Along with their parents, they immigrated to the United States in 1857 aboard the SV Argo[1] from Le Havre (the second largest port in France) to New York City.

Through his brother, Michael, and his sister-in-law, Clara Maria Uhr (who was also a sister to Reinhard's wife), he was uncle to Michael Liebel, Jr. (1870-1927), the Mayor of Erie, Pennsylvania, from 1906-1911, and a Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives from Pennsylvania, from 1915-1917.

[3] South Erie Iron Works was established by Adam Acheson and William Henry on Peach Street in 1858 and was incorporated in 1868.

Liebel and Depinet continued to operate the company under the old name, but utilized the business and methods from South Erie Iron Works.

[8] The hotel was in operation until October 1901 when a large boiler in the brass foundry of the Hayes Manufacturing Company on West 11th Street exploded and completely demolished the Hayes building and an adjoining building that directly backed up, and connected with, the Liebel House by a covered passageway across the alley.

[9] At the time of the explosion, dinner was being served, and six women who were in the kitchen of the Liebel House perished in the wreck.

[10] Reinhard was a staunch Democrat[3] and served the City of Erie in several official positions:[5] Liebel's brother, Michael Liebel (1843-1906), also served on the Common Council from 1871-1875, of which he was President from 1873-1874 (under Mayor Charles M. Reed and Mayor Henry Rawle).

9 and also a member of the P. H. C. and the Erie Maennerchor, a German singing society and social club founded in 1871.