| Notes |
- Source: Washington County, Ohio to 1980
PETER GRUBER
Peter Gruber was born on 7.18.1790 in Berschweiler, Rheinpreussen, an area in western Germany. He married Barbara Stein. metz, who was born in Olimbach, same area, in 1790, and lived in St. Wendel. Peter brought his family to America in 1836, settling first in Virginia, then in Elk Township. At the time, Elk Township was a part of Washington County. Peter and Barbara raised a family of thirteen children, the eldest was Peter Jr., born 1-27-1818. Peter died 9-4-1863 and Barbara died 4-9-1859, both being buried in the old cemetery of the former Zion Lutheran Church in Elk Township. Married 42 years, they left 53 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Also, buried at this cemetery are sons Nickolas, born 2- 1 9. 1 820, died 3- 13.1880, married to Caroline Stegner, and, Phillip, born 12-20-1823, died 12.15.1897, married to Caroline Kehl, born 9-4.1820, died 6-4.1892. A daughter, Caroline, married to Frederick Stegner, is buried in the Paw Paw Methodist Church Cemetery.
Peter Jr. married Catharine Stegner, born 6-12-1819, whose family also came from the same area in Germany. Peter Jr. and Catharine lived in Elk Township with their eight children. The eldest child, Frederick, was born 11-18-1 845. Other children were, sons, Henry (married to Caroline Becker), Daniel (married to Mary Angel), John (married to Elizabeth Young) and daughters, Christine (married to William Grudier), Catharine (married to Samuel Waxler), Caroline (married to John Hartwig) and Louise (Reiter). Most lived of Pomona Grange for many years. He was Master of Barlow Grange. He served on the Barlow Fair Board for twenty years. Jean is a fifty year member of Bartlett Masonic Lodge 293 and Past Master. Alma is a member and Past Matron of Bartlett Chapter Eastern Star 280.
In 1930, they bought the farm in Fairfield Township where they now live. Alma helped organize the first Milk Association in Washington County and was the first secretary, resigning after a manager was hired. She served on the Farm Bureau Board and legislative committee and helped organize the first Farm Bureau Councils. Jean helped organize soil conservation and served on its board for twenty years. The second farm pond in Washington County was built on their farm. It has been used for livestock watering and recreation. They have developed a natural area around the pond with plantings of evergreen, deciduous trees, shrubs and wild flowers. The area has been used by Scouts, Garden Clubs, High school, Marietta Botany and Forestry Classes and many others. Their grandsons built a shelter where the family has reunions and other get-togethers at the pond.
Alma served as Chairman of the Building Committee for the Layman United Methodist Church Educational Building. She taught Adult Sunday School class for many years. She helped organize the Hiking Club and was secretary, serving eight years. Jean and Alma were given the Ohio Department of Wild Life Conservation Award. They were also presented the Silver Oak Leaf Award from Nature Conservancy for their work in conservation. Submitted by Alma Gribble
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1818 - 1887 (68 years)