Family History
The Nisius Emigrations
From the Eifel to Wisconsin – A Chronology
1840–1890
Between 1840 and 1890, several members of the Nisius family left their homeland in the Eifel region to begin a new life in America. This timeline shows their journeys, fates, and the historical events that shaped their decisions.
1846
Potato Blight in the Eifel
Historical Context
The potato blight destroys harvests throughout the Eifel.
Famine and economic hardship drive many families to emigrate.
Cause
Phytophthora infestans
Result
Mass emigration 1846–1857
1854
Johann Peter Nisius
First Documented Emigration
Johann Peter leaves Platten on the Moselle as a young man.
The journey leads via Antwerp to New York and onward to Wisconsin.
Origin
Platten, Moselle
Port
Antwerp → New York
Ship Type
Sailing ship (6–8 weeks)
Destination
Washington County, WI
1861
American Civil War
Historical Context
The Civil War (1861–1865) temporarily interrupts the emigration wave.
Many German immigrants fight on the side of the Union.
Duration
1861–1865
German Soldiers
~200,000 for the Union
1867
Family Matthias Nisius
Emigration with 5 Children
Matthias Nisius emigrates with his wife and five children.
The family already benefits from the faster steamships.
Origin
Osann-Monzel
Family Size
7 persons
Port
Bremen → Baltimore
Ship Type
Steamship (approx. 14 days)
Destination
Dodge County, WI
1871
Margaretha Nisius
Single Female Emigrant
Margaretha emigrates alone as a young woman – a courageous step
in an era when women rarely traveled independently.
Origin
Kesten, Moselle
Age
23 years
Port
Antwerp → New York
Destination
Milwaukee, WI
Note
Marriage in Wisconsin
1871
Founding of the German Empire
Historical Context
German unification brings economic changes.
However, emigration remains high into the 1880s.
Proclamation
January 18, 1871
Result
Industrialization accelerates
1882
Peter Nisius (the Younger)
Chain Migration
Peter follows his relatives to Wisconsin. The established
network of the Nisius family facilitates his integration.
Origin
Platten, Moselle
Port
Bremen → New York
Received by
Relatives in WI
Occupation
Farmer
1886
Nikolaus & Anna Maria Nisius
Last Documented Emigration
Nikolaus and Anna Maria are the last documented
Nisius emigrants of this generation. They benefit from
modern steamships and established routes.
Origin
Bernkastel-Kues
Port
Bremen → Baltimore
Crossing
10 days (steamship)
Destination
Ozaukee County, WI
Summary
6+
Emigrants
40
Year Span
3
Counties in WI
~5,000
Miles Traveled
Nisius Emigration
Historical Context