Elizabeth Barbara Clemens

FAMILY LINE AND HISTORY

Elizabeth Barbara Clemens
2nd of 11 children of Mathew Sylvester “Matt” Clemens & Barbara Nigon
Born: Oct 15, 1900, on the family farm in Cascade Township, Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Died: Dec 21, 1996 (age 96), Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota; from pneumonia after a hip break
Buried: Dec 24, 1996, Calvary Cemetery in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Education: Attended Mankato Commercial College in Mankato, Blue Earth Co., Minnesota
Occupation: Medical Secretary at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota and at St. John’s Hospital in Lynwood, California
Never married, no children

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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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Eleven children of Mathew Sylvester “Matt” Clemens & Barbara Nigon:

00. (stillborn twins, female and male)
1898–1898
1. Mary Ann Clemens
1899–1994
2. Elizabeth Barbara Clemens
1900–1996
3. Amelia Rose Clemens
1902–1972
4. Dorothy Helen Clemens
1903–1903 (died at 4 months)
5. Aloysius Michael Clemens
1904–1929
6. Carl John Clemens
1905–1986
7. Cecelia Helen Clemens (Sister Ann Clemens)
1908–2003
8. Agnes Catherine Clemens
1909–2005
9. Anna Frances Clemens
1911–1995
10. Lawrence Matthew Clemens
1912–1978
11. Joseph William Clemens
1914–2010

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Apr 19, 1898: Marriage of Mathew Sylvester “Matt” Clemens & Barbara Nigon, the parents of Elizabeth Barbara Clemens, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota

Eleven children: Mary Ann Clemens, Elizabeth Barbara Clemens, Amelia Rose Clemens, Dorothy Helen Clemens, Aloysius Michael Clemens, Carl John Clemens, Cecelia Helen “Sister Ann” Clemens, Agnes Catherine Clemens, Anna Frances Clemens, Lawrence Matthew Clemens, Joseph William Clemens

Oct 15, 1900: Birth of Elizabeth Barbara Clemens, 2nd of 11 children of Mathew Sylvester “Matt” Clemens & Barbara Nigon, on the family farm in Cascade Township just outside Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota

Oct 15, 1900: Minnesota Birth Index:
Name Elizabeth Barbara Clemens
Birth Date 15 Oct 1900
Birth Place Olmsted, Minnesota
Mother Maiden Name Nigon
Certificate Number Dc-48231
URL https://www.mnhs.org/search/people

Oct 20, 1900: Rochester Catholic Churches Baptism Record (in Latin):
Baptizavi Barbarum Elizabeth Clemens die 20 Oct. 1900 ex Mathias Clemens et Barbara Nigon.

1902: Clemens sisters: Mary, Elizabeth at right (standing), Amelia (seated in the middle)

Jan 28, 1905: Minnesota State Census, Cascade, Olmsted Co., Minnesota:
Clemens Mathew S Age 31, born Minnesota, father born Luxenburg (Luxembourg), mother born Luxenburg (Luxembourg) (father, Mathew Sylvester Clemens)
Clemens Barabor Age 32, born Germany, father born Germany, mother born Germany (mother, Barbara (Nigon) Clemens)
Clemens Mary Age 5, born Minnesota, father born Minnesota, mother born Germany (Mary Ann Clemens)
Clemens Elizabeth B. Age 4, born Minnesota, father born Minnesota, mother born Germany (Elizabeth Barbara Clemens)
Clemens Aamelia R. Age 3, born Minnesota, father born Minnesota, mother born Germany (Amelia Rose Clemens)
Clemens Aloysious M. Age 1, born Minnesota, father born Minnesota, mother born Germany (Aloysius Michael Clemens)

