Peter was the son of Casper Grube and Sarah Sellers, who married circa 1834, likely in Pennsylvania where their first two children were born. I found five children for them, but there may have been more—Daniel S. (13 Sep 1835 PA), Peter Isaac (24 Oct 1836 PA – 29 Sep 1916), Sarah A. (c.1840 OH), Henry Samuel (1843 OH), and Hannah (3 Mar 1849 OH).
In December of 1835, the family moved from Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania to Akron, Summit Co., Ohio. I found a 1940 Census with Casper Grube listed as head of household. There were six members noted, their genders and ages matching Casper, Sarah and their children with the exception of a male between the ages of 10 and 14 that I couldn't account for.
Circa 1847, the family again relocated, this time to Indiana. I found them on the 1850 Census, living in the Plymouth area (mistakenly noted as "My Division"), Marshall Co., Indiana. Casper Grube (Kroop on the record), aged 41, was farming for a living. Sarah, aged 46, was home with their five children—Daniel, aged 15, Peter, aged 14, Sarah, aged 10, Henry, aged 7, and 1-year-old Hannah.
When the 1860 Census came around, they were living in West Township, which is the Donaldson area. Casper, aged 49, was noted as a farmer. Sarah, aged 56, was home with their four children--Daniel, aged 24, Peter, aged 23, Henry, aged 15, and Hannah, aged 11. Daughter Sarah had married John Seider on 24 Jul 1957 in Marshall County.
The spring following the census, the Civil War erupted. Peter Grube answered the call, serving with Co. F of the 73rd Indiana Infantry. He mustered in on 16 Aug 1862 with the rank of sergeant. He would muster out on 1 Jul 1865 as a private. (From: The Civil War Index) “This regiment was organized at South Bend and was mustered in Aug. 16, 1862. It left the state at once for Lexington, Ky., but moved to Louisville early in September. It was assigned to the 20th brigade, 6th division of Buell's army, and joined in the pursuit of Bragg. It was in reserve at Perryville and continued in pursuit of the enemy as far as Wild Cat. It returned to Glasgow, Ky., and moved thence to Gallatin, Tenn., where it surprised the enemy and drove him from the field, capturing 19 prisoners. The regiment marched into Nashville on Nov. 26, then proceeded to Lebanon, where it was in a skirmish, and moved with Rosecrans' army to Stone's river, which the regiment crossed on the evening of Dec. 29, in company with the 51st, being the first of the army to make the crossing. The 73d was compelled to recross the river under the fire of an entire division, and it was in sharp skirmishing on the 30th. On the 31st, its brigade double-quicked a mile and a half to reinforce the right wing which had been crowded back a distance of 2 miles, taking a position and engaging twice its numbers. It fought at close range for 20 minutes, losing more than one-third the number engaged, then charged and drove the force in its front from the field. The advance of a brigade on its flank compelled it to fall back a short distance, but the enemy's advance had been checked and the right wing saved. Rosecrans complimented the regiment in person after the battle. In these operations the regiment was under fire at the front for six days, and was so completely exhausted it was placed in reserve on Jan. 3, 1863. Its loss was 22 killed, 46 wounded, and 36 missing. It was assigned to Col. Streight's independent provisional brigade on Apr. 10, and accompanied it to Eastport, Miss., where it was mounted and moved to Tuscumbia, Ala., from which place it started on the raid into Georgia. At Day's gap this brigade, numbering 1,500, was attacked by 4,000 of Forrest's and Roddey's cavalry. The 73d, on the left flank, repulsed a fierce charge and the whole brigade then charged the enemy, driving him from the field. The enemy reformed during the day and made a second attack at Crooked creek, but was repulsed with a heavy loss. The brigade was again attacked at Blount's farm, the 73d bearing the brunt of the fight, and Col. Hathaway being killed. At Cedar bluffs, utterly exhausted, almost out of ammunition and surrounded, the brigade surrendered. The men were sent north on parole and later exchanged, but the officers were sent to prison. Returning to the field several months later, the regiment, under Maj. Wade, who had been released by the prison authorities, was placed on guard duty along the Louisville & Nashville railroad, with its headquarters at Triune. After several minor encounters with the enemy it was attached to the 1st brigade, 4th division, 20th corps, and during the summer of 1864, it defended Prospect, Tenn., against Wheeler's raid. It was ordered to Decatur, Ala., in Sept., 1864, and thence to Athens, which place it occupied and put in an excellent state for defense, including a bomb proof in the fort. In October, 4,000 of Buford's cavalry with 4 pieces of artillery, appeared and drove in the pickets, and next morning opened a heavy artillery fire, but inflicted no damage. A demand for the surrender of the fort was refused and the fight continued, the enemy being repulsed with heavy loss. The garrison numbered but 500. The regiment was ordered to Decatur to assist in the defense of that point, where the garrison of 5,000 held off Hood's army of 35,000 from Oct. 26 to 30, the enemy finally withdrawing. The winter was passed at Stevenson, Huntsville and Larkinsville on railroad guard duty, the regiment being engaged in numerous skirmishes, and it was mustered out at Nashville July 1, 1865. The recruits were transferred to the 29th Ind., serving with that regiment until it was mustered out. The original strength of the 73d was 1,020; gain by recruits, 149; total, 1,169. Loss by death, 229; desertion, 74; unaccounted for, 5.” After reading this account, I find it remarkable that Peter lived through the war, eventually returning home to his family.
The 1870 Census placed him back in West Township. Casper Grube, 60, was farming. Sarah, 66, was keeping house. Back living at home with her parents was daughter Hannah, aged 22, and 4-month-old son William Holem. Also there was Casper and Sarah’s granddaughter Margaret Seider, aged 10, the daughter of Sarah and John Seider. Where was Hannah’s husband? Where were Margaret’s parents? And where was son Peter? All good questions. All unanswered.
