Fred Gruss and Carrie Hall's Family

Fred and Carrie

Ernst Fredrick Gruss, son of Dominic, was born on April 21, 1870 at Benton Harbor, Michigan. The birth registration for Ernst Fredrick spelt the family name as "Gross" using the elongated "s". He died on September 23, 1958 at Benton Harbor, Michigan. He was eighty-eight years of age. He was buried on September 26, 1958 in Calvary Cemetery at Benton Harbor, Michigan. Fred, as he was known, was first a farmer, working the family homestead on Napier Avenue in Benton Township, Berrien County, Michigan. After his father sold the family farm, Fred worked as a nurseryman for Cutler & Downing Co. After living for forty-one years at the Gruss family homestead on Napier Avenue, Fred moved his family to 950 Jennings Avenue in Benton Harbor, Michigan.

Fred married on May 10, 1893 at St. John's Catholic Church in Benton Harbor, Michigan to Caroline Olive Hall, daughter of Etienne {Stephen} Hall and Françoise {Frances} Blatz. The witnesses to their marriage were George Oelhaffer and Frances Hall. At the time of their marriage Ernest was twenty-three years of age and Caroline was nineteen years and eight months of age. Carrie, as she was known, was born on September 3, 1873 at Heidolsheim, France. She died on July 8, 1955 at Benton Harbor, Michigan. She was buried on July 11, 1955 in Calvary Cemetery at Benton Harbor, Michigan. Carrie arrived in the United States on May 21, 1874, at the age of seven months. While crossing the Atlantic, the ship on which the family was traveling collided with another vessel. The passengers were rescued but their possessions were lost. Carrie was a member of the Royal Neighbors of America.

Fred and Carrie had six children, all of whom were born at Benton Harbor, Michigan on the Gruss family homestead on Napier Avenue.

  1. Carrie Louise Gruss was born on February 16, 1894 at Benton Harbor, Michigan. She died on July 16, 1986 near Lansing, Michigan.

    Carrie married on April 10, 1915 at St. Joseph, Michigan to Herman Kennedy Haugh, son of John Henry Haugh and Sandia Kennedy. Herman was born on February 10, 1889 at Battle Creek, Michigan. He died on September 27, 1968 at Flint, Michigan. He was a foreman for Perry Printing Co. They are both buried in Sunset Hills Cemetery at Flint, Michigan.

    Carrie and Herman had two children.

    1. John Richard Haugh was born at Detroit, Michigan. Prior to his retirement, He worked as a plate maker for Sparton Printing and Perry Printing.

      Richard married on May 30, 1946 at Lennon, Michigan to Laura Ann Root, daughter of Bethel Nelson Root and Pauletta C. Crocker. Laura was born on at Flint, Michigan.

      John and Laura have four children.

      1. Susan Ellen Haugh was born at Flint, Michigan. She is a licensed practical nurse by profession.

        Susan married on September 1, 1968 at Flint, Michigan to James Moore Greer, Jr., son of James Moore Greer and Blanch Barnbrook. James was born at Cairo, Illinois. He served in Vietnam and is presently employed in the accounting office of General Motors.

        Susan and James have three children.

        • Christopher Gene Greer was born at Flint, Michigan.
        • Bethany Lynn Greer was born at Flint, Michigan.
        • Rebecca Ann Greer was born at Flint, Michigan.

          Rebecca married Bret Borton.

          Rebecca has one child.

          • Shaunacey Marie Greer.

      2. Roy Richard Haugh was born at Flint, Michigan.

      3. Martin Owen Haugh was born at Flint, Michigan. On 10 May, 1981, he earned his associate degree in science. He served two years in the military policy of the United State Army as a sentry dog handler. He was stationed at Union Lake, Michigan for a period of eighteen months. He was employed as a conveyor attendant for General Motors, having retired in May of 2006..

        Martin married on February 14, 1976 at Swartz Creek, Michigan to Cynthia Ann Huffman, daughter of Samuel Lee Huffman and Althea Mae Hendricks. Cindy was born at Flint, Michigan. She is employed as a full-time janitor at Byron High School at Flint, Michigan.

        Martin and Cindy have three children.