Apr 27, 1910: U.S. Federal Census, Cascade, Olmsted Co., Minnesota:
Name Mathew Clemmons (Mathew Sylvester “Matt” Clemens)
[Mathew Clemens]
Age in 1910 36
Birth Date 1874
Birthplace Germany
Home in 1910 Cascade, Olmsted, Minnesota
Race White
Gender Male
Immigration Year 1881
Relation to Head of House Head
Marital Status Married
Father’s Birthplace Germany
Mother’s Birthplace Germany
Native Tongue English
Occupation Farmer
Industry General Farm
Employer, Employee or Other Employer
Home Owned or Rented Own
Home Free or Mortgaged Free
Farm or House Farm
Naturalization Status Naturalized
Able to read Yes
Able to Write Yes
Years Married 12
Enumerated Year 1910
Household Members (Name) Age Relationship:
Mathew Clemmons Age 36, Head, Married 1, 12 years, born Germany (Minnesota), father born Germany, mother born Germany (Mathew Sylvester “Matt” Clemens)
Barbara Clemmons Age 36, Wife, Married 1, 12 years, born Minnesota (Germany), father born Minnesota (Germany), mother born Germany (Barbara (Nigon) Clemens)
Mary Clemmons Age 10, Daughter, born Minnesota (Germany), father born Germany, mother born Germany (Mary Clemens)
Elizabeth Clemmons Age 9, Daughter, born Minnesota, father born Germany (Minnesota), mother born Germany (Elizabeth Barbara Clemens)
Amelia Clemmons Age 8, Daughter, born Minnesota, father born Germany (Minnesota), mother born Germany (Amelia Rose Clemens)
Alvinia Clemmons Age 6, Daughter (Son), born in Minnesota, father born Germany (Minnesota), mother born Germany (Aloysius Michael Clemens)
Charles J Clemmons Age 4, Son, born Minnesota, father born Germany (Minnesota), mother born Germany (Carl John Clemens)
Celia H Clemmons Age 2, Daughter, born Minnesota, father born Germany (Minnesota), mother born Germany (Cecelia Helen Clemens)
Agness C Clemmons Age 0, Daughter, born Minnesota, father born Germany (Minnesota), mother born Germany (Agnes Catherine Clemens)
Sebastian Bosneyk Age 26, Hired Man, born Austria, father born Austria, mother born Austria, farmer laborer on general farm

Fall of 1912: Clemens’ farm outside of Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota:

Mathew Clemens, Sr., Matt Sylvester Clemens (Grandpa), mid-rear is Jane Nigon (Elizabeth Susanna “Jane” Nigon, Grandma’s youngest sister), the nine children (Joe, the youngest, was not yet born), Barbara (Nigon) Clemens (Grandma) holding Lawrence, Anna Mary (Reiland) Clemens at far right (Grandpa’s mother)

abt 1915: The three oldest Clemens sisters with their cousin Elizabeth “Jane” Nigon:
standing: Mary Clemens, Amelia Clemens
seated: Elizabeth Clemens, Elizabeth “Jane” Nigon (cousin):

Sisters: Elizabeth and Amelia Clemens:

Jan 12, 1920: U.S. Federal Census, Cascade, Olmsted Co., Minnesota:
Name Mathew S Clemens (Mathew Sylvester Clemens)
Age 45
Birth Year abt 1875
Birthplace Minnesota
Home in 1920 Cascade, Olmsted, Minnesota
House Number Farm
Residence Date 1920
Race White
Gender Male
Relation to Head of House Head
Marital Status Married
Spouse’s Name Barbara Clemens
Father’s Birthplace Germany
Mother’s Birthplace Germany
Able to Speak English Yes
Occupation Farmer
Industry General Farming
Employment Field Own Account
Home Owned or Rented Owned
Home Free or Mortgaged Free
Able to read Yes
Able to Write Yes
Household Members (Name) Age Relationship:
Mathew S Clemens Age 45, Head, born Minnesota, father born Germany, mother born Germany, farmer on general farm
Barbara Clemens Age 46, Wife, immigrated 1881, Naturalized 1890, born Germany, father born Germany, mother born Germany
Mary A Clemens Age 20, Daughter, born Minnesota, father born Germany, mother born Germany
Elizabeth Z Clemens Age 19, Daughter, born Minnesota, father born Germany, mother born Germany, Chamber at Mayo Clinic (Elizabeth Barbara Clemens)
Amelia R Clemens Age 18, Daughter, born Minnesota, father born Germany, mother born Germany
Aloysius M Clemens Age 15, Son, born Minnesota, father born Germany, mother born Germany
Charles J Clemens Age 14, Son, born Minnesota, father born Germany, mother born Germany (Carl John Clemens)
Celia H Clemens Age 12, Daughter, born Minnesota, father born Germany, mother born Germany
Agnes C Clemens Age 10, Daughter, born Minnesota, father born Germany, mother born Germany
Anna F Clemens Age 9, Daughter, born Minnesota, father born Germany, mother born Germany
Laurence M Clemens Age 7, Son, born Minnesota, father born Germany, mother born Germany (Lawrence Michael Clemens)
Joseph W Clemens Age 5, Son, born Minnesota, father born Germany, mother born Germany