On 2 Jun 1875 in Marshall Co., Indiana, Peter married Irene Murphy, the daughter of David Murphy and Hannah Jones. On both the 1900 and the 1910 Census records, Irene would report having had eight children, only five that had survived to 1900. Those five were Charles Oscar (17 Sep 1875 – 23 Sep 1931, m. Emma E. Bohmer); Willie (William?) (b. 22 Nov 1878); Nellie Arvilla (5 Nov 1880 – 2 Jan 1953, m. Clarence Wilson in 1901, m. Edward Miller in 1907); Lillian “Lillie” Blanche (1 Apr 1885 – 9 Feb 1960, m. Ora Franklin Wright in 1903, m. Harvey Austin Shiffer sometime after 1908); and Carrie Irene (5 Aug 1888 – 16 Sep 1942, m. Ora Franklin Wright in 1908, m. Charles Edgar Wright in 1919). A family tree on Ancestry.com attributes these two infants to Peter and Irene: Cora Edith (7 Jul 1882 – 4 Mar 1883) and Frankie Orin (23 Jan 1888 – 26 Nov 1888). Their deaths preceded 1899 when Indiana began registering deaths, and though Marshall County’s cemeteries have been extensively photographed by dedicated Find-A-Grave volunteers, there are, as of yet, no memorials for these two children, so I was unable to confirm, but felt they were certainly worth mentioning.
The 1880 Census places the Grubes in Polk Twp., Marshall Co., Indiana, which is the Tyner area. Peter Grube, 43, was noted as a day laborer, likely doing farm labor. Irene, 32, was home with sons Charles, 4, and 1-year-old Willie.
On 20 Jan 1880, Peter lost his mother Sarah at age 75. He would lose his father the following year on 31 May 1881, aged 70.
Due to the lamentable loss of the 1890 Census, two decades would pass before researchers get a chance to check back in with their family. The 1900 Census showed that Peter and Irene had moved to Center Township, which is the Plymouth area of Marshall County. Peter, 63, was still actively farming. Irene, 53, reported that of the eight children she had brought into the world, only five had survived to that census year. Four of those children were still under her protective wing—Charles, 24 and helping with the family farm, Nellie, 19, Lillie, 15, and Carrie, 13.
There was quite a bit of drama in the decade following that 1900 Census. On Christmas Eve, 24 Dec 1903, Peter and Irene’s 18-year-old daughter Lillie married Ora Franklin Wright in Marshall County. Things were blissful at the beginning, but then the wheels went off the rails. (From: The Bremen Enquirer, Bremen, Indiana – Thu 03 Dec 1908 p. 1) “TALE OF TWO CITIES. Ora Wright of Plymouth Vicinity Arrested Monday Evening On Arrival in Bremen. CHARGE OF WIFE DESERTION. Accompanied By Sister-In-Law and Baggage—Taken to Plymouth By Sheriff Voreis. Ora Wright, of near Plymouth, charged with wife desertion, was arrested here Monday evening by Marshal Goss, on complaint of Wright’s father-in-law, Mr. Unger [should be Grube] also living near Plymouth. Wright left his home Monday afternoon and drove to the home of his wife’s parents, where his sister-in-law, Miss Carrie Grube, lives. He and the girl then drove to Plymouth, and hired a livery team and driver to bring them and baggage, consisting of a trunk and suit case, to Bremen. Shortly before their arrival the authorities were notified by Sheriff Vories [Voreis] to be on the watch and detain Wright upon his arrival. Just about dark the carriage and occupants drew up at the Garver livery barn, and before Wright could alight from the carriage Marshal Goss placed him under arrest and took him to the lock up. In a statement Wright avers that he was on his way to Syracuse to get a job and that his partner, Miss Grube, who is his wife’s sister, was going to Nappanee for a situation, and that they intended taking a morning train the next day out of town. It is alleged, however, that this was not the first excursion the two have taken, and that Mrs. Wright is fully justified in thinking her husband meant to desert her. Sheriff Voreis came here Tuesday morning and later took Wright to Plymouth, where he will have a preliminary hearing.” (The Weekly Republican, Plymouth, IN – Thu 3 Dec 1908 p. 1) “HAPPY ROMANCE IS SHATTERED. LILLIE B. WRIGHT GIVEN A DIVORCE FROM HER WAYWARD HUSBAND. Married Life Was Happy Until He Discovered His Affinity With Whom He Eloped. A long story, in which affinities, county jail, cruelty and abandonment figured, was concluded in the Marshall circuit court Saturday morning when Judge Bernetha granted Lillie B. Wright, a divorce from her husband, Ora F., and restored her maiden name Grube. After five years of wedded bliss, the husband found his soul mate in the person of his wife’s sister, … In just five days father-in-law who was none other than Peter I Grube, appeared at the bastille requesting an interview with his wayward son. It was granted. Grube started to rake Wright over the coals ‘I will send you to the penitentiary,’ said he. ‘G’wan and do it’ said Wright, ‘and I’ll warrant that you will soon follow men, you hypocritical xmzdr--, I know all about you.’ At once the two men grew confidential. Grube withdrew the charges against his son-in-law and even paid the costs, whiche were $13.50 in Justice Young’s court … Mrs. Wright was given a divorce on the grounds of cruel and inhuman treatment, abandonment and adultery. She says that she was married to Wright on Dec. 24, 1903, and lived with her husband until August 31, of this year, when he ran away with her younger sister. All of the parties lived a mile and a half north of this city.”
