Erica Gruber

I've "rescued" an old photograph of John GRUBER which was taken at the McDonald Studio in South Bend, IN. The photograph appears to have been taken in the 1880's or 1890's with John likely in his 50's at the time. In addition to his name, someone has also written "Emma's Father" and Callie POLSON'S Uncle" on the back of the photograph. Based on limited research I was able to locate the following information regarding John and his family:

John GRUBER (b. 1828) and Margaret or Margaretta GRUBER (b. 1832) had 9 children including, Charles; Lena; George; Louise; Sophia; Kate; Mary; Edward; and Emma GRUBER, all born between 1857 and 1868. Emma GRUBER married James Bertram “Bert” REASOR (1876-1946).

Census records provide the following details:

1880 census of South Bend, IN:

John GRUBER, age 52, a Shoemaker, born Bavaria
Margaretta GRUBER, wife, age 48, Keeping House, born Bavaria
Lena GRUBER, dau, age 21, Keeping House, born IN
Louise GRUBER, dau, age 20, Works in Woolen Mill, born IN
Sophia GRUBER, dau, age 18, born IN
Edward GRUBER, son, age 12, born IN
Emma GRUBER, dau, age 10, born IN

1900 census of Portage, IN:

Margaret GRUBER, age 67, born Aug 1832, a widow, 5 children/5 living, born Germany, parents born Germany, to USA 1845
Lena GRUBER, dau, age 41, born Aug 1858, born IN, parents born Germany
Sophia GRUBER, dau, age 38, born Mar 1862, born IN, parents born Germany
Edward GRUBER, son, age 32, born Apr 1868, born IN, parents born Germany, a Cigar Maker
Emma GRUBER, dau, age 30, born Mar 1870, born IN, parents born Germany, a Woolen Mill Spinner


1910 census of South Bend, IN:

Emma GRUBER, age 38, divorced, no children, born IN, parents born Germany
Edward GRUBER, brother, age 40, born IN, parents born Germany, a Cigar Maker

1930 census of South Bend, IN:

Lena GRUBER, age 71, born IN, parents born Germany
Emma GRUBER, sister, age 60, born IN, parents born Germany
Edward GRUBER, brother, age 62, born IN, parents born Germany

1940 census of South Bend, IN:

Emma GRUBER, age 70, a widow, born IN
Lena GRUBER, sister, age 81, born IN
Edward GRUBER, brother, age 72, born IN

I am hoping to locate someone from the family so that the photograph can be returned to their care. If you are a member of this family, or you know someone who might be, please contact me.

Thanks,
Shelley