Jan 28, 1920: U.S. Federal Census, Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota:
Name Elizabeth Clemens
Age 19
Birth Year abt 1901
Birthplace Minnesota
Home in 1920 Rochester Ward 3, Olmsted, Minnesota
Street Fifth Avenue North West
Residence Date 1920
Race White
Gender Female
Relation to Head of House Roomer
Marital Status Single
Father’s Birthplace Minnesota
Mother’s Birthplace Minnesota
Able to Speak English Yes
Occupation Technician
Industry Clinic
Employment Field Wage or Salary
Attended School No
Able to read Yes
Able to Write Yes
Household Members (Name) Age Relationship:
Sarah Gibbons Age 50, Head
Cleo Gibbons Age 17, Son
John Chambers Age 54, Brother
Elizabeth Clemens Age 19, single, Roomer, born Minnesota, father born Minnesota, mother born Minnesota (Germany), technician in clinic (Elizabeth Barbara Clemens)

Note: Elizabeth Barbara Clemens, working at the Mayo Clinic, appears twice in the above 1920 census records

Mayo Clinic postcard:

1920 or 1921: Rochester City Directory:

Apr 19, 1923: Silver Wedding Anniversary (25th) of Mathew Sylvester “Matt” Clemens & Barbara Nigon

Apr 1923: Mathew & Barbara Clemens family: Amelia, Lawrence, Barbara (mother), Elizabeth, Agnes, Aloysius (Louis), Cecelia, Joe (young boy in front), Mathew (father), Mary, Anna, and Carl

Apr 1923: Clemens and Nigon cousins:

Slightly different photo with all present identified:


Note: #37 (infant Clair Nigon) is in the arms of #1 (Mary (Clemens) Wallerich)

Apr 1923: Elizabeth Clemens is a student at Mankato Commercial College in Mankato, Blue Earth Co., Minnesota

April 24, 1923: Rochester Daily Bulletin, Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota (pg 12):

Apr 24, 1923: Rochester Daily Bulletin, Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota (pg 8):

Mankato Commercial College is 84 miles from Rochester. The school was founded in 1891 with an emphasis on practical, hands-on learning with a focus on business skills; it awarded certificates of completion rather than degrees.

AS I WAS TOLD: Elizabeth’s first love was Joe Adamson, Paul’s oldest brother, and he broke her heart. She never gave it away again, and it was her one great regret that she never married. When she was a young woman, she moved to town and roomed with her best friend, Betty Rose, where they walked to their jobs at the Mayo Clinic. She still came home on weekends, with Betty joining her and becoming part of the family. For more than 20 years, she worked at the Clinic for Dr. Harrington, a fellow in surgery and later internationally known, as his secretary and surgical stenographer. She talked about him all the time, praising him as a great doctor, a good family man, and expressing her deep respect and admiration for him. When the good doctor retired, Elizabeth retired too, getting a decent pension of $37 a month. Years later, she and Betty Rose moved to Southern California together, working for the hospital in Lynwood. But in 1958, Betty Rose fell in love and married Bill Cawley and moved to Florida. It devastated Elizabeth, as she lost her best friend. Years later, when Betty Rose’s husband died and Betty Rose herself became ill, they reunited, and Elizabeth cared for her until Betty Rose’s death.
Told to Catherine (Clemens) Sevenau by her uncle, Joseph William “Joe” Clemens (11th of 11 children of Mathew Sylvester “Matt” Clemens & Barbara Nigon)

circa 1926: Betty Rose and Elizabeth Barbara Clemens:

circa 1926: Clemens sisters: Amelia, Betty Rose (friend), Anna, Elizabeth, Agnes:

Jan 12, 1930: U.S. Federal Census, Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota:
Name Elizabeth Clemens
Birth Year abt 1901
Gender Female
Race White
Age in 1930 29
Birthplace Minnesota
Marital Status Single
Relation to Head of House Roomer
Home in 1930 Rochester, Olmsted, Minnesota
Street Address W Center St
Ward of City pt 2nd Ward
House Number 405
Able to Read and Write Yes
Father’s Birthplace Minnesota 
Mother’s Birthplace Germany
Able to Speak English Yes
Occupation Secretary
Industry Clinic
Class of Worker Wage or salary worker
Employment Yes
Household Members (Name) Age Relationship:
Suzanne Carlson Age 41, Head
Esther H Olson Age 39, Roomer
Elizabeth Clemens Age 29, single, born Minnesota, father born Minnesota, mother born Germany, Secretary in Clinic (Elizabeth Barbara Clemens, daughter of Mathew Clemens & Barbara Nigon and cousin of Margaret Mary Nigon)
Margaret Nigon Age 37, single, born Minnesota, father born Germany, mother born Germany, bookkeeper in factory (Margret Mary daughter of Nicholas Nigon & Barbara Leinen and cousin to Elizabeth)
Marie J Hendrickson Age 34, Roomer 

Margaret Mary Nigon, cousin of Elizabeth Clemens mentioned in the above census:

1930s: Elizabeth Clemens on the family farm:

early 1935: Elizabeth Clemens with her brother Carl and his first child, Larry Clemens, while visiting in Watsonville, Santa Cruz Co., California:

early 1935: Elizabeth Clemens with her nephew Larry Clemens (a year old, son of Carl & Noreen Clemens), while visiting in Watsonville, Santa Cruz Co., California:

Nov 8, 1937: Death of Barbara (Nigon) Clemens (age 64), 1st of 13 children of Nicholas Nigon & Barbara Leinen, the wife of Mathew Sylvester Clemens, and mother of Elizabeth Clemens, in Pepin Township, Wabasha Co., Minnesota; of a stroke

Nov 8, 1937: Rochester Post-Bulletin, Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota (pg 5):

Nov 1937: Burial of Barbara (Nigon) Clemens, at Calvary Cemetery in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota; CC 30 13

abt 1937: Clemens sisters: Agnes Catherine (Clemens) Hauser, Elizabeth Barbara Clemens, Anna Frances (Clemens) Walsh, Mary Ann (Clemens) Wallerich, Sister Ann Clemens, Amelia Rose “Mele” (Clemens) Conway

Apr 10, 1940: U.S. Federal Census, Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota:
Name Elizabeth Clemens
Respondent Yes
Age 39
Estimated Birth Year abt 1901
Gender Female
Race White
Birthplace Minnesota
Marital Status Single
Relation to Head of House Lodger
Home in 1940 Rochester, Olmsted, Minnesota
Street Fourth Avenue South W
House Number 17
Inferred Residence in 1935 Rochester, Olmsted, Minnesota
Residence in 1935 Rochester
Occupation Secretary
Highest Grade Completed College, 4th year
Class of Worker Wage or salary worker in private work
Weeks Worked in 1939 52
Income 1562
Income Other Sources No
Household Members (Name) Age Relationship:
Mary McCoy Age 66, Head
Rose H Thornton Age 28
Lodger Helen D Kos Age 40, Lodger
Elizabeth Clemens Age 39, Lodger, Single, born Minnesota, Secretary at clinic

1941: U.S. City Directory, Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota
Name Elizabeth Clemens
Residence Year 1941
Residence Place Rochester, Minnesota
Occupation Secretary
Publication Title Rochester, Minnesota, City Directory, 1941

Summer of 1941: Clemens kin, Minnesota:


1. Frank Peter Wallerich 1890–1953
2. Margaret Nigon (cousin) 1892–1992
(was caring for her sister’s children, Don & Betty Kleist)
3. Annie Schabo? 1869–1962
4. Joseph William “Joe” Clemens 1914–2010
5. William Francis “Bill” Hauser 1913–1996
6. Amelia Rose (Clemens) Conway 1902–1972
7. Betty Rose 1906–1994
(lifelong friend of Elizabeth Barbara Clemens)
8. Joseph Matthew “Joe” Wallerich 1926–2018
(son of Mary & Frank Wallerich)
9. Robert Michael “Bob” Wallerich 1930–2022
(son of Mary & Frank Wallerich)
10. Mary Ann (Clemens) Wallerich 1899–1994
(married to Frank Peter Wallerich)
11. Sister Ann Clemens 1908–2003
12. Donald F. Kleist 1928–2007
(cousin, son of Elizabeth “Jane” Nigon & Clarence Kleist)
13. Mathew “Matt” Clemens 1874–1947
(father of the clan)
14. Agnes Catherine (Clemens) Hauser 1909–2005
(married to William Francis “Bill” Hauser)
15. Elizabeth Barbara Clemens 1900–1996
16. Norbert John Wallerich 1930–living
(son of Mary & Frank Wallerich)
17. Barbara Ann Hauser 1939–1986
(daughter of Agnes & Bill Hauser)
18. Elizabeth Margaret “Betty” Kleist 1930–1962
(cousin, daughter of Elizabeth “Jane” Nigon & Clarence Kleist)
19. Francis Carl Wallerich 1934–2017
(son of Mary & Frank Wallerich)
20. Richard Francis “Dick” Hauser 1932–2024
(son of Agnes & Bill Hauser)

