Eixenberger Family History & Ancestry
Immigration Story
Like so many other Europeans, Peter Eixenberger and Mary Achenbach immigrated to the United States during the period from the mid 1800's to early 1900's. One can only imagine what the circumstances were at the time to motivate a 15-year-old boy to leave home, aboard a ship across a dark ocean, with little or no possessions, no prospects of work, to simply start over in a new land. To put things in perspective, in 1876 the lightbulb, radio, and automobile had yet to be invented. No television, phones, internet, gps or other forms of communication that we take for granted today. It is truly an example of a bigger story of immigration and the human spirit.
In 1875 at the young age of 15, Peter Eixenberger having lost both natural parents made the decision to leave Bavaria (Munich), Germany immigrating to the United States of America. He arrived at Castle Gardens Dock in New York City in November 1875 aboard the ship Donau (built 1863).
Military Service - Musical Influences
Peter Eixenberger enlisted in the United States Army on November 15, 1875, in New York City under the authority of Lt. John Babcock (famous military leader of era) . He is known to have musical talents at an early age, including playing the violin. He was initially stationed in St. Louis and soon transferred to the 7th Calvary under the leadership of Gen. George A. Custer as an Army musician. Due to circumstances of musical talent, fate and luck Peter Eixenberger and other musicians of the 7th Calvary were not present at the Battle of Little Bighorn due to a greater need of their horses to pack supplies. Peter continued to establish himself as a professional musician during and after his military service.
Black Hills of South Dakota
In 1876, with his military employment secure, Peter Eixenberger began his life in America settling in the Black Hills of South Dakota in the area of Deadwood and Sturgis. Peter reenlisted for an additional 5 years on November 15th, 1880, and was honorably discharged on November 14, 1885. A few days on November 29, he married Mary Achenbach. Together they had 9 children. One of these (Henry Eixenberger) died as an infant. Two additional children (Peter Jr and Gladys) died minutes apart of the worldwide 1918 flu epidemic. The remaining 6 children went on to get married and have children of their own. The American side of the Eixenberger family has grown by several generations with descendants living throughout the United States.
Peter Eixenberger
Parents: Peter Eixenberger, Sr. (1829-1876), Elisabeth Wagner (1824-1870)
Born: 06/12/1860 (Germany) | Died: 09/12/1917 (Belltower, MT)
Age: 57| Cause: Heart Attack
Married: Mary Achenbach (Eixenberger) - November 29,1885
Buried: Saint Aloysius Cemetery | Sturgis, South Dakota
Siblings: Franz Xaver (1861-1861), Simon (1864-1865), Franz Xaver II (1867-1940) - Remained in Germany
Mary Achenbach (Eixenberger)
Parents: Henry Achenbach
Born: 04/26/1867 (Germany) | Died: 12/08/1940 (South Dakota)
Age: 73 | Cause: Unknown
Married: Peter Eixenberger - November 29,1885
Buried: Saint Aloysius Cemetery | Sturgis, South Dakota
Siblings: