Family Photos

• Riniken, Aargau, Switzerland - Old Section of Town (460 KB)
  Photograph of the old part of Riniken showing old farm houses, the elementary school and nearby hills. You are looking to the north and the Rhine River. You can see in the distance to the right the next town to the north. It is Remigen, Aargau, Switzerland.
• Riniken - An Overweight, Balding American Tourist (68 KB)
  Yep, its me terrorizing the inhabitants of Riniken. Armed with my trusty camera our hosts showed us around this lovely town. But you could still hear the children exclaim: "Help there is a monster outside"! :)
• Riniken, Aargau, Switzerland - New Section (414 KB)
  Photo of the new part of Riniken with the old section of town in the background. The new part of the town consists of those homes on the far side of the railroad tracks and highway (Rte 3). This part of the town boarders Umiken which is on the near side of the railroad tracks and highway.
• Riniken - The Town Crossroads (186 KB)
  A photo of the town crossroads connecting Riniken and Remigen to the north and Rufenach to the northeast. Both towns were only a few miles away.
• Canton Aargau Countryside (67 KB)
  This is a photo of the beautiful rolling hills and breath-taking countryside of Canton Aargau which borders the Rhine River and Germany. Photo taken by Michael Oberst, May 31, 2000.
• Unterowisheim - Unterowisheim Train Station Sign (73 KB)
  This photo is of the sign loacted at the commuter rail announcing that the train station is "Unterowisheim"
• Riniken - Another Town Road (108 KB)
  Photo of the main traffic road leaving Riniken. The road swings hard to the right and head north. On the left is one of the many old (still working) family farm barns.
• Canton Aargau Countryside facing to the North (86 KB)
  This is a another photo of the beautiful rolling hills and breath-taking countryside of Canton Aargau which borders the Rhine River and Germany. The Rhine valley is in the background. Photo taken by Tom Oberst, May 31, 2000.
• Unterowisheim - World War II Memorial (57 KB)
  Located just outside the Unterowisheim Evangelich Church is the town War Memorial showing those brave citizens who fell from 1939 to 1948 and included prisoners of war who died in in Russian labor camps. There were many Oberst family members as well as other Unterowisheim family names who were our relatives. Living in a town almost identical in size to Unterowisheim (Sherborn, Massachusetts) its hard to imagine losing so many.
• Riniken - Town Alley (131 KB)
  A photo of a back alley connecting the main traffic road. You are facing the south east.
• Canton Aargau - The Hapsburg Castle (218 KB)
  The early home of the most powerful family dynasty in all Europe during the Middle Ages. Much of Canton Aargau including parts of Riniken were possessions of the Hapsburgs until the 15th century.
• Unterowisheim - War Memorial. (101 KB)
  This is another photo of the War Memorial. A great many brave and patriotic Germans from Unterowisheim fought and died for their Country in WWII.
• Riniken - A Working Farm (118 KB)
  A photo of one of the few remaining working farms in Riniken. Many of the inhabitants if Riniken now commute to work in Brugg or other large city.
• Unterowisheim - Gernot Oberst at the Castle (98 KB)
  This photo is of Gernot Oberst and myself taken at the Unterowisheim Castle. The photo was taken by my son, Michael Oberst who clearly does a better job composing shots than his old man.
• Unterowisheim - An Oberst Bakery (105 KB)
  The Oberst name is on many establishments in Unterowisheim where there are over 25 Oberst families. In the Kraichtal Valley, which includes Unterowisheim and other small towns there are over 58 Oberst Families.
• Riniken - An Obrist Family Home (139 KB)
  One of the many Obrist Family homes in Riniken. Note the Obrist name and Obrist coat of arms on the side of the home.