        • Jeffrey Kennedy Haugh was born at Flint, Michigan. He is a machine designer(drafter).

          Jeffrey married on October 3, 1998 at Durand, Michigan to Sandra Kay Goad, daughter of Charles Goad and Cynthia Soupal. Sandra is an insurance policy rater.

          Jeffrey and Sandra have two children.

          • Katelyn Rose Haugh was born at Howell, Michigan.
          • Jacob Kennedy Haugh was born at Flint, Michigan

        • Lori Ann Haugh was born at Flint, Michigan. Lori is a teach at Clio Area Schools.

          Lori married on August 11, 2001 to Jeffery Charles Smith.

          Lori and Jeffery have two children.

          • Oliver Preston Smith was born at Lapeer, Michigan.
          • Jonathan Eliott Smith was born at Flint, Michigan.

        • David Scott Haugh was born at Flint, Michigan. He is a registered pharmacist.

          David married on October 14, 2006 to Kerri Ann Jezewski, daughter of Ted and Darlene Jerewski. Kerri is a medical technician at Bay Medical in Bay City, Michigan.


      4. Carrie Ann Haugh was born at Flint, Michigan. She is an administrative secretary in the records division of the Angola, Indiana police department. She enjoys sewing.

        Carrie married on May 12, 1984 at Pleasant Lake, Indiana to Ronald Lee Parker, son of Ronald Lee Parker and Joyce A. Getts. Ronald was born at Garrett, Indiana. He is a delivery man for Prairie Farms Dairy in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He coaches little league baseball and junior league basketball.

        Carrie and Ronald have three children.

        • Ronald Lee Parker, III was born at Angola,Indiana..
        • Breanna Lynn Parker was born at Angola,Indiana..
        • Lucas Adam Parker was born at Angola,Indiana.

    2. Donald Raymond Haugh was born at Detroit, Michigan. He married in October of 1947 at Flint, Michigan to Louise Specks.

  2. Ernst Fredrick Gruss, Jr was born on July 6, 1895 at Benton Harbor, Michigan. He died on June 17, 1961 at St. Joseph, Michigan and was buried on June 20, 1961 in Riverview Cemetery at St. Joseph.

    Fred, as he was known, married on June 11, 1925, at Trinity Lutheran Church in St. Joseph, Michigan to Linda Emeile Hahn, daughter of Wilhelm Hahn and Natalie Hauser. Linda was born on January 28, 1901 at Benton Harbor, Michigan. She died on October 23, 1996 at St. Joseph, Michigan. Linda was buried on October 26, 1996 in Riverview Cemetery at St. Joseph, Michigan.

    Fred and Linda lived for some time at 960 Jennings in Benton Harbor, Michigan. They later purchased a beautiful piece of lakeside property at 2901 Lake Shore Drive in St. Joseph. Fred worked as a machinist and later foreman for Ross Carrier Co. (Clark Equipment). After his retirement in 1956, he worked as a plant guard until 1960.

    Fred joined the Naval Reserves at Benton Harbor, Michigan in June of 1914. He was then eighteen years of age. He reenlisted in the National Naval Volunteers on February 27, 1917. He was called into active service on April 6, 1917, reporting at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on April 11, 1917. He served on the following ships: USS Massachusetts, USS South Carolina and USS DeKalb. He also served at the naval barracks and hospital at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Fred was honorably discharged at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on August 29, 1919. Fred was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Benton Harbor post 1137.

    Fred and Linda had no children.


  3. Bert Raymond Gruss was born on December 9, 1896. He died on December 18, 1896 at Benton Harbor, Michigan. The records of Calvary Cemetery state that Bert was born on December 7, 1896 and died on December 16, 1896. Carrie Hall Gruss, in her personal notes, records that Bert died on December 16, 1896 at the age of eight days because he was too young for an operation to correct a bowel problem. In another place, Carrie records that Bert was born on December 8, 1896 and that he was baptized by his mother because he was "to sick and young to take to church."

  4. Genevieve Laura Gruss was born on November 25, 1897. She died on July 1, 1988 in Sacramento, California.

    Genevieve married on February 11, 1925 at Ferndale, Michigan to Ray Anson McCagherty, son of James McCagherty and Mary MacDonald. Ray was born on June 17, 1892 at Pembroke, Ontario, Canada. He died on September 13, 1975.


