Johann Peter Rheiner (1832 - 1879)

Born 16 Mar 1832 in Sankt Gallen, Switzerland

Husband of Mary Elizabeth (Watson) Rheiner — married 24 Mar 1864 in Sabinal, Uvalde, Texas

Descendants

Died 2 Oct 1879 at age 47 in Uvalde, Uvalde, Texas

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Biography

Johann Peter Rheiner was born Mar. 16, 1832, the oldest son of Daniel Heinrich Rheiner and Maria Elizabeth Schlock in Sankt Gallen, Switzerland.

Peter trained to be a locksmith and worked in Zurich, Lucerne, Berne, Geneva and Basel. Not yet satisfied, he worked for a time in Strausberg, Frankfort and Hamburg, Germany.

Wanting to improve his English, Peter lived in London before returning to the continent and working in Veviers, Belgium and Paris, France.

By this time, Peter could speak five languages.

He arrived in New York on Sep. 3, 1853 to join his brother, Daniel.

Deciding to seek his fortune, he then embarked for the California gold fields before finally settling in Uvalde County, Texas in 1859.

Peter then served in the Confederate army. Military records say he was 5 foot 8 inches tall with blue eyes.

He married Mary Watson on mar. 24, 1864 and had two children, William and Mariette. Mary drowned in 1870 while trying to save daughter, Mariette, who had fallen into the flooded Blanco Creek.

Peter then married Mary Santleben on Jan. 5, 1872 and they had four children; Peter Christian, August Daniel, Ferdinand John and Minnie.

Peter died suddenly on Oct. 2, 1879 at the age of 47.

Sources

Ettie Rheiner Garner: Blanco Creek Orphan: Within a Heartbeat of the White House By Robert A. Graham and Rauni Leilani McClure

Texas, Deaths, 1890-1976," index and images, Ettie Rheiner Garner, 17 Aug 1948; citing certificate number 37135, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2218965.

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