WIGGER, Winand Michael, R. C. bishop, born in New York city, 9 December, 1841. He was graduated in 1860 at the College of St. Francis Xavier in his native city, and studied theology at Seton Hall, New Jersey, where he remained several years. In October, 1862, he entered the seminary of Brignoli Sale, at Genoa, where he completed his divinity studies and won the doctor's cap. He was ordained priest in 1865, and returning to the United States became assistant at the cathedral at Newark, New Jersey In April, 1869, he was appointed rector of St. Vincent's church, Madison, New Jersey, and remained there until May, 1873. After occupying the same office one year at St. John's, Orange, and two years at Summit, New Jersey, he returned to Madison, where he served as rector until Bishop Michael A. Corrigan was promoted coadjutor of New York in 1881. On the occurrence of this event, the diocese of Newark, over which Bishop Corrigan had presided, was reduced, the rest of the state being erected into the new see of Trenton. To the charge of the former Dr. Wigger was elected, being consecrated in October, 1881. Under his care the diocese, although small in extent, has increased in population, and now contains over 160,000 Roman Catholics, 105 churches, and 184 priests. There are also within its limits three colleges, eighteen seminaries for young ladies, 23,340 children in the parochial schools, and fourteen asylums and hospitals. Bishop Wigger received the degree of D. D. from the University of Sapienza, Rome, Italy, in 1869.