  5. Francis Vern Gruss was born on November 16, 1899 at Benton Harbor, Michigan. He died on November 14, 1976 at Kalamazoo, Michigan and was buried in Mt. Olive Cemetery. Francis was employed by the Crescent Engraving Co.

    Vern married on November 14, 1931 at Kalamazoo, Michigan to Anna Rose Swikoski, daughter of Roman Swikoski and Anna Deja. She was born on August 26, 1907 at St. Joseph, Michigan. She died on May 4, 1963 at Kalamazoo, Michigan and was buried in Mt. Olive Cemetery.

    Vern and Anna had two children.

    1. Janet Ann Gruss was born at Kalamazoo,Michigan.

      Janet married on August 6, 1955 At Kalamazoo, Michigan to Richard Cavanaugh, son of Hugh Eugene Cavanaugh and Etta Van der Laan. Richard was born at Grand Rapids, Michigan.

      Janet and Richard have four children.

      1. Mark Cavanaugh was born at Grand Rapids, Michigan.
      2. Daniel Cavanaugh was born at Grand Rapids, Michigan. Daniel married Susan [family name unknown].
      3. Peter Cavanaugh was born at Grand Rapids, Michigan.
      4. Ann Marie Cavanaugh was born at Grand Rapids, Michigan. Ann married Mr. Foreman.

    2. Thomas V. Gruss was born at Kalamazoo,Michigan. Thomas worked for the Cement Division of National Gypsum Company, Alpena and Detroit, Michigan until 1980 and then the Corporate Office of National Gypsum Company, Dallas, Texas until 1987. In 1987 Tom and ten others purchased the eight (8) roofing manufacturing facilities from the Genstar Corporation, renaming the company GS Roofing Products Company, Inc. GS Roofing became the third largest and one of the most vertically integrated residential (shingles) and commercial rolled roofing manufacturer in the United States. The company was sold to the Certain Teed Division of Saint Gobain (Paris) in June of 1999. Tom will retire upon full integration of GS into CertainTeed, which is expected by December 1999.

      Thomas served two years as an enlisted man in the United States Navy.

      Thomas served on various committees and boards, including Kiwanis, Handicapped Scouting, Leadership Dallas, PMAD DART and Dallas Concert Hall elections and fundraising.

      Thomas married on July 18, 1964 at Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan to Sally Kay Ward, daughter of Albert James Ward and Mina Ethel Sepula.

      Sally is a graduate of Michigan State University's School of Journalism. She has written for the Kalamazoo Gazette, Alpena News and the Plano Star Courier, and as contributing journalist to other papers in the Dallas area. In addition she has been active in public relations work for various colleges, banks, and civic institutions. Sally has been very active in civic and public affairs, including the League of Women Voters. An avid reader, she has maintained the leadership and direction of a continuously active women's book discussion group for nearly twenty years. She worked on various local affiliations such as the Plano Chamber Orchestra.

      Thomas and Sally have acquired a sizeable tract of wooded land on Lake Texoma, the lake separating Texas and Oklahoma, with the intent of building a retirement retreat in 2000. Birding is the past time of choice.

      Thomas and Sally have two children.

      1. Amy Lynn Gruss is a graduate of Plano Senior High School and Southern Methodist University (SMU), Dallas, with degrees in English and Women's Studies. Amy is Administrative Assistant at Countrywide Mortgage Company, Plano. She is very active in various musical and performing groups - both singing, dancing and directing at several Renaissance Fairs in the Dallas Area. An accomplished flutist, she performed with the Dallas Symphony as a teen and for many years in a church musical group. She is currently writing public interest scripts for television, one such program has been nominated for a PBS Ace Cable Award.
      2. Patricia Ann Gruss graduated from Plano Senior High School, having been on the drill team, and was elected Homecoming Queen at one of the largest high schools in the country. She then earned her degree from Texas A&M University in Parks and Recreation. She immediately enrolled in the Texas Parks and Wildlife Game Warden Academy, and upon graduation was made a state peace officer with the Texas Parks and Wildlife.