Mar 30, 1947: Death of Mathew Sylvester “Matt” Clemens (age 73), 7th of 7 living children of Mathias/Mathew Clemens & Anna Mary Reiland, husband of Barbara Nigon, and the father of Elizabeth Clemens, at the Colonial Hospital in downtown Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota; bronchopneumonia, throat cancer, during surgery

1947: Mathew Clemens Probate (cover page):

Mar 31, 1947: Newspaper Obituary, Rochester Olmsted Co., Minnesota:
MATTHEW S. CLEMENS, 73, SUCCUMBS HERE Matthew S. Clemens, who has lived in Rochester all but the first year of his life, died in the Colonial hospital last night after an illness of two weeks. He was 73 years old. Born in Mazeppa on March 1, 1874, he was brought to Rochester as an infant. On April 19, 1897 at St. John’s church in Rochester, he married the former Barbara Nigon, who died about 10 years ago. Mr. Clemens was a farmer. Surviving him are nine children, a brother, and two sisters. In January of this year, Mr. Clemens received a gold certificate for being a member of the St. Joseph society for 50 years, an award that he treasured highly.

Apr 2, 1947: Burial of Mathew Sylvester “Matt” Clemens at Calvary Cemetery in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota; CC 30 14

AS I WAS TOLD: As Mathew left no will, his estate wasn’t settled easily or harmoniously. Quite a fight ensued as to what was going to happen to the farm. Hands were raised against one another, along with screaming, hollering, and cussing. Elizabeth slapped Amelia, or was it Amelia who slapped Elizabeth? Elizabeth was involved in taking care of her father’s finances, and the sisters were in great disagreement; it didn’t matter that it was Sunday. Bill Hauser spoke up as he and his father-in-law were good friends. Shaking his head, he said Pa and Ma would not want to witness this. When he announced that he and Agnes didn’t want anything, things settled down. Carl, who’d come from California to help settle the estate, suggested to his brothers and sisters that Bill and Agnes get an acre of land for taking care of their parents, for which they were forever grateful. When the disbursement issues were worked out, the farm took on a different landscape. Joe, along with Amelia and Pat Conway, purchased a portion of the land, Elizabeth owned an acre, Agnes and Bill Hauser had their gifted acre, the golf club purchased four, and Mr. Vincent Lilly purchased five acres and all the buildings. The kids received equal proceeds from the sale. ~ Told to Catherine (Clemens) Sevenau by her uncle, Joseph William “Joe” Clemens (11th of 11 children of Mathew Sylvester “Matt” Clemens & Barbara Nigon)

Jun 1947: The Terrace Room at the Oaks, overlooking the Mississippi River in Winona, Winona Co., Minnesota:
Back row: Joe Clemens, Bill & Agnes Hauser, Betty Rose, Pearl & Lawrence Clemens, Amelia & Pat Conway, II, Frank & Mary Wallerich, Elizabeth Clemens
Front row: Betty Clemens, Mary Lou Wallerich, Pat Conway, III, Noreen & Carl Clemens, Joe Wallerich

abt 1950: Elizabeth Clemens with nephew Richard “Dick” Hauser at his Great Lakes naval boot camp:
 

Siblings: Elizabeth and Carl (Elizabeth was visiting California from Minnesota):

Apr 1, 1950: U.S. Federal Census, Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota:
Name Elizabeth B Clemens
Age 49
Birth Date abt 1901
Gender Female
Race White
Birth Place Minnesota
Marital Status Never Married (Single)
Relation to Head of House Partner
Residence Date 1950
Home in 1950 Rochester, Olmsted, Minnesota
Street Name 2nd N. W.
Apartment Number 1123
Occupation Medical Secretary
Industry Medical Center
Occupation Category Wk
Hours Worked 44
Worker Class Own Business
Household Members (Name) Age Relationship:
Elizabeth D Rose Age 43, Head
Elizabeth B Clemens Age 49, Partner
Note: Elizabeth and Betty Rose are living together in Rochester, both working for the Mayo Clinic.

