PREFACE { as originally written by Patrick J. Costello }
A few clues can sometimes lead to the solving of a mystery and one can also use this approach in searching back a family lineage. Knowing only that my grandfather and grandmother, Thomas J. Reynal and Louise Werner, were natives of the town of Portage des Sioux, Missouri, I began my research on this Reynal's family genealogy. With the help of several relatives and genealogists, I was able to trace my grandfather Reynal's family lineage to the years 1740-41. I discovered that Dr. Antoine Reynal, born around 1740-41, was one of the first physicans in the Upper Louisiana Territory, arriving in Ste. Genevieve on the Mississippi in 1774. My research later indicated that Dr. Reynal was an acquaintance of the celebrated American frontiersman, Daniel Boone. Dr. Reynal's years in St. Louis and St. Charles as one of that regions first pioneer doctor's, plus his many business ventures, provided rich research material that was very unexpected at the beginning of this search. The family lineage of my grandmother, Louise Werner, although partly unsubstantiated, reveals a rich background of French and German heritage.
Although the genealogy of this particular Reynal family is far from complete, it does provide an unbroken link from Dr. Antoine Reynal in 1740-41 to this present date. I have strived to be as accurate as possible, however, I am sure many mistakes and typing errors will be found. They were unintentional and I do not wish to offend any family member. I would like to thank especially Mrs. Lois Stanley, St. Louis genealogist, for her help to me in this Reynal-Werner family search.
I wish to dedicate this Reynal-Werner family genealogy to my mother, Augusta Reynal Costello, born in Forney, Texas in 1893, and living there until her death in 1972.
Sincerely,
(signed) Patrick Ames Costello
Forney, Texas
November, 1984