John Benjamin Rahier

Jeremy Anderson2021-05-08T15:51:22-05:00

Name: John Benjamin Rahier
Location of Birth: Green Bay, Wisconsin
Date of Birth: October 18, 1840
Date of Death: July 3, 1927
Parents: John Joseph Rahier & Anna Rahier
High School and Class:
College:
Highest Rank: Pvt (Private)
Branch: Navy
Other Branch:
Date Sworn In: November 26, 1863
Place Sworn In: Green Bay, Wisconsin
Date of Discharge: November 26, 1864
Place of Discharge:
Military Awards:

Military Highlights:
When the Civil War broke out, John enlisted at Green Bay, Wisconsin and served until the close of the war. He was wounded in action three times, twice receiving bullet wounds above the heart and suffering a crippled hip from the bursting of a shell. The last wound crippled him permanently.

Wars Involved:
Civil War

MIA / POW:

Civilian Life:
John Rahier moved to Annandale, Minnesota shortly after the close of the Civil War. He married Mary Maurice in 1867 in Annandale and the couple had seventeen children. From 1873 to 1875, the Rahier family made a trip from Minnesota to Texas, traveling in a covered wagon. On this trip two more children were born, one in Texas and one on the return trip through Missouri. John's first wife died in 1891 and in 1896 he was married to Mrs. Selina Nikefaro. The couple had two children.

In 1903, John Rahier homesteaded near Effie, Minnesota where he lived until the time of his death. Taking up the burdens of the pioneer, he did his full share of transforming the forest lands into fertile fields. His name has always been prominently connected with the development of the region near Effie.

John died in Effie, Minnesota and is buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, Annandale, Minnesota. He is survived by his wife, Selina; twelve children; a brother, Robert Rahier; two sisters, Susan Kamhoot and Mary McDonald; thirty-three grandchildren and thirty-four great-grandchildren.

Tribal Affiliation(s):