Three weeks after the divorce, Lillie’s ex-husband Ora and Lillie’s sister Carrie filed for a marriage license on Christmas Eve 24 Dec 1908. That date would have been his fifth wedding anniversary to Lillie. I can only imagine the rift this affair must have caused between Lillie and Carrie. In 1909, a newspaper clipping indicated that Lillie was attending business college in South Bend, Indiana. Lillie eventually moved to Los Angeles, married Harvey Austin Shiffer, and went into the real estate business. Things did not turn out for Carrie and Ora. Their marriage does not seem to have ever taken place. Ora Wright was arrested early in 1910 for stealing some shoes and a suit and pawning them. He was found guilty and was sentenced to from 1 to 8 years in the Jeffersonville Prison. Carrie moved on, marrying Charles Edgar Wright on 11 Apr 1919. In yet another twist, Charles was Ora’s older brother.
The crazy didn’t end. (The Weekly Republican, Plymouth, IN – 1 Jun 1905 p. 5) “Peter I. Grube was hit on the head by a hail stone while trying to care for his team in this city Monday. A hole was made in his hat and a gash cut in his head. He fell to the ground and was picked up unconscious but soon recovered and was able to be in the parade with other veterans on Tuesday afternoon.” Yikes! That must have been some hailstone!
As for Peter, the 1910 Census caught back up with him on the Michigan Road in Center Twp., Marshall Co., Indiana. Peter, 73, was still noted as a farmer. Irene, 63, again reported that only five of the eight children she had borne were still alive. Living with them was 8-year-old Herbert Arthur Wilson, identified as a grandson. Herbert was the son of Peter and Irene’s daughter Nellie and her first-husband Clarence E. Wilson. I don’t know what happened to Clarence, but Nellie had remarried, wedding Edward Miller on 17 Aug 1907, not taking Herbert with her.
Six years after that census, Peter died on 29 Sep 1916 at age 79. Wife Irene only lasted another year without her helpmate and companion, following him into the light on 25 Sep 1917 at age 71. Grandson Herbert appears to have at some point gone to live with his Aunt Lillie in Los Angeles.
In December of 1835, the family moved from Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania to Akron, Summit Co., Ohio. I found a 1940 Census with Casper Grube listed as head of household. There were six members noted, their genders and ages matching Casper, Sarah and their children with the exception of a male between the ages of 10 and 14 that I couldn't account for.
Circa 1847, the family again relocated, this time to Indiana. I found them on the 1850 Census, living in the Plymouth area (mistakenly noted as "My Division"), Marshall Co., Indiana. Casper Grube (Kroop on the record), aged 41, was farming for a living. Sarah, aged 46, was home with their five children—Daniel, aged 15, Peter, aged 14, Sarah, aged 10, Henry, aged 7, and 1-year-old Hannah.
When the 1860 Census came around, they were living in West Township, which is the Donaldson area. Casper, aged 49, was noted as a farmer. Sarah, aged 56, was home with their four children--Daniel, aged 24, Peter, aged 23, Henry, aged 15, and Hannah, aged 11. Daughter Sarah had married John Seider on 24 Jul 1957 in Marshall County.
The spring following the census, the Civil War erupted. Peter Grube answered the call, serving with Co. F of the 73rd Indiana Infantry. He mustered in on 16 Aug 1862 with the rank of sergeant. He would muster out on 1 Jul 1865 as a private. (From: The Civil War Index) “This regiment was organized at South Bend and was mustered in Aug. 16, 1862. It left the state at once for Lexington, Ky., but moved to Louisville early in September. It was assigned to the 20th brigade, 6th division of Buell's army, and joined in the pursuit of Bragg. It was in reserve at Perryville and continued in pursuit of the enemy as far as Wild Cat. It returned to Glasgow, Ky., and moved thence to Gallatin, Tenn., where it surprised the enemy and drove him from the field, capturing 19 prisoners. The regiment marched into Nashville on Nov. 26, then proceeded to Lebanon, where it was in a skirmish, and moved with Rosecrans' army to Stone's river, which the regiment crossed on the evening of Dec. 29, in company with the 51st, being the first of the army to make the crossing. The 73d was compelled to recross the river under the fire of an entire division, and it was in sharp skirmishing on the 30th. On the 31st, its brigade double-quicked a mile and a half to reinforce the right wing which had been crowded back a distance of 2 miles, taking a position and engaging twice its numbers. It fought at close range for 20 minutes, losing more than one-third the number engaged, then charged and drove the force in its front from the field. The advance of a brigade on its flank compelled it to fall back a short distance, but the enemy's advance had been checked and the right wing saved. Rosecrans complimented the regiment in person after the battle. In these operations the regiment was under fire at the front for six days, and was so completely exhausted it was placed in reserve on Jan. 3, 1863. Its loss was 22 killed, 46 wounded, and 36 missing. It was assigned to Col. Streight's independent provisional brigade on Apr. 10, and accompanied it to Eastport, Miss., where it was mounted and moved to Tuscumbia, Ala., from which place it started on the raid into Georgia. At Day's gap this brigade, numbering 1,500, was attacked by 4,000 of Forrest's and Roddey's cavalry. The 73d, on the left flank, repulsed a fierce charge and the whole brigade then charged the enemy, driving him from the field. The enemy reformed during the day and made a second attack at Crooked creek, but was repulsed with a heavy loss. The brigade was again attacked at Blount's farm, the 73d bearing the brunt of the fight, and Col. Hathaway being killed. At Cedar bluffs, utterly exhausted, almost out of ammunition and surrounded, the brigade surrendered. The men were sent north on parole and later exchanged, but the officers were sent to prison. Returning to the field several months later, the regiment, under Maj. Wade, who had been released by the prison authorities, was placed on guard duty along the Louisville & Nashville railroad, with its headquarters at Triune. After several minor encounters with the enemy it was attached to the 1st brigade, 4th division, 20th corps, and during the summer of 1864, it defended Prospect, Tenn., against Wheeler's raid. It was ordered to Decatur, Ala., in Sept., 1864, and thence to Athens, which place it occupied and put in an excellent state for defense, including a bomb proof in the fort. In October, 4,000 of Buford's cavalry with 4 pieces of artillery, appeared and drove in the pickets, and next morning opened a heavy artillery fire, but inflicted no damage. A demand for the surrender of the fort was refused and the fight continued, the enemy being repulsed with heavy loss. The garrison numbered but 500. The regiment was ordered to Decatur to assist in the defense of that point, where the garrison of 5,000 held off Hood's army of 35,000 from Oct. 26 to 30, the enemy finally withdrawing. The winter was passed at Stevenson, Huntsville and Larkinsville on railroad guard duty, the regiment being engaged in numerous skirmishes, and it was mustered out at Nashville July 1, 1865. The recruits were transferred to the 29th Ind., serving with that regiment until it was mustered out. The original strength of the 73d was 1,020; gain by recruits, 149; total, 1,169. Loss by death, 229; desertion, 74; unaccounted for, 5.” After reading this account, I find it remarkable that Peter lived through the war, eventually returning home to his family.
