantmn und den Zeugen vorgelesen und mit denselben von mir unter- schrieben worden.
Nikolas Nigan   J. Altmayer    Johann Schmitt Rosch
English Translation (Google)
Birth certificate No. 85. Hilbringen ___ in the See Merzig_ of the tenth of the month of September, _ ten hundred and seventy-four, at noon Joseph Hobch, citizen – beneficiary of the mayoralty of Hilbringen, 2,000 years old, rank of Rekerer, appeared before me, who explained to me that Barbara, née Lemen, twenty-one years old, without rank, of Jenger Hhehren Logkeit in Riplingen, lived in Riplingen – o’clock in her apartment on the morning of September 18th of this year in Riglingen – o’clock in the morning of this day in the house of this child of the Riplingen sex, to which child the first name is female. ” Magdalenna _ was enclosed. This declaration, which I recorded in duplicate originals, was made in the presence of the two witnesses, namely: Jacob Altmager, forty-five years old, Kentish citizen 1, resident of Hilbringen 2, Johann Schmitt, twenty-eight years old, miller’s servant, resident of Smler. The present document was therefore read to the declarant and the witnesses and signed by me with them.
Nikolas Nigan   J. Altmayer    Johann Schmitt Rosch

Sep 18, 1874: Germany, Select Births and Baptisms:
Name Magdalena Nigon
Gender Female
Birth Date 18 Sep 1874
Birth Place Riplingen, Hilbringen, Rheinland, Preußen, Germany
Residence Place Hilbringen, Rheinland, Preußen, Germany
Father Nicolaus Nigon
Mother Barbara Leinen
FHL Film Number 1050159

Sep 14, 1876: Birth of Katharina Nigon, 3rd of 13 children of Nicholas Nigon & Barbara Leinen, in Hilbringen, Saarland, Germany

Sept 14, 1876: Birth Certificate for Katharina Nigon:

Sept 14, 1876: Birth Certificate for Katharina Nigon, English translation using ChatGPT:
No. 63
Hilbringen, on September 14, 1876

Before the undersigned registrar appeared today, personally known,
Johann Theobald Schweinlingen, midwife,
residing in Schweinlingen,
and declared that the farmer Nikolas Nigon,
residing in Ripplingen,
of Catholic religion,
and his wife Barbara Nigon, née Leinen,
of Catholic religion,
residing with him in Ripplingen,
on the 13th of September of the year one thousand eight hundred seventy-six
at 5 o’clock in the morning,
had a female child born,
who was given the first name Katharina.

Read aloud, approved, and signed:
[signed] Nigon
The Registrar
[signed] Sitz
Certified to match the main register
Hilbringen, September 14, 1876
The Registrar

Dec 16 or 18, 1876: Death of Katharina Nigon (age 3 months), 3rd of 13 children of Nicholas Nigon & Barbara Leinen, in Hilbringen, Saarland, Germany. Buried in Saarland, Germany

Dec 16, 1876: Death of Katharina/Catherine Nigon (age three months), the 3rd of 13 children of Nicholas Nigon & Barbara Leinen, in Hilbringen, Saarland, Germany (spelling appears as Catherine rather than Katharine)

Note: Katharina’s original death record reflects Dec 18, 1876 as her date of death; this is the only record reflecting her name as Catherine

Dec 16, 1876: Saarland, German Deaths:
Name Katharina Nigon
Age 3/12
Birth Date abt 1876
Death Date 16 Dez 1876 (16 Dec 1876)
Death Place Hilbringen, Saarland, Deutschland (Germany)
Civil Registration Office Hilbringen
Father Nikolaus Nigon (Nikolas/Nicholas Nigon)
Mother Barbara Nigon (Barbara (Leinen) Nigon)
Certificate Number 79
Note: Katharina’s original death record reflects Dec 18, 1876 as her date of death

Dec 18, 1876: Death Certificate for Katharina Nigon:

Dec 18, 1876: Death Certificate for Katharina Nigon, English translation using ChatGPT:
No. 74 
Hilbringen, December 18, 1876

Before the undersigned civil registrar appeared today, personally known, the farmer Nikolas Nigon, residing in Ripplingen, and reported that his daughter Katharina Nigon, aged 3 months, of the Catholic religion, residing in Ripplingen, born in Ripplingen, daughter of the informant and his wife Barbara Leinen, residing in Ripplingen, died on the sixteenth of December of the year one thousand eight hundred seventy-six at four o’clock in the afternoon.