Jul 22, 1954: Delayed Birth Certificate for Elizabeth Barbara Clemens:

1954: Elizabeth Clemens and Betty Rose move from Minnesota to Lynwood, Los Angeles Co., California; Elizabeth gets a job at St. Francis Hospital, where she works for 20 years.

Nov 1954, Thanksgiving: Betty Rose, Debbie Albertson (granddaughter of Carl Clemens), Elizabeth Clemens:

Jul 10, 1958: Marriage of Elizabeth Dorothea “Betty Rose” Rose & William Patrick “Bill” Cawley, a widower, in Los Angeles Co., California

Jul 10, 1958: California Marriage Index:
Name Elizabet D Rose
Gender Female
Estimated Birth Year abt 1906
Age 52
Marriage Date 10 Jul 1958
Marriage Place Los Angeles, California
Spouse William P Cawley
Spouse Age 63

Jun 1966: Elizabeth Clemens, Marie & Carl Clemens, Cathy Clemens, and Betty Rose attended Carl’s daughter’s high school graduation, Catherine Frances “Cathy” Clemens, in La Habra, Orange Co., California:

Dec 8, 1967: Death of William Patrick “Bill” Cawley (age 73), the husband of Elizabeth Dorothea “Betty Rose” Rose in Pompano Beach, Broward Co., Florida

Dec 10, 1967: Lauderdale News, Fort Lauderdale, Broward Co., Florida (pg 15):

Dec 13, 1967: Burial of William Patrick “Bill” Cawley at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens North in Pompano Beach, Broward Co., Florida; Garden of Memories; 1

abt 1968: Elizabeth Clemens moves to Florida after the death of Betty Rose’s husband, Bill Cawley

Apr 1973: Joseph Matthew “Joe” Walsh, son of Anna (Clemens) Walsh
Siblings: Elizabeth Clemens, Carl Clemens, Anna (Clemens) Walsh:

1976: Clemens siblings reunion, Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota:
Elizabeth Clemens, Carl Clemens, Mary (Clemens) Wallerich, Sister Ann Clemens, Lawrence Clemens, Anna (Clemens) Walsh, Joe Clemens; at Hok-si-la City Park, Lake City, Wabasha Co., Minnesota

1976: Clemens Reunion siblings & spouses: Marie (McCartney) Clemens, Elizabeth Clemens, Carl Clemens, Mary (Clemens) Wallerich, Lawrence & Pearl Clemens, Anna (Clemens) Walsh, Betty (McGeary) Clemens, Sister Ann Clemens, Joe Clemens; at Hok-si-la City Park, Lake City, Wabasha Co., Minnesota

And this is how they did photos then… Poloraid cameras:
Sister Ann, Elizabeth, Lawrence, Marie (Carl’s wife), Mary, Carl, and Joe:

Jun 28, 1980: Clemens siblings reunion, 50th Jubilee for Sister Ann, Rochester, Minnesota: Mary (Clemens) Wallerich, Carl Clemens, Anna (Clemens) Walsh, Sister Ann Clemens, Joe Clemens, Elizabeth Clemens, Agnes (Clemens) Hauser

1980s: Minnesota: Marie Clemens (Carl’s wife), Aunt Teresa (Nigon) Loundagin, Sister Ann, Aunt Margaret Nigon, Carl Clemens, Anna (Clemens) Walsh, Elizabeth Clemens 

1985: U.S. Public Record Index:
Name Elizabeth R Cawley (Elizabeth Dorothea “Betty Rose” (Rose) Cawley)
Birth Date 9 Apr 1906
Residence Date 1985
Address 3850 NE 21st Way Apt 48
Residence Lighthouse Point, FL

U.S. Public Record Index:
Name Elizabeth B Clemens (Elizabeth Barbara Clemens)
Birth Date 15 Oct 1900
Address 3850 NE 21st Way Apt 48
Residence Place Lighthouse Point, Florida

Elizabeth moved in with Betty Rose, sharing her 2-bedroom, 1-bath condo at Lighthouse Point

May 9, 1994: Death of Elizabeth Dorothea “Betty Rose” (Rose) Cawley (age 88), in Lighthouse Point, Broward Co., Florida