• Riniken - Book Cover "History of Village Riniken" (471 KB)
  This is the Cover of the book "Geschichte der Gemeinde Riniken" of the History of the Village of Riniken. It shows both the old and the new sections of the town. It is a very large photo and is vertical.
• Unterowisheim - Cafe Oberst (72 KB)
  A photo of the side of the Cafe Oberst in Unterowisheim. The Cheese Cake is delicious. I will post the menu.
• Riniken - Another Obrist Family Home (142 KB)
  Another photo of an Obrist Family Home. There are currently 16 Obrist families listed in the 2000 phone directory for Riniken. In 1837 of about 350 inhabitants of Riniken, about 115 were Obrists'.
• Sherborn - The Oberst Family of Sherborn (64 KB)
  Here we are, the whole crowd. Michael and Sarah standing, Matthew on Mom's (Carla) lap and Aaron on mine. We are very glad to meet you and bring you this family research. It was accomplished with the help of many many wonderful people, 15 years of work and rabid-dog tenacity.
• Unterowisheim - The Town Establishments (96 KB)
  A photo of my son Michael standing next to a sign at the Unterowisheim Train Station showing the many establishments which included the Cafe Oberst.
• Riniken - Looking West to the Brugg Forest (133 KB)
  A view of the Brugg Forest looking East from Riniken, across from the post office.
• Hans Oberst (Obrist) & The Court at Stilli - 1566 (296 KB)
  The following photo is taken from "Geschichte der Gemeinde Riniken" and shows the etching on a leaded stained glass window which is now in the "Landesmuseum Ferdinandeum, Innsbruck, Austria". It is a photo of a stained glass window showing The members of the Court of Stilli, Aargau, Switzerland in 1566. The Court sessions were actually held at Remigen, Stilli and Villigen. Shown in the etching are the pictures and the names of the twelve permanent members including our relative Hans Oberst (Obrist) who was the Village Representative for Riniken. His name is the last on the lower right hand side "cropped". I believe that he is possibly the man to the left of the tall blond waitress delivering what appears to be a chicken on a platter. She appears to have long braided blond hair.
• Unterowisheim - The Evangelist Church (104 KB)
  A photo of the Evangelic (Lutheran) Church in Unterowisheim. It is thought to sit on the same site as an older church. It is very attractive and has been recently renovated. Sitting in front of the Church is a 300 year old town well.
• Unteroewisheim Map - Modern "Kraichtal Area" (155 KB)
  The attached map is a modern map of the Kraictal Area. It shows how to commute to Unteroewishem from Karlsruhe.
• Unterowisheim - Gasthof Oberst (52 KB)
  A photo shot at dusk showing that the establishment is the Cafe and Guesthouse Oberst. The name Oberst was on many of the town establishments.
• Map - Germany showing location of the Kraichgau (221 KB)
  Map of Germany showing the location of the Kraichgau (valley) in relation to West Germany. It is located between the dense forest and hills of the "Black Forest" (Schwarzwald) and the forests surrounding Heidelberg. This was often the preferred route taken by invading armys from France.
• Map - Detailed Map of the Kraichgau (844 KB)
  Map showing all of the small towns and tiny villages that make up the Kraichgau including Unterowisheim and Oberowisheim, Munzesheim, Gochsheim, Neuenburg, Eppingen, Bretten, etc. This is beyond doubt the best and most detailed map of the Kraichgau I have ever seen.
• Riniken - Entering the old part of Riniken (116 KB)
  Entering the old part of Riniken from the main traffic street, "Remiger Street", which connects Riniken and Remigen.
• Riniken - The "Gemeindehaus" (110 KB)
  This is a photograph of the Riniken "Gemeindehaus" or the village or town hall.
• Riniken - Karl Obrist Family Farm (108 KB)
  This is a photo of the home of Karl Obrist. He was the author of "The Family Name Obrist in Switzerland" and co-authored the "History of the Village of Riniken". I am very very grateful for the work which he did.