Read aloud, approved, and signed.
Signed: Nigon
The Civil Registrar
Signed: Sitz

The conformity with the main register is certified.
Hilbringen, December 18, 1876
The Civil Registrar

Mar 5, 1878: Birth of Maria “Mary” Nigon, 4th of 13 children of Nicholas Nigon & Barbara Leinen, in Schwemlingen, recorded in Hilbringen, Saarland, Germany

Mar 5, 1878: Birth Certificate for Maria “Mary” Nigon:

Mar 5, 1878: Baptismal/Birth certificate for Maria “Mary” Nigon:

Mar 27, 1880: Birth of Nicholas “Nick” Nigon, Jr., 5th of 13 children of Nicholas Nigon & Barbara Leinen, in Rech, Saarland, Germany

May 6, 1881: Nicholas Nigon was a farmer at Rech, Merzig, Saarland, Germany. He, his wife Barbara, and their five oldest children arrived in New York on May 6, 1881 aboard the SS Jan Breydel from Antwerp, Belgium. Only Barbara and their daughter Lena are listed on the available manifest.

The story has it that Nick Nigon and Gerhard Grundhaus (a second cousin of his wife Barbara Leinen) were neighbors in Rech, Germany who fought all the time. They both moved to Pepin Township, Wabasha Co., Minnesota and lived next door to each other, continuing the fight.
Source: from the notes of Gerald Conway

Plat map of Pepin Township:

“The plat map shows the two 80 acre parcels with N Nigon’s name listed that were purchased in 1881. The two westerly parcels, purchased in 1891 and 1896, are not shown with his name listed. Therefore, I believe the plat map is pre 1891. Most of the names on the plat map are of German heritage. Bernie”
Source: Bernard Nigon

Pepin Township Plat Map is from a recent Plat Book of Wabasha County. The highlighted quarter sections are the parcels the Nigon family owned in the 1880s and 1890s. 

Source: Bernard Nigon. The land transaction summary information was obtained with the help of my sister, Rosemary, and Aunt Lois on a research trip to the Wabasha County Courthouse.

1881-1898: Nicholas & Barbara Nigon Land Transactions in Wabasha County:

Jun 15, 1881: Wabasha Herald, Wabasha, Wabasha Co., Minnesota:
Mr. Cassidy has sold his farm to Nick Nicken for the handsome price of $600. (note: Nick Nigon; also, it appears by the land records above that it was sold for $6,000).

Older photos of the Nigon farmstead in Wabasha, Wabasha Co., Minnesota:

Original photo of Nigon farmstead in Wabasha, Wabasha Co., Minnesota, pre-1924:

Former Nigon homestead today:


“These pictures were taken on the research trip I took to the Wabasha County courthouse with my sister Rose and Aunt Lois. The owners gave us a tour of the home and allowed me to tour the barn and sheds. The house has been remodeled and added onto since our ancestors lived there. However, the core of the house interior was vintage 1800s. We all agreed that all of our U.S. born ancestors were born in this house. The barn and shed (I believe it was a hog-shed) were also from the 1800s.” Bernie Nigon

Apr 24, 1882: Birth of Michael “Mike” Nigon, 6th of 13 children of Nicholas Nigon & Barbara Leinen, in Pepin Township, Wabasha Co., Minnesota

May 21, 1882: Baptism of Michael “Mike” Nigon at St. Felix Parish in Wabasha, Wabasha Co., Minnesota:

Mar 12, 1884: Birth of John “Jack” Nigon, 7th of 13 children of Nicholas Nigon & Barbara Leinen, in Pepin Township, Wabasha Co., Minnesota

Apr 4, 1884: Baptism of John “Jack” Nigon at St. Felix Parish in Wabasha, Wabasha Co., Minnesota:

Nov 8, 1885: Birth of Katherine Nigon, 8th of 13 children of Nicholas Nigon & Barbara Leinen, in Pepin Township, Wabasha Co., Minnesota

Baptism of Katherine Nigon at St. Felix Parish in Wabasha, Wabasha Co., Minnesota:

Dec 22, 1887: Birth of Anna Clara Nigon, 9th of 13 children of Nicholas Nigon & Barbara Leinen, in Pepin Township, Wabasha Co., Minnesota

Feb 2, 1888: Baptism of Anna Clara Nigon at St. Felix Parish in Wabasha, Wabasha Co., Minnesota:

Jan 28, 1890: Birth of Francis “Frank” Nigon, 10th of 13 children of Nicholas Nigon & Barbara Leinen, in Pepin Township, Wabasha Co., Minnesota

Mar 17, 1890: Baptism of Francis “Frank” Nigon at St. Felix Parish in Wabasha, Wabasha Co., Minnesota:

May 16, 1892: Birth of Margaret Mary Nigon, 11th of 13 children of Nicholas Nigon & Barbara Leinen Pepin Township, Wabasha Co., Minnesota

May 21, 1892: Baptism of Margaret Mary Nigon at St. Felix Parish in Wabasha, Wabasha Co., Minnesota:

May 17, 1894: Birth of Teresa Anna Nigon, 12th of 13 children of Nicholas Nigon & Barbara Leinen, in Pepin Township, Wabasha Co., Minnesota

May 20, 1894: Baptism of Teresa Anna Nigon at St. Felix Parish in Wabasha, Wabasha Co., Minnesota:

Jun 10, 1895: U.S. State Census, Pepin Township, Wabasha Co., Minnesota (Nicholas & Barbara Nigon family):

Apr 23, 1897: Birth of Elizabeth Susanna “Jane” Nigon, 13th of 13 children of Nicholas Nigon & Barbara Leinen, in Pepin Township, Wabasha Co., Minnesota

May 2, 1897: Baptism of Elizabeth Susanna “Jane” Nigon at St. Felix Parish in Wabasha, Wabasha Co., Minnesota:

Nov 1897: The Nigon family moves to Cascade Township, Olmsted Co., Minnesota, just 2 miles west of Rochester. 

Nov 11, 1897, Wabasha Herald, Wabasha, Wabasha Co., Minnesota:
Nicholas Niggin (Nigon) of Pepin, has purchased a 320 acre farm a few miles west of Rochester, paying $12,000 cash for it. He has taken possession and will move his family there in the spring.

Note: The move involved walking the livestock and camping overnight. It took only two days.
Source: from the notes of Gerald Conway

Jun 2, 1900: U.S. Federal Census, Cascade, Olmsted Co., Minnesota:
Name Nicholas Nigon
Age 50
Birth Date Nov 1849
Birthplace Germany
Home in 1900 Cascade, Olmsted, Minnesota
Race White
Gender Male
Immigration Year 1881
Relation to Head of House Head
Marital Status Married
Spouse’s Name Barbara Nigon
Marriage Year 1873
Years Married 27
Father’s Birthplace Germany
Mother’s Birthplace Germany
Years in US 19
Naturalization Naturalized
Occupation Farmer
Months Not Employed 0
Can Read Yes
Can Write Yes
Can Speak English Yes
House Owned or Rented Own
Home Free or Mortgaged F
Farm or House F
Household Members (Name) Age Relationship:
Nicholas Nigon Age 50, Head, born Nov 1849, married 27 years, born Germany, father born Germany, mother born Germany, farmer immigrated 1881, 19 years in U.S. 
Barbara Nigon Age 46, Wife, born Aug 1833, married 27 years, 12 children born, 12 children living, born Germany, father born Germany, mother born Germany, immigrated 1881, 19 years in U.S. (Barbara (Leinen) Nigon)
Lena Nigon Age 25, Daughter, born Sep 1874, dressmaker, born Germany, father born Germany, mother born Germany, immigrated 1881, 19 years in U.S. 
Mary Nigon Age 22, Daughter, born Mar 1878, dressmaker, born Germany, father born Germany, mother born Germany, immigrated 1881, 19 years in U.S. (Maria “Mary” Nigon)
Nicholas Nigon Age 20, Son, born Mar 1880, farm laborer, born Germany, father born Germany, mother born Germany, immigrated 1881, 19 years in U.S. (Nicholas “Nick” Nigon, Jr.)
Mickle Nigon Age 18, Son, born Apr 1882, farm laborer, born Minnesota, father born Germany, mother born Germany (Michael “Mike” Nigon)
John Nigon Age 16, Son, born Mar 1884, at school, born Minnesota, father born Germany, mother born Germany (John “Jack” Nigon)
Catharine Nigon Age 14, Daughter, born Nov 1885, at school, born Minnesota, father born Germany, mother born Germany (Katherine Nigon)
Anna Nigon Age 12, Daughter, born Dec 1887, at school, born Minnesota, father born Germany, mother born Germany (Anna Clara Nigon)
Frank Nigon Age 10, Son, born Jan 1890, at school, born Minnesota, father born Germany, mother born Germany (Francis “Frank” Nigon)
Mary Nigon Age 8, Daughter, born Mar 1892, at school, born Minnesota, father born Germany, mother born Germany (Margaret Mary Nigon)
Augusta Nigon Age 6, Son, born May 1894, at school, born Minnesota, father born Germany, mother born Germany (Daughter: Teresa Anna Nigon)
Lizzie Nigon Age 3, Daughter, born Apr 1897, at school, born Minnesota, father born Germany, mother born Germany (Elizabeth Susanna “Jane” Nigon)
Note: The Nigon’s are living next door to their daughter Barbara (Nigon) Clemens and her husband, Matthew Sylvester “Matt” Clemens

abt 1902: Nicholas Nigon & Barbara Leinen family

Standing: Margaret, Anne, John “Jack,” Nicholas, Lena, Frank
Seated: Catherine, Barbara, Therese, Nicholas Nigon (father), Barbara (Leinen) Nigon (mother), Elizabeth Susanna “Jane,” Michael, Mary

