Person:Peter Reitz (2)

From Julie Shields 2 Feb 2004: "In the 1910 census Peter, age 27, was single and lived with his stepfather, William Biehl, and his mother Elizabeth at 56 Brown in Buffalo. His occupation was machine hand. In the 1915 Buffalo, NY census Peter, age 34, was still living at 56 Brown with William Biehl and his wife "Mary" (should have been listed as Elizabeth). This census does not show marital status. Peter's occupation was "painter". The 1920 census shows them still at 56 Brown. Peter was 37 and his marital status was shown as "Un". Peter was still working as a painter. The 1930 census just lists William Biehl as "head" and Peter Reitz as "stepson"; both were still at the 56 Brown address. William was listed as "Wd" and Peter was listed as "M", having been married at age 32, which would have been in 1914. Peter died 25 March 1952 and is buried at Buffalo Cemetery in a single grave. His sister Clara (Mrs. H. Smith) arranged the burial. I wonder what happened to Peter's wife (if there ever was one!)"

Paul Reitz found that Peter Reitz married Nellie Madden at Grace Lutheran Church in Buffalo, NY on Sept 22, 1915. The record is on Ancestry.com, United States. Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, 1781-1969, and image is page 105 of 678, at http://tinyurl.com/y4e9r7v9

From Julie Shields, 19 Jun 2006: "Apparently, Peter Reitz (born 1882) really did have a wife. I was able to access the World War I Draft Registration Cards and found his record:

    Peter Reitz, living at 126 Eaton Street, Buffalo, NY, age 35, born October 23, 1882
    Occupation:  Painter - Pierce Arrow Motor Car Co., 1695 Elmwood Ave., Buffalo, NY
    Wife:  Nellie
    Medium height, slender, eyes: brown,  hair: dark
    September 12, 1918

[And Jillaine then found this on ssdi.rootsweb.com: NELLIE REITZ b. 19 Oct 1883 d. Sep 1981 Last residence: 91605 (North Hollywood, Los Angeles, CA) Last benefit: (none specified) SS#: 569-09-1367 Issued: California

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1 1.2} Julie E. Shields.
2. ↑ 1930 U.S. Census
   ED 92, Sheet 1B.

   Peter Reitz, 47, married [and was age 32 when first married; but where is wife?], indoor house painters; living with step-father, William J. Biehl, 58 (31 when first married), indoor house painters, a widow. Renting; own radio.