Wigandt Barben, [Johann Jacob¹] was born About 1686 in Hochstenbach, Germany; died 12 August 1746 in Hochstenbach, Germany. He was the son of Johann Jacob and Anna Margaretha Barb.

He grew up in the Westerwald region, which is enclosed by three rivers and the Siebengebirge mountain range, Rhine Valley and Taunus region. The northern area is hilly, with large forest areas. Gray clay is the trademark of the Westerwald region. While Wigandt was growing up the stoneware industry was gaining strength in the region. Later Westerwald developed into a major stoneware production center.

When Wigandt was about 11 years old when the TREATY OF RIJSWIJK was signed, with France returning territory which included the Palatinate, devastated as it was. Wigandt did not marry until he was approximately 24 years old. He married in the Hochstenbach parish church on 26 September 1710. He and his wife Eva Maria had five known children. Their first daughter Elisabetha Maria died in 1713. As a custom they immediately named their new infant daughter Elisabetha Maria after her deceased sister.

Wigandt Barben/Barbe/Barb died one year and one month after the marriage of his son Johann Jacob Barbe.

Elisabetha Maria Barbe, died 1713 in Hochstenbach, Germany.

Elisabetha Maria Barbe, born February 1713/14.

Anna Gertraudt Barbe, born 13 March 1718/19 in Hochstenbach, Germany.

Maria Catharina Barbe, born 28 September 1722 in Hochstenbach, Germany; died 21 April 1752.