Reis (Ernestinendorf)

Johann Reis was baptized 24 June 1742 in Queckborn. [His godfather was Johann Sprankel, who also left for Russia in 1766].

Reis and his family immigrated to Russia, arriving at the port in Oranienbaum on 12 September 1766 aboard the frigate Love & Unity with skipper Thomas Fairfax at the helm. Travelling with him were his wife Maria, mother-in-law Anna, and brothers Johannes (age 17) and Conrad (age 12). Kuhlberg records that these two boys were his brothers-in-law, but that is incorrect.

Johannes Reiss, his wife Anna Maria, sons (Johannes, age 17½; Conrad, age 12), and mother-in-law Anna [surname not recorded] are recorded on the list of colonists being transported from St. Petersburg to Saratov in 1767 along with a note that mother-in-law Anna died en route.

The 1767 census of Ernestinendorf records Johannes Reis along with Maria, his wife (age 20), and brothers Johann (age 18) and Conrad (age 15) living in Household No. 14.

Johann (the brother) and his family are recorded on the 1798 census of Ernestinendorf in Household No. Er08. Brother Konrad and his family are recorded in Näb (Household No. Nb14) in 1798.

There is a Maria Katharina Ries, perhaps the widow of Johannes Ries, married to Heinrich Walker from Fischer and living in Fischer.