The 1870 Census placed him back in West Township. Casper Grube, 60, was farming. Sarah, 66, was keeping house. Back living at home with her parents was daughter Hannah, aged 22, and 4-month-old son William Holem. Also there was Casper and Sarah’s granddaughter Margaret Seider, aged 10, the daughter of Sarah and John Seider. Where was Hannah’s husband? Where were Margaret’s parents? And where was son Peter? All good questions. All unanswered.
On 2 Jun 1875 in Marshall Co., Indiana, Peter married Irene Murphy, the daughter of David Murphy and Hannah Jones. On both the 1900 and the 1910 Census records, Irene would report having had eight children, only five that had survived to 1900. Those five were Charles Oscar (17 Sep 1875 – 23 Sep 1931, m. Emma E. Bohmer); Willie (William?) (b. 22 Nov 1878); Nellie Arvilla (5 Nov 1880 – 2 Jan 1953, m. Clarence Wilson in 1901, m. Edward Miller in 1907); Lillian “Lillie” Blanche (1 Apr 1885 – 9 Feb 1960, m. Ora Franklin Wright in 1903, m. Harvey Austin Shiffer sometime after 1908); and Carrie Irene (5 Aug 1888 – 16 Sep 1942, m. Ora Franklin Wright in 1908, m. Charles Edgar Wright in 1919). A family tree on Ancestry.com attributes these two infants to Peter and Irene: Cora Edith (7 Jul 1882 – 4 Mar 1883) and Frankie Orin (23 Jan 1888 – 26 Nov 1888). Their deaths preceded 1899 when Indiana began registering deaths, and though Marshall County’s cemeteries have been extensively photographed by dedicated Find-A-Grave volunteers, there are, as of yet, no memorials for these two children, so I was unable to confirm, but felt they were certainly worth mentioning.
The 1880 Census places the Grubes in Polk Twp., Marshall Co., Indiana, which is the Tyner area. Peter Grube, 43, was noted as a day laborer, likely doing farm labor. Irene, 32, was home with sons Charles, 4, and 1-year-old Willie.
On 20 Jan 1880, Peter lost his mother Sarah at age 75. He would lose his father the following year on 31 May 1881, aged 70.
Due to the lamentable loss of the 1890 Census, two decades would pass before researchers get a chance to check back in with their family. The 1900 Census showed that Peter and Irene had moved to Center Township, which is the Plymouth area of Marshall County. Peter, 63, was still actively farming. Irene, 53, reported that of the eight children she had brought into the world, only five had survived to that census year. Four of those children were still under her protective wing—Charles, 24 and helping with the family farm, Nellie, 19, Lillie, 15, and Carrie, 13.
There was quite a bit of drama in the decade following that 1900 Census. On Christmas Eve, 24 Dec 1903, Peter and Irene’s 18-year-old daughter Lillie married Ora Franklin Wright in Marshall County. Things were blissful at the beginning, but then the wheels went off the rails. (From: The Bremen Enquirer, Bremen, Indiana – Thu 03 Dec 1908 p. 1) “TALE OF TWO CITIES. Ora Wright of Plymouth Vicinity Arrested Monday Evening On Arrival in Bremen. CHARGE OF WIFE DESERTION. Accompanied By Sister-In-Law and Baggage—Taken to Plymouth By Sheriff Voreis. Ora Wright, of near Plymouth, charged with wife desertion, was arrested here Monday evening by Marshal Goss, on complaint of Wright’s father-in-law, Mr. Unger [should be Grube] also living near Plymouth. Wright left his home Monday afternoon and drove to the home of his wife’s parents, where his sister-in-law, Miss Carrie Grube, lives. He and the girl then drove to Plymouth, and hired a livery team and driver to bring them and baggage, consisting of a trunk and suit case, to Bremen. Shortly before their arrival the authorities were notified by Sheriff Vories [Voreis] to be on the watch and detain Wright upon his arrival. Just about dark the carriage and occupants drew up at the Garver livery barn, and before Wright could alight from the carriage Marshal Goss placed him under arrest and took him to the lock up. In a statement Wright avers that he was on his way to Syracuse to get a job and that his partner, Miss Grube, who is his wife’s sister, was going to Nappanee for a situation, and that they intended taking a morning train the next day out of town. It is alleged, however, that this was not the first excursion the two have taken, and that Mrs. Wright is fully justified in thinking her husband meant to desert her. Sheriff Voreis came here Tuesday morning and later took Wright to Plymouth, where he will have a preliminary hearing.” (The Weekly Republican, Plymouth, IN – Thu 3 Dec 1908 p. 1) “HAPPY ROMANCE IS SHATTERED. LILLIE B. WRIGHT GIVEN A DIVORCE FROM HER WAYWARD HUSBAND. Married Life Was Happy Until He Discovered His Affinity With Whom He Eloped. A long story, in which affinities, county jail, cruelty and abandonment figured, was concluded in the Marshall circuit court Saturday morning when Judge Bernetha granted Lillie B. Wright, a divorce from her husband, Ora F., and restored her maiden name Grube. After five years of wedded bliss, the husband found his soul mate in the person of his wife’s sister, … In just five days father-in-law who was none other than Peter I Grube, appeared at the bastille requesting an interview with his wayward son. It was granted. Grube started to rake Wright over the coals ‘I will send you to the penitentiary,’ said he. ‘G’wan and do it’ said Wright, ‘and I’ll warrant that you will soon follow men, you hypocritical xmzdr--, I know all about you.’ At once the two men grew confidential. Grube withdrew the charges against his son-in-law and even paid the costs, whiche were $13.50 in Justice Young’s court … Mrs. Wright was given a divorce on the grounds of cruel and inhuman treatment, abandonment and adultery. She says that she was married to Wright on Dec. 24, 1903, and lived with her husband until August 31, of this year, when he ran away with her younger sister. All of the parties lived a mile and a half north of this city.”