        While at the Academy Patty meet another warden, Preston Spiller of Houston, Texas, and they were married in Grapevine (Dallas) Texas in 1997. They were assigned to the Grapevine (Tarrant County) area. The US Army Corps of Engineers proposed a program for Patty, which she accepted and joined the Corp in 1999. She has continued her education taking graduate courses at North Texas State University.


  6. Clarence Edward Gruss was born on April 3, 1902 at Benton Harbor, Michigan. He died on July 28, 1985 at Battle Creek, Michigan. Clarence worked as an electrotyper for Gage Printing Co. and Battle Creek Engraving Co. He also worked for Mueller Color Plate Co. He retired in 1970 after being injured in an accident at work. He was an avid outdoors man and enjoyed flyfishing.

    Clarence married on June 29, 1927 at Kalamazoo, Michigan to Majorie Belle Rulison, daughter of Herman Rulison and Pearl May Woodbury. Marjorie was born at Charlotte, Michigan on June 23, 1902. She died on February 14, 1962 at Battle Creek, Michigan. Marjorie graduated from Western Michigan University in 1923 and was a school teacher.

    Clarence and Marjorie had one child.

    1. Beverly Marjorie Gruss was born at Battle Creek, Michigan. She attended Western Michigan University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in education. She taught kindergarten.

      Beverly married on August 11, 1951 at Battle Creek, Michigan to Donovan Llewllyn Royal, son of Donovan Emmett Royal and Ann Rachel Aldersen. He was born at Battle Creek, Michigan. Donovan attended Michigan State University, earning a degree in mortuary science. Prior to his retirement, he was a licensed funeral director.

      Beverly and Donovan have two children, both of whom were born in Battle Creek, Michigan.

      1. Donovan David Royal was born at Battle Creek, Michigan. He attended the University of Colorado, earning a Bachelor of Science degree. He received his Masters of Science degree from New School in New York. Donovan attended Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology at Yeshiva University in New York, New York earning his Doctorate of Psychology. He is a licensed psychologist by profession.

      2. Richard Lynn Royal was born at Battle Creek, Michigan. He attended the University of Colorado, earning a Bachelor of Science degree. He attended the New England Institute of Mortuary Science. Richard is a licensed funeral director and owner of Royal Funeral Home in Battle Creek, Michigan.

        Richard married on August 1, 1997 in Battle Creek, Michigan to Helen Coke.

        Richard and Helen have one child.

        • Hannah Elizabeth Royal was born at Battle Creek, Michigan.

