Mary Eixenberger

Peter Eixenberger enlisted on November 15, 1875, in New York City. He listed his previous occupation as musician. He was discharged on November 14, 1880, at Fort Meade, Dakota, upon expiration of service, as a private of excellent character. He then re-enlisted for another five year term. 

He was not present at the Battle of the Little Bighorn. He was on detached service with the rest of the 7th Cavalry band at Yellowstone Depot, Montana Territory. 

In November, 1885, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Achenbach.  To this union eight children were born: Frank of Sykes, Mont; Mrs. John Kellar of Sioux Falls, S.D.; Peter, Jr., Gladys, Arthur, Clarence, Carl, and Joseph of Sturgis.  All were present at the funeral but Mrs. John Kellar, who will arrive here tomorrow. [Eixenberger's obituary; Sturgis Weekly Record; September 14, 1917]

Peter and Mary Eixenberger

Peter Eixenberger died on September 12, 1917, in Sykes, Montana. He was buried in the St. Aloysius Cemetery in Sturgis, South Dakota. 

Just over a year after her husband's death, Mary was faced with more sorrow. Two of her children, Peter, Jr., and Gladys, both died during the Spanish Influenza outbreak. A while back, the death of Eixenberger's children was a topic on this same blog. You can find that previous post by clicking here.

The following appeared in the November 16, 1918 edition of the Custer Weekly Chronicle, Custer, South Dakota, also reporting the deaths of Peter Jr. and Gladys.

Custer Weekly Chronicle; November 16, 1918

Mary went on living in the Black Hills. In 1939, her family threw her a surprise 72nd birthday party. The party received mention in the April 28, 1939 edition of the Lead Daily Call.

Lead Daily Call; April 28, 1939

The following year, in December, Mary passed away. She was buried alongside her husband, who had died 23 years previous, in St. Aloysius Cemetery in Sturgis, South Dakota.

Lead Daily Call; December 8, 1940

PETER EIXENBERGER PAGE