• Unterowisheim - Gernot, Stefan & Yours Truly (82 KB)
  A photo showing myself discussing plans with two wonderful and gracious hosts, Gernot Oberst, a cousin and Stefan Haas whose wife's family has Obersts.
• Riniken - Another view of the Gemeindehaus (115 KB)
  Another view of the Gemeindehaus or Village or Town Hall. In this view the main traffic street, Remiger Street, turns east before heading again north to connect to the next town, Remigen.
• Unterowisheim - Oberst Van (66 KB)
  A photo of the Cafe Oberst Van.
• Heritage World Research Letter #1 (1627 KB)
  Research identifying the Baptism record of Patrick Breen, son of Peter Breen and Catherine Gillan as well as some of his siblings. Patrick was baptized in Corameen, Kinawley Parish, County Fermanagh
• Riniken - Looking North to Remigen, Aargau (101 KB)
  This is a view looking directly north from Riniken to Remigen. You can see below the hot air balloon how close the two towns are to each other.
• Unterowisheim - Oldest Home Foundation 1604 (97 KB)
  This was a photo of the oldest home foundation in Unterowisheim.
• Ireland - Map of Counties (1378 KB)
  Map of Ireland showing all of the Irish Counties and also showing County Fermanagh
• Riniken - The Main Traffic Street (116 KB)
  Heading North on the Main Traffic Street (Remiger Street) in Riniken.
• Unterowisheim - Oldest Public Well 1625 (46 KB)
  This is a photo of the Oldest Public Well in Unterowisheim, constructed in 1625. The Well, Old Foundation and Village Hall are all located near the Unterowisheim Castle where the town had its origins.
• Ireland - Map of Counties (1378 KB)
  Map of Ireland showing all of the Irish Counties and also showing County Fermanagh
• Riniken - Michael Oberst at Riniken Town Map (150 KB)
  My Son Michael Oberst standing at the town map of Riniken which is in front of the Riniken Post Office.
• Unterowisheim - Another Oberst establishment (51 KB)
  A photo an another Oberst establishment (Grocery Store)in Unterowisheim. The name was everywhere.
• Ireland - Map of County Fermanagh showing Kinawley (990 KB)
  Map of the Irish County of Fermanagh showing the Parishes in the County. Parish #20 is Parish Kinawley. Within this parish is the village or town of Corrameen.
• Riniken - A third Obrist Family Home (85 KB)
  Another Obrist Family Home. These are all in the old section of Riniken.
• Unterowisheim - The Unterowisheim Castle (69 KB)
  Located in the eastern part of the Town, this photo, taken at dusk, shows the Unterowisheim Fort.
• Ireland - Map showing Corameen in Parish Kinawley (1156 KB)
  The following is a map showing parts of County Fermanagh which contain the Parish Kinawley. Specifically the location of the town of Corrameen, within the Parish of Kinawley is shown.
• Riniken - Still Yet another Obrist Family Home (86 KB)
  Still yet another Obrist Family Home. All the homes were built to a very exacting building code. The similarity in design and common construction gives tha town a very attractive and well organized appearance.
• Unterowisheim - Town and Town Church (65 KB)
  This is a photo taken at dusk and taken from a hill overlooking the town. It shows the Evangelich Church at the center of Town. The photo was taken from the hills surrounding the town and specifically from the grape vineyards on the hills to the north.
• Gasthof Cafe Oberst (73 KB)
  This is a brochure from the "Gasthof Cafe Oberst" which provides phone, email and website information.
• Riniken - Town Map (117 KB)
  A photo of the Riniken Town Map which stood next to the post office on the main traffic road. An excellent idea.
• Unterowisheim - Town Road (80 KB)
  This is a photo of the main traffic road which cuts through Unterowisheim. The road travels from east to west and you are looking to the west.
• Leopold P. Oberst (66 KB)
  
