Were the Neisens of Union Hill, Wright County and St. Michael's Catholic? How is the name pronounced?

My husband is a descendant of Peter Niesen, who immigrated from Germany to McHenry, IL in 1854. His ship's manifest said his ultimate destination was "Southport," which is what Kenosha, WI was called at the time. He had a brother named Martin and his father was Christian. Peter & family moved to Kenosha, WI and stayed there; Martin remained in McHenry, IL. His son John moved to Manistee, MI and his descendants live there. These Niesens were Catholic; the name was pronounced Neeson.