May 1994: Burial of Elizabeth Dorothea “Betty Rose” (Rose) Cawley at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens North in Pompano Beach, Broward Co., Florida; Garden of Memories; 1

1994: sisters Anna (Clemens) Walsh and Elizabeth Clemens, Florida

May 1994: Elizabeth Clemens returns to Minnesota after the death of Betty Rose Cawley

Dec 21, 1996: Death of Elizabeth Barbara Clemens (age 96), 2nd of 11 children of Mathew Sylvester “Matt” Clemens & Barbara Nigon, in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota; from pneumonia after a hip break

Dec 21, 1996: Certificate of Death:

Dec 21, 1996: Minnesota Death Index:
Name Elizabeth B Clemens
Death Age 96
Record Type Death
Birth Date 15 Oct 1900
Death Date 21 Dec 1996
Death Place Olmsted, Minnesota
Death Registration Date 1996
Mother’s Maiden Name Nigon
Certificate Number 034835
Record Number 2592192

Dec 21, 1996: Social Security and Claims Index:
Name Elizabeth Barbara Clemens
Gender Female
Race White
Birth Date 15 Oct 1900
Birth Place Rochester, Minnesota
Death Date 21 Dec 1996
Claim Date 7 Sep 1965
Father Mathew S Clemens
Mother Barbara Nigon
Citizenship or Alien Status U.S. Citizen.
Type of Claim Duplicate Request; Evidence of Identity Only Submitted.
Notes 22 May 1986: Name Listed As Elizabeth Barbara Clemens; 28 Aug 1965: Name Listed As Elizabeth B Clemons; 30 Dec 1996: Name Listed As Elizabeth B Clemens

Prayer Card for Elizabeth Barbara Clemens:

Dec 23, 1996: Post-Bulletin, Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota (Monday):
ELIZABETH B. CLEMENS—ROCHESTER
A funeral Mass will be celebrated for Elizabeth B. Clemens, 96, of Samaritan Bethany Home in Rochester at 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. Pius Catholic Church, the Rev. Gerald W. Conway officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.

Miss Clemens died Saturday (Dec. 21, 1996) at Samaritan Bethany. She was born Oct. 15, 1900, in Cascade Township. She graduated from St. Johns High School here and spent 21 years working for Mayo Clinic. In 1954 she moved to Lynwood, Calif., and worked in St. Francis Hospital for 20 years. She retired and lived in Lighthouse Point, Fla., before returning to Rochester in May of 1994.

Surviving are two sisters, Sr. Ann Clemens of Assisi Heights and Agnes Hauser of Seal Beach, Calif., and one brother, Joseph W. Clemens of Rochester. She was preceded in death by four sisters and three brothers.

Friends may call from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. today at the Macken Funeral Home and for one hour before the service at the church. There will be a prayer service at 7 p.m. today.

Note: the Rev. Gerald W. Conway was Elizabeth’s nephew, the son of Patrick Henry Conway & Amelia Rose Clemens; Father Gerald officiated many of the family baptisms, weddings, and funeral services.

Dec 24, 1996: Burial of Elizabeth Barbara Clemens at Calvary Cemetery in Rochester, Olmsted Co., Minnesota

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Elizabeth Clemens and Betty Rose (Elizabeth Dorothea “Betty Rose” (Rose) Cawley) were best friends, though they were five and a half years apart in age. For years, they lived together until Betty married Bill Cawley later in life (1958) and retired to Florida. After Bill’s death (1967), Elizabeth and Betty Rose lived together again until Betty died in 1994. They were lifelong friends, and Betty Rose was like a member of the Clemens family.

Elizabeth Dorothea “Betty Rose” (Rose) Cawley:
Daughter of Frank William/Francis Wilhelm Rose & Elizabeth Nechas
Born Apr 9, 1906, Lidgerwood, Richland Co., North Dakota
Died: May 9, 1994 (age 88), Lighthouse Point, Broward Co., Florida
Buried: Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens North, Pompano Beach, Broward Co., Florida; Garden of Memories; 1
Occupation: Stenographer and personal secretary for Mayo Clinic surgeon, Rochester, Minnesota
Married: Jul 10, 1958, William Patrick “Bill” Cawley, Los Angeles Co., California
No children