Three weeks after the divorce, Lillie’s ex-husband Ora and Lillie’s sister Carrie filed for a marriage license on Christmas Eve 24 Dec 1908. That date would have been his fifth wedding anniversary to Lillie. I can only imagine the rift this affair must have caused between Lillie and Carrie. In 1909, a newspaper clipping indicated that Lillie was attending business college in South Bend, Indiana. Lillie eventually moved to Los Angeles, married Harvey Austin Shiffer, and went into the real estate business. Things did not turn out for Carrie and Ora. Their marriage does not seem to have ever taken place. Ora Wright was arrested early in 1910 for stealing some shoes and a suit and pawning them. He was found guilty and was sentenced to from 1 to 8 years in the Jeffersonville Prison. Carrie moved on, marrying Charles Edgar Wright on 11 Apr 1919. In yet another twist, Charles was Ora’s older brother.
The crazy didn’t end. (The Weekly Republican, Plymouth, IN – 1 Jun 1905 p. 5) “Peter I. Grube was hit on the head by a hail stone while trying to care for his team in this city Monday. A hole was made in his hat and a gash cut in his head. He fell to the ground and was picked up unconscious but soon recovered and was able to be in the parade with other veterans on Tuesday afternoon.” Yikes! That must have been some hailstone!
As for Peter, the 1910 Census caught back up with him on the Michigan Road in Center Twp., Marshall Co., Indiana. Peter, 73, was still noted as a farmer. Irene, 63, again reported that only five of the eight children she had borne were still alive. Living with them was 8-year-old Herbert Arthur Wilson, identified as a grandson. Herbert was the son of Peter and Irene’s daughter Nellie and her first-husband Clarence E. Wilson. I don’t know what happened to Clarence, but Nellie had remarried, wedding Edward Miller on 17 Aug 1907, not taking Herbert with her.
Six years after that census, Peter died on 29 Sep 1916 at age 79. Wife Irene only lasted another year without her helpmate and companion, following him into the light on 25 Sep 1917 at age 71. Grandson Herbert appears to have at some point gone to live with his Aunt Lillie in Los Angeles.
Peter was the son of Casper Grube and Sarah Sellers, who married circa 1834, likely in Pennsylvania where their first two children were born. I found five children for them, but there may have been more—Daniel S. (13 Sep 1835 PA), Peter Isaac (24 Oct 1836 PA – 29 Sep 1916), Sarah A. (c.1840 OH), Henry Samuel (1843 OH), and Hannah (3 Mar 1849 OH).
In December of 1835, the family moved from Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania to Akron, Summit Co., Ohio. I found a 1940 Census with Casper Grube listed as head of household. There were six members noted, their genders and ages matching Casper, Sarah and their children with the exception of a male between the ages of 10 and 14 that I couldn't account for.
Circa 1847, the family again relocated, this time to Indiana. I found them on the 1850 Census, living in the Plymouth area (mistakenly noted as "My Division"), Marshall Co., Indiana. Casper Grube (Kroop on the record), aged 41, was farming for a living. Sarah, aged 46, was home with their five children—Daniel, aged 15, Peter, aged 14, Sarah, aged 10, Henry, aged 7, and 1-year-old Hannah.
When the 1860 Census came around, they were living in West Township, which is the Donaldson area. Casper, aged 49, was noted as a farmer. Sarah, aged 56, was home with their four children--Daniel, aged 24, Peter, aged 23, Henry, aged 15, and Hannah, aged 11. Daughter Sarah had married John Seider on 24 Jul 1957 in Marshall County.