Sources

  1. Letters from Linda Gruss dated March 6, 1983, March 9, 1983, March 12, 1983, May 9, 1983, April 28, 1983 and August 8, 1988.
  2. Letters from Richard Haugh dated April 29, 1983, August 22, 1984 and December 3, 1989.
  3. 1870 U.S. Federal Census for, Benton, Berrien, Michigan, Page 10, Dwelling 72, Family 72.
  4. 1880 U.S. Federal Census for, Benton Township, Berrien, Michigan, Page 21C, SD 1, ED 2, Dwelling 322, Family 322.
  5. 1880 U.S. Federal Census for, Muskegon, Ward 1, Muskegon, Michigan, Page 17A, SD 2, ED 192, Dwelling 160, Family 173.
  6. 1900 U.S. Federal Census for, Benton Township, Berrien, Michigan, Sheet 17B, SD 4, ED 58, Dwelling 390, Family 391.
  7. 1900 U.S. Federal Census for, Ward 4 of Battle Creek, Calhoun, Michigan, Sheet 7B, SD 3, ED 36, Dwelling 155, Family 163.
  8. 1910 U.S. Federal Census for, Benton Township, Berrien, Michigan, Sheet 19B, SD 4, ED 58, Dwelling 281, Family 285.
  9. 1910 U.S. Federal Census for, Battle Creek, Calhoun, Michigan, Sheet 14, SD 3, ED 42, Dwelling 340, Family 370.
  10. 1910 U.S. Federal Census for, Ward 3 of St. Joseph, Berrien, Michigan, Sheet 3B, SD 4, ED 20, Dwelling 43, Family 43 (814 Pine St.).
  11. 1910 U.S. Federal Census for, Lincoln Township, Berrien, Michigan, Sheet 1B, SD 4, ED 77, Dwelling 176, Family 178.
  12. 1910 U.S. Federal Census for Ward 4 of Charlotte, Eaton, Michigan, Sheet 11B, SD 3, ED 52, Dwelling 114, Family227 (312 Praire).
  13. 1920 U.S. Federal Census for, Lincoln Township, Berrien, Michigan, Sheet 8A, SD 4, ED 92, Dwelling 177, Family 178.
  14. 1920 U.S. Federal Census for, Benton Township, Berrien, Michigan, Sheet 8B, SD4, ED 74, Dwelling 10, Family 11 (950 Jennings).
  15. 1920 U.S. Federal Census for Ward 8 of Detroit, Wayne, Michigan, Sheet 2A, SD 145, ED 253, Dwelling 31, Family 535 (821 Trumbull Ave.).
  16. 1920 U.S. Federal Census for, Kalamzaoo Township, Kalamazoo, Michigan, Sheet 9A, SD 147, ED 184, Dwelling 30, Family 31.
  17. 1920 U.S. Federal Census for, Ward 3 of St. Joseph, Berrien, Michigan, Sheet 23B, SD 4, ED 107, Dwelling 443, Family 536 (814 Pine St.).
  18. 1930 U.S. Federal Census for, Royal Oak, Oakland, Michigan, Sheet 6B, SD 14, ED 63-104, Dwelling 137, Family 151.
  19. 1930 U.S. Federal Census for, Flint, Genesee, Michigan, Sheet 3B, SD 10, ED 25-70, Dwelling 55, Family56.
  20. 1930 U.S. Federal Census for, Benton Harbor, Ward 3, Berrien, Michigan, Sheet 6B, SD 12, ED 11-18, Dwelling 161, Family 162 (950 Jennings).
  21. 1930 U.S. Federal Census for Pemfield Township, Calhourn, Michigan, Sheet 8A, SD 16, ED 13-58, Dwelling 205, Family 207.
  22. 1930 U.S. Federal Census for Ward 4 of Charlotte, Eaton, Michigan, Sheet 6B, SD 13, ED 23-10, Dwelling 167, Family 183 (310 Johnson).
  23. Birth Registrations for Berrien County, Michigan at St. Joseph, Michigan for the year 1870.
  24. Marriage Registration for Berrien County, Michigan at St. Joseph, Michigan for the year 1893.
  25. Benton Harbor city directory for 1907.
  26. Death certificates for:
  27. Marriage certificate for Ernst Frederick Gruss and Carrie Hall.
  28. Death Registrations for Berrien County, Michigan at St. Joseph for the year 1896.
  29. Letter from Genevieve McCagherty, nee Gruss, dated March 6, 1983.
  30. Letters from Thomas Gruss dated December 30, 1985 and July 9, 1990.
  31. E-mails from Thomas Gruss received on October 11, 1999, March 21, 2000 and January 16, 2007.
  32. Undated letter from Janet Ann Cavanaugh nee Gruss.
  33. Letters from Beverly Royal, nee Gruss, dated April 28, 1983 and February 16, 1999.
  34. Carrie Gruss, nee Hall, personal notes on the Gruss and Hall families. (Copy in the possession of Harry LeRoy Gruss.)
  35. Letters from Laura Ann Haugh, nee Root, dated April 29, 1983, August 22, 1984 and December 3, 1984.
  36. Death Certificate for Herman Haugh.
  37. Letter from Cindy Haugh received on February 19, 1999.
  38. Letter from Carrie Parker received on February 11, 1999.
  39. Email from Cindy Haugh dated January 10, 2007.
  40. World War I draft registration card as found at http://www.ancestry.com for:
  41. Information posted at http://www.ancestry.com by Ms Ann Heisler.
  42. Michigan Death Index for the years 1971-1996 as found at http://www.ancestry.com.
  43. Social Security death index as found at http://www.ancestry.com.

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Written and Edited by Harry Gruss.
Revised February 20, 2008.

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