William Patrick “Bill” Cawley
Son of Patrick Francis Cawley & Anne Jane “Annie” Cullen
Born: Sep 4, 1894, Highland Park, Lake Co., Illinois
Died: Dec 8, 1967 (age 73), Pompano Beach, Broward Co, Florida
Buried: Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens North, Pompano Beach, Broward Co., Florida; Garden of Memories; 1
Military: WWI, Co., F 46 Infantry, Illinois, Corporal
Occupation: Jobber plumbing supplies in building construction
Married (1): abt 1917: Hazel Emma “Ole” Augustine, possibly Illinois (she died Nov 15, 1957; breast cancer)
Note: Hazel (age 60) died Nov 15, 1957, in Dubuque, Dubuque Co., Iowa; breast cancer
Two children: Helen Frances Cawley, Mary Lou Cawley
Married (2): Jul 10, 1958, Elizabeth Dorothea “Betty Rose” Rose, Los Angeles Co., California
No children

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Jan 7 & 8, 1920 U.S. Federal Census, Moran, Richland Co., North Dakota:
Frank W Rose Age 55, Head, born Illinois (Bohemia), father born Bohemia, mother born Bohemia, Farmer on General Farm
Elizabeth Rose Age 37, Wife, born Bohemia, father born Bohemia, mother born Bohemia
Magdelene Rose Age 16, Daughter, born North Dakota, father born Bohemia, mother born Bohemia
Theresa Rose Age 15, Daughter, born North Dakota, father born Bohemia, mother born Bohemia
Elizabeth Rose Age 13, Daughter, born North Dakota, father born Bohemia, mother born Bohemia (Elizabeth Dorothea “Betty Rose” Rose)
Stephen Rose Age 7, Son, born North Dakota, father born Bohemia, mother born Bohemia

Jul 10, 1958: California Marriage Index:
Name William P Cawley (William Patrick “Bill” Cawley)
Gender Male
Estimated Birth Year abt 1895
Age 63
Marriage Date 10 Jul 1958
Marriage Place Los Angeles, California
Spouse Elizabet D Rose (Elizabeth Dorothea “Betty Rose” Rose)
Spouse Age 52

Dec 8, 1967: Death of William Patrick “Bill’ Cawley (age 73), son of Patrick Francis Cawley & Anne Jane “Annie” Cullen, and the husband of Elizabeth Dorothea “Betty Rose” Rose (his 2nd marriage), in Pompano Beach, Broward Co., Florida; of cancer

Dec 8, 1967: U.S. Social Security Death Index:
Name William Cawley
Birth Date 4 Sep 1894
Issue year Before 1951
Issue State Illinois
Last Residence 33064, Pompano Beach, Broward, Florida
Death Date Dec 1967

Dec 1967: Headstone Military Application:
Name William P Cawley (William Patrick “Bill” Cawley)
Rank Corporal
Birth Date 4 Sep 1894
Service Number 428469
Service Branch US Army
Unit Inf.co.”F” 46th Inf.
Enlistment Date 1 Jun 1918
Discharge Date 23 Jan 1919
Death Date 8 Dec 1967
Cemetery Forest Lawn Memorial Garden
Cemetery Location Pompano Beach, Florida

Dec 10, 1967: Fort Lauderdale News, Fort Lauderdale, Broward Co., Florida (pg 15):

Dec 11, 1967: Burial of William Patrick “Bill” Cawley at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens North, in Pompano Beach, Broward Co., Florida; Garden of the Memories 1

May 9, 1994: Death of Elizabeth Dorothea “Betty Rose” (Rose) Cawley, wife of William Patrick “Bill” Cawley and the lifelong friend of Elizabeth Barbara Clemens, in Lighthouse Point, Broward Co., Florida

May 9, 1994: Florida Death Index:
Name Elizabeth R Cawley (Elizabeth Dorothea “Betty Rose” Rose)
Race White
Age at Death 88
Birth Date 9 Apr 1906
Death Date 9 May 1994
Death Place Broward, Florida, United States

May 1994: Burial of Elizabeth Dorothea “Betty Rose” (Rose) Cawley at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens North, in Pompano Beach, Florida; Garden of the Memories 1 alongside her husband, Bill.

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2025: Researched and compiled by Catherine (Clemens) Sevenau. Thank you to my uncle Joe Clemens for sharing the family stories, and to my brother and his wife, Gordon & Marian Clemens, for their input and photographs.

Direct line of Catherine:
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 (brother of Elizabeth Clemens) & Noreen Ellen Chatfield (parents)

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