• Unterowisheim - Commuter Train Station (107 KB)
  This is another photo of the train station. This commuter rail travels through the Kraichtal Valley collection commuters from Munzesheim, Oberowisheim, Neuenburg, and Gochsheim and taking them to Karlsruhe, Baden, Germany, a major industrial center with a concentration in technology.
• Unterowisheim - Train Station (108 KB)
  This is a photo of the Unterowisheim Train Station. It looks very similar to the commuter rail station where I catch the train to Boston each day.

Family Tree Maker Reports and Trees

• Genealogy Report: Descendants of Jois Udalricus (Meinhard) Meinhardt (View PDF)


• Genealogy Report: Descendants of Peter Breen (View PDF)


• Genealogy Report: Descendants of Hanns Zoberist (View PDF)

Related Files

• Portrait of Riniken, Aargau, Switzerland (15 KB)
  This is the English Language Translation of a brochure which provides an outline and history and a snapshot of Riniken, Aargau, Switzerland. This translation was done by Katja Thomann in August, 1999. (update - September 10, 2000)
• "Riniken - The Past & The Memories" (43 KB)
  "Riniken - The Past and The Memories" is an article written by Verena Sandmeier-Ackermann, Ulrich Ackermann & Jorg Hunn. It was an article which appeared in a news magazine. It was translated from the Newsletter or News Magazine "Brugger Neujahrsblatter", copyright 1999, pages 103 - 118. English Translation done by Katja Thomann, April 1999. (update - September 10, 2000)
• "Unterowisheim Ortssippenbook" Preface & Intro (54 KB)
  This is the English Language Translation of the Preface, Introduction and Appendices of the Unterowisheim "Ortssippenbook". The Ortssippenbooks are books listing "All the people of this place". In this case it is Unterowisheim, Baden, Germany. It is basically a recompilation of the Church Books for an area. The Book itself is about 750 pages in length. The introduction explains how the book was compiled and how data is arrainged. (update - September 10, 2000)
• Book Collection - Genealogy and History (45 KB)
  A collection of titles, papers and sources used throughout the research found on this web site including comments about each source.
• "Swiss Surnames - A Complete Register" - Foreword (5 KB)
  This is the Foreword of the "Swiss Surnames - A Complete Register", Volume 1 - 3 from Picton Press. It is the First American Edition, published November 1995.
• Portrait of Umiken, Aargau, Switzerland (10 KB)
  his is the English Language Translation of a on line brochure describing the town of Umiken, Aargau, Switzerland. Umiken is adjacent next to Riniken, Aargau, Switzerland and where early Church Records were keep for the Obrists'. This is a translation of a web page. This translation was done by Katja Thomann in August, 1999. It was taken from http://www.brugg-online.ch/gemeinde/um/portrait.html. (update - September 10, 2000)
• The Family Name "Obrist" in Switzerland (551 KB)
  This is the English Language Translation of a study done in 1974 by Karl Obrist. It is part Genealogy and part Family History and part survey. The translation was accomplished by Chavi Nana in May, 2000. It is research into the origins of the "Obrist" name in Switzerland. (update - September 10, 2000)
• Family Name History Brief - Breen (5 KB)
  The attached snapshot of the Breen Name was taken from various sources. There is mention of early Breens and how the name evolved over time.
• "The History of the Municipality of Riniken" (435 KB)
  This is the English Language Translation of the second edition of the Book "Geschichte der Gemeinde Riniken" by Karl Obrist and Dr. Martin Vogtli published in 1989. The translation is "work in progress" and represents the first 121 pages of this fine work. The translation is being accomplished by Chavi Keeney Nana, a Wellesley College Graduate who is currently studying at Oxford University. She started this project in May of this year. This part of the book is rich in the history of Riniken, the surrounding Aare River and Frick Valleys and the role our German ancestors played in settling this part of Switzerland. (update - November 17, 2000)
• Family Name History Brief - "Oberst" (4 KB)
  This information comes from the The Historical Research Center - commerical and not very scientific. It does reference early mentions of the "Oberst" name and its varients in and around Southwest Germany (Baden-Wurttemberg) and North Central Switzerland which is consistent with our other genealogical research. (update - September 10, 2000)
• Schweizer Einwanderer Intro - Foreward.htm (32 KB)
  Swiss Immigration into the Kraichgau - Foreword. This is the German Translation of the foreword to the excellent genealogical research on the swiss migration into southern Germany after the 30 years war. It was accomplished by Katia Thomann (update September 23, 2001).
• The Ancestors and Descendants of Hans Jacob Obrist (128 KB)
  This is the English language translation of the Swiss Genealogy researched originally accomplished by Karl Obrist in the Fall of 1969 entitled "The Ancestors and Descendants of Hans Jacob Obrist, born on March 8, 1803." The German translation was performed by Chavi Keeney Nana of Ann Arbor, Michigan in May, 2000. She will be attending Oxford University in England as a graduate student in the Fall. (update - September 10, 2000)
• Schweizer Einwanderer Intro - Part I.htm (21 KB)
  Swiss Immigration into the Kraichgau - Introduction - Part I. This is the German Translation of the foreword to the excellent genealogical research on the swiss migration into southern Germany after the 30 years war. It was accomplished by Katia Thomann (update September 23, 2001).

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