Jun 7, 1905: Minnesota State Census, Cascade Township, Olmsted Co., Minnesota:

Name Nicholas Nigon
Age 55
Census Date 7 Jun 1905
County Olmsted
Locality Cascade
Birth Location Germany
Gender Male
Estimated Birth Year abt 1850
Race White
Father’s Birth Location Germany
Mother’s Birth Location Germany
Line 1 (#121)
Roll MNSC_139

Jan 14, 1906: Death of Barbara (Leinen) Nigon (age 51), daughter of Jacob James Leinen & Mari Fritz and the wife of Nicholas/Nikolas Nigon, in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota

Jan 1906: Barbara (Leinen) Nigon funeral card

Jan 1906: Burial of Barbara (Leinen) Nigon at Calvary Cemetery in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota; Section CC 39 26

Note: Barbara was born Aug 3, 1853; her headstone reflects her birth year as 1854;
she is also later named on the cenotaph erected for her husband, Nicholas/Nikolas

Minnesota Cemetery Inscription record:
Township Cascade
County Olmsted
Name Barbara Nigon
Birth Date 1854
Death Date 14/Jan/1906
Cemetery Calvary Rochester
Comments SP. NIKOLAS. (SP: spouse)
                   AGE 52 YRS. 5 MOS. 11 DAS.
Section CC 39 26

Jan 27, 1907: Death of Nicholas/Nikolas Nigon (age 57), son of Johann Nigon & Magdelena Sellen and the husband of Barbara (Leinen) Nigon, in Hilbringen, Landkreis Merzig-Wadern, Saarland, Germany. His home was in Cascade, Olmsted Co., Minnesota, but he’d returned to Germany (taking his 16-year-old son, Francis “Frank” Nigon, with him) in search of a new wife and died while there.

Original Death Certificate in German with English translation:

Jan 30, 1907: Burial of Nicholas/Nikolas Nigon at Friedhof Hilbringen Cemetery in Hilbringen, Landkreis Merzig-Wadern, Saarland, Germany

A headstone (cenotaph) for Nicholas/Nikolas Nigon is erected in memory at Calvary Cemetery in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota; Section CC 39 26.
It reflects his birth as Nov 8, 1849; however, his German birth and marriage records list his birth date as Nov 30, 1849.
His wife Barbara (Leinen) Nigon is also later named on the cenotaph erected for her husband, Nicholas/Nikolas:

In Memory of
NIKOLAS NIGON
BORN NOV 8. 1849.
DIED IN
HILBRINGEN GERMANY
JAN 27. 1907.
__________
BARBARA
WIFE OF
NIKOLAS NIGON
DIED
JAN 14. 1906.
AGED 52 YS. 5 MS. 11DS.
__________
NIGON

Minnesota Cemetery Inscription record:
Township Cascade
County Olmsted
Name Nikolas Nigon
Birth Date 1849
Death Date 27/Jan/1907
Cemetery Calvary Rochester
Comments SP. BARBARA (SP: spouse)
                   DIED HILBRINGEN, GERMANY
Section CC 39 26

May 3, 1907: U.S. Probate Records for Nicholas Nigon (died intestate; 2 of 76 images on Ancestry):

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2025: Researched and compiled by siblings Catherine (Clemens) Sevenau and Gordon Clemens. The Hilbringen Church records, Pepin Township information, maps, and Nigon homestead photos were contributed by Bernard Nigon. Thank you to Father Gerald Conway for his stories, and to Dana (Walker) Conway for providing copies of the German birth and death records, as well as for being the keeper of Father Gerald’s records and photos.

Catherine (Clemens) Sevenau and Gordon Clemens

Direct line of Catherine and Gordon:
Peter Clemens & Maria Mary Reding (gg-grandparents)
Nicholas/Nikolas Nigon & Barbara Leinen (gg-grandparents)
Mathias “Mathew” Clemens & Anna Mary Reiland (great-grandparents)
Mathew Sylvester “Matt” Clemens & Barbara Nigon (grandparents)
Carl John Clemens & Noreen Ellen Chatfield (parents)

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