The spring following the census, the Civil War erupted. Peter Grube answered the call, serving with Co. F of the 73rd Indiana Infantry. He mustered in on 16 Aug 1862 with the rank of sergeant. He would muster out on 1 Jul 1865 as a private. (From: The Civil War Index) “This regiment was organized at South Bend and was mustered in Aug. 16, 1862. It left the state at once for Lexington, Ky., but moved to Louisville early in September. It was assigned to the 20th brigade, 6th division of Buell's army, and joined in the pursuit of Bragg. It was in reserve at Perryville and continued in pursuit of the enemy as far as Wild Cat. It returned to Glasgow, Ky., and moved thence to Gallatin, Tenn., where it surprised the enemy and drove him from the field, capturing 19 prisoners. The regiment marched into Nashville on Nov. 26, then proceeded to Lebanon, where it was in a skirmish, and moved with Rosecrans' army to Stone's river, which the regiment crossed on the evening of Dec. 29, in company with the 51st, being the first of the army to make the crossing. The 73d was compelled to recross the river under the fire of an entire division, and it was in sharp skirmishing on the 30th. On the 31st, its brigade double-quicked a mile and a half to reinforce the right wing which had been crowded back a distance of 2 miles, taking a position and engaging twice its numbers. It fought at close range for 20 minutes, losing more than one-third the number engaged, then charged and drove the force in its front from the field. The advance of a brigade on its flank compelled it to fall back a short distance, but the enemy's advance had been checked and the right wing saved. Rosecrans complimented the regiment in person after the battle. In these operations the regiment was under fire at the front for six days, and was so completely exhausted it was placed in reserve on Jan. 3, 1863. Its loss was 22 killed, 46 wounded, and 36 missing. It was assigned to Col. Streight's independent provisional brigade on Apr. 10, and accompanied it to Eastport, Miss., where it was mounted and moved to Tuscumbia, Ala., from which place it started on the raid into Georgia. At Day's gap this brigade, numbering 1,500, was attacked by 4,000 of Forrest's and Roddey's cavalry. The 73d, on the left flank, repulsed a fierce charge and the whole brigade then charged the enemy, driving him from the field. The enemy reformed during the day and made a second attack at Crooked creek, but was repulsed with a heavy loss. The brigade was again attacked at Blount's farm, the 73d bearing the brunt of the fight, and Col. Hathaway being killed. At Cedar bluffs, utterly exhausted, almost out of ammunition and surrounded, the brigade surrendered. The men were sent north on parole and later exchanged, but the officers were sent to prison. Returning to the field several months later, the regiment, under Maj. Wade, who had been released by the prison authorities, was placed on guard duty along the Louisville & Nashville railroad, with its headquarters at Triune. After several minor encounters with the enemy it was attached to the 1st brigade, 4th division, 20th corps, and during the summer of 1864, it defended Prospect, Tenn., against Wheeler's raid. It was ordered to Decatur, Ala., in Sept., 1864, and thence to Athens, which place it occupied and put in an excellent state for defense, including a bomb proof in the fort. In October, 4,000 of Buford's cavalry with 4 pieces of artillery, appeared and drove in the pickets, and next morning opened a heavy artillery fire, but inflicted no damage. A demand for the surrender of the fort was refused and the fight continued, the enemy being repulsed with heavy loss. The garrison numbered but 500. The regiment was ordered to Decatur to assist in the defense of that point, where the garrison of 5,000 held off Hood's army of 35,000 from Oct. 26 to 30, the enemy finally withdrawing. The winter was passed at Stevenson, Huntsville and Larkinsville on railroad guard duty, the regiment being engaged in numerous skirmishes, and it was mustered out at Nashville July 1, 1865. The recruits were transferred to the 29th Ind., serving with that regiment until it was mustered out. The original strength of the 73d was 1,020; gain by recruits, 149; total, 1,169. Loss by death, 229; desertion, 74; unaccounted for, 5.” After reading this account, I find it remarkable that Peter lived through the war, eventually returning home to his family.
The 1870 Census placed him back in West Township. Casper Grube, 60, was farming. Sarah, 66, was keeping house. Back living at home with her parents was daughter Hannah, aged 22, and 4-month-old son William Holem. Also there was Casper and Sarah’s granddaughter Margaret Seider, aged 10, the daughter of Sarah and John Seider. Where was Hannah’s husband? Where were Margaret’s parents? And where was son Peter? All good questions. All unanswered.
On 2 Jun 1875 in Marshall Co., Indiana, Peter married Irene Murphy, the daughter of David Murphy and Hannah Jones. On both the 1900 and the 1910 Census records, Irene would report having had eight children, only five that had survived to 1900. Those five were Charles Oscar (17 Sep 1875 – 23 Sep 1931, m. Emma E. Bohmer); Willie (William?) (b. 22 Nov 1878); Nellie Arvilla (5 Nov 1880 – 2 Jan 1953, m. Clarence Wilson in 1901, m. Edward Miller in 1907); Lillian “Lillie” Blanche (1 Apr 1885 – 9 Feb 1960, m. Ora Franklin Wright in 1903, m. Harvey Austin Shiffer sometime after 1908); and Carrie Irene (5 Aug 1888 – 16 Sep 1942, m. Ora Franklin Wright in 1908, m. Charles Edgar Wright in 1919). A family tree on Ancestry.com attributes these two infants to Peter and Irene: Cora Edith (7 Jul 1882 – 4 Mar 1883) and Frankie Orin (23 Jan 1888 – 26 Nov 1888). Their deaths preceded 1899 when Indiana began registering deaths, and though Marshall County’s cemeteries have been extensively photographed by dedicated Find-A-Grave volunteers, there are, as of yet, no memorials for these two children, so I was unable to confirm, but felt they were certainly worth mentioning.
The 1880 Census places the Grubes in Polk Twp., Marshall Co., Indiana, which is the Tyner area. Peter Grube, 43, was noted as a day laborer, likely doing farm labor. Irene, 32, was home with sons Charles, 4, and 1-year-old Willie.
On 20 Jan 1880, Peter lost his mother Sarah at age 75. He would lose his father the following year on 31 May 1881, aged 70.
Due to the lamentable loss of the 1890 Census, two decades would pass before researchers get a chance to check back in with their family. The 1900 Census showed that Peter and Irene had moved to Center Township, which is the Plymouth area of Marshall County. Peter, 63, was still actively farming. Irene, 53, reported that of the eight children she had brought into the world, only five had survived to that census year. Four of those children were still under her protective wing—Charles, 24 and helping with the family farm, Nellie, 19, Lillie, 15, and Carrie, 13.
There was quite a bit of drama in the decade following that 1900 Census. On Christmas Eve, 24 Dec 1903, Peter and Irene’s 18-year-old daughter Lillie married Ora Franklin Wright in Marshall County. Things were blissful at the beginning, but then the wheels went off the rails. (From: The Bremen Enquirer, Bremen, Indiana – Thu 03 Dec 1908 p. 1) “TALE OF TWO CITIES. Ora Wright of Plymouth Vicinity Arrested Monday Evening On Arrival in Bremen. CHARGE OF WIFE DESERTION. Accompanied By Sister-In-Law and Baggage—Taken to Plymouth By Sheriff Voreis. Ora Wright, of near Plymouth, charged with wife desertion, was arrested here Monday evening by Marshal Goss, on complaint of Wright’s father-in-law, Mr. Unger [should be Grube] also living near Plymouth. Wright left his home Monday afternoon and drove to the home of his wife’s parents, where his sister-in-law, Miss Carrie Grube, lives. He and the girl then drove to Plymouth, and hired a livery team and driver to bring them and baggage, consisting of a trunk and suit case, to Bremen. Shortly before their arrival the authorities were notified by Sheriff Vories [Voreis] to be on the watch and detain Wright upon his arrival. Just about dark the carriage and occupants drew up at the Garver livery barn, and before Wright could alight from the carriage Marshal Goss placed him under arrest and took him to the lock up. In a statement Wright avers that he was on his way to Syracuse to get a job and that his partner, Miss Grube, who is his wife’s sister, was going to Nappanee for a situation, and that they intended taking a morning train the next day out of town. It is alleged, however, that this was not the first excursion the two have taken, and that Mrs. Wright is fully justified in thinking her husband meant to desert her. Sheriff Voreis came here Tuesday morning and later took Wright to Plymouth, where he will have a preliminary hearing.” (The Weekly Republican, Plymouth, IN – Thu 3 Dec 1908 p. 1) “HAPPY ROMANCE IS SHATTERED. LILLIE B. WRIGHT GIVEN A DIVORCE FROM HER WAYWARD HUSBAND. Married Life Was Happy Until He Discovered His Affinity With Whom He Eloped. A long story, in which affinities, county jail, cruelty and abandonment figured, was concluded in the Marshall circuit court Saturday morning when Judge Bernetha granted Lillie B. Wright, a divorce from her husband, Ora F., and restored her maiden name Grube. After five years of wedded bliss, the husband found his soul mate in the person of his wife’s sister, … In just five days father-in-law who was none other than Peter I Grube, appeared at the bastille requesting an interview with his wayward son. It was granted. Grube started to rake Wright over the coals ‘I will send you to the penitentiary,’ said he. ‘G’wan and do it’ said Wright, ‘and I’ll warrant that you will soon follow men, you hypocritical xmzdr--, I know all about you.’ At once the two men grew confidential. Grube withdrew the charges against his son-in-law and even paid the costs, whiche were $13.50 in Justice Young’s court … Mrs. Wright was given a divorce on the grounds of cruel and inhuman treatment, abandonment and adultery. She says that she was married to Wright on Dec. 24, 1903, and lived with her husband until August 31, of this year, when he ran away with her younger sister. All of the parties lived a mile and a half north of this city.”
Three weeks after the divorce, Lillie’s ex-husband Ora and Lillie’s sister Carrie filed for a marriage license on Christmas Eve 24 Dec 1908. That date would have been his fifth wedding anniversary to Lillie. I can only imagine the rift this affair must have caused between Lillie and Carrie. In 1909, a newspaper clipping indicated that Lillie was attending business college in South Bend, Indiana. Lillie eventually moved to Los Angeles, married Harvey Austin Shiffer, and went into the real estate business. Things did not turn out for Carrie and Ora. Their marriage does not seem to have ever taken place. Ora Wright was arrested early in 1910 for stealing some shoes and a suit and pawning them. He was found guilty and was sentenced to from 1 to 8 years in the Jeffersonville Prison. Carrie moved on, marrying Charles Edgar Wright on 11 Apr 1919. In yet another twist, Charles was Ora’s older brother.
The crazy didn’t end. (The Weekly Republican, Plymouth, IN – 1 Jun 1905 p. 5) “Peter I. Grube was hit on the head by a hail stone while trying to care for his team in this city Monday. A hole was made in his hat and a gash cut in his head. He fell to the ground and was picked up unconscious but soon recovered and was able to be in the parade with other veterans on Tuesday afternoon.” Yikes! That must have been some hailstone!
As for Peter, the 1910 Census caught back up with him on the Michigan Road in Center Twp., Marshall Co., Indiana. Peter, 73, was still noted as a farmer. Irene, 63, again reported that only five of the eight children she had borne were still alive. Living with them was 8-year-old Herbert Arthur Wilson, identified as a grandson. Herbert was the son of Peter and Irene’s daughter Nellie and her first-husband Clarence E. Wilson. I don’t know what happened to Clarence, but Nellie had remarried, wedding Edward Miller on 17 Aug 1907, not taking Herbert with her.
Six years after that census, Peter died on 29 Sep 1916 at age 79. Wife Irene only lasted another year without her helpmate and companion, following him into the light on 25 Sep 1917 at age 71. Grandson Herbert appears to have at some point gone to live with his Aunt Lillie in Los Angeles.
In December of 1835, the family moved from Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania to Akron, Summit Co., Ohio. I found a 1940 Census with Casper Grube listed as head of household. There were six members noted, their genders and ages matching Casper, Sarah and their children with the exception of a male between the ages of 10 and 14 that I couldn't account for.
Circa 1847, the family again relocated, this time to Indiana. I found them on the 1850 Census, living in the Plymouth area (mistakenly noted as "My Division"), Marshall Co., Indiana. Casper Grube (Kroop on the record), aged 41, was farming for a living. Sarah, aged 46, was home with their five children—Daniel, aged 15, Peter, aged 14, Sarah, aged 10, Henry, aged 7, and 1-year-old Hannah.
When the 1860 Census came around, they were living in West Township, which is the Donaldson area. Casper, aged 49, was noted as a farmer. Sarah, aged 56, was home with their four children--Daniel, aged 24, Peter, aged 23, Henry, aged 15, and Hannah, aged 11. Daughter Sarah had married John Seider on 24 Jul 1957 in Marshall County.
The spring following the census, the Civil War erupted. Peter Grube answered the call, serving with Co. F of the 73rd Indiana Infantry. He mustered in on 16 Aug 1862 with the rank of sergeant. He would muster out on 1 Jul 1865 as a private. (From: The Civil War Index) “This regiment was organized at South Bend and was mustered in Aug. 16, 1862. It left the state at once for Lexington, Ky., but moved to Louisville early in September. It was assigned to the 20th brigade, 6th division of Buell's army, and joined in the pursuit of Bragg. It was in reserve at Perryville and continued in pursuit of the enemy as far as Wild Cat. It returned to Glasgow, Ky., and moved thence to Gallatin, Tenn., where it surprised the enemy and drove him from the field, capturing 19 prisoners. The regiment marched into Nashville on Nov. 26, then proceeded to Lebanon, where it was in a skirmish, and moved with Rosecrans' army to Stone's river, which the regiment crossed on the evening of Dec. 29, in company with the 51st, being the first of the army to make the crossing. The 73d was compelled to recross the river under the fire of an entire division, and it was in sharp skirmishing on the 30th. On the 31st, its brigade double-quicked a mile and a half to reinforce the right wing which had been crowded back a distance of 2 miles, taking a position and engaging twice its numbers. It fought at close range for 20 minutes, losing more than one-third the number engaged, then charged and drove the force in its front from the field. The advance of a brigade on its flank compelled it to fall back a short distance, but the enemy's advance had been checked and the right wing saved. Rosecrans complimented the regiment in person after the battle. In these operations the regiment was under fire at the front for six days, and was so completely exhausted it was placed in reserve on Jan. 3, 1863. Its loss was 22 killed, 46 wounded, and 36 missing. It was assigned to Col. Streight's independent provisional brigade on Apr. 10, and accompanied it to Eastport, Miss., where it was mounted and moved to Tuscumbia, Ala., from which place it started on the raid into Georgia. At Day's gap this brigade, numbering 1,500, was attacked by 4,000 of Forrest's and Roddey's cavalry. The 73d, on the left flank, repulsed a fierce charge and the whole brigade then charged the enemy, driving him from the field. The enemy reformed during the day and made a second attack at Crooked creek, but was repulsed with a heavy loss. The brigade was again attacked at Blount's farm, the 73d bearing the brunt of the fight, and Col. Hathaway being killed. At Cedar bluffs, utterly exhausted, almost out of ammunition and surrounded, the brigade surrendered. The men were sent north on parole and later exchanged, but the officers were sent to prison. Returning to the field several months later, the regiment, under Maj. Wade, who had been released by the prison authorities, was placed on guard duty along the Louisville & Nashville railroad, with its headquarters at Triune. After several minor encounters with the enemy it was attached to the 1st brigade, 4th division, 20th corps, and during the summer of 1864, it defended Prospect, Tenn., against Wheeler's raid. It was ordered to Decatur, Ala., in Sept., 1864, and thence to Athens, which place it occupied and put in an excellent state for defense, including a bomb proof in the fort. In October, 4,000 of Buford's cavalry with 4 pieces of artillery, appeared and drove in the pickets, and next morning opened a heavy artillery fire, but inflicted no damage. A demand for the surrender of the fort was refused and the fight continued, the enemy being repulsed with heavy loss. The garrison numbered but 500. The regiment was ordered to Decatur to assist in the defense of that point, where the garrison of 5,000 held off Hood's army of 35,000 from Oct. 26 to 30, the enemy finally withdrawing. The winter was passed at Stevenson, Huntsville and Larkinsville on railroad guard duty, the regiment being engaged in numerous skirmishes, and it was mustered out at Nashville July 1, 1865. The recruits were transferred to the 29th Ind., serving with that regiment until it was mustered out. The original strength of the 73d was 1,020; gain by recruits, 149; total, 1,169. Loss by death, 229; desertion, 74; unaccounted for, 5.” After reading this account, I find it remarkable that Peter lived through the war, eventually returning home to his family.
The 1870 Census placed him back in West Township. Casper Grube, 60, was farming. Sarah, 66, was keeping house. Back living at home with her parents was daughter Hannah, aged 22, and 4-month-old son William Holem. Also there was Casper and Sarah’s granddaughter Margaret Seider, aged 10, the daughter of Sarah and John Seider. Where was Hannah’s husband? Where were Margaret’s parents? And where was son Peter? All good questions. All unanswered.
On 2 Jun 1875 in Marshall Co., Indiana, Peter married Irene Murphy, the daughter of David Murphy and Hannah Jones. On both the 1900 and the 1910 Census records, Irene would report having had eight children, only five that had survived to 1900. Those five were Charles Oscar (17 Sep 1875 – 23 Sep 1931, m. Emma E. Bohmer); Willie (William?) (b. 22 Nov 1878); Nellie Arvilla (5 Nov 1880 – 2 Jan 1953, m. Clarence Wilson in 1901, m. Edward Miller in 1907); Lillian “Lillie” Blanche (1 Apr 1885 – 9 Feb 1960, m. Ora Franklin Wright in 1903, m. Harvey Austin Shiffer sometime after 1908); and Carrie Irene (5 Aug 1888 – 16 Sep 1942, m. Ora Franklin Wright in 1908, m. Charles Edgar Wright in 1919). A family tree on Ancestry.com attributes these two infants to Peter and Irene: Cora Edith (7 Jul 1882 – 4 Mar 1883) and Frankie Orin (23 Jan 1888 – 26 Nov 1888). Their deaths preceded 1899 when Indiana began registering deaths, and though Marshall County’s cemeteries have been extensively photographed by dedicated Find-A-Grave volunteers, there are, as of yet, no memorials for these two children, so I was unable to confirm, but felt they were certainly worth mentioning.
The 1880 Census places the Grubes in Polk Twp., Marshall Co., Indiana, which is the Tyner area. Peter Grube, 43, was noted as a day laborer, likely doing farm labor. Irene, 32, was home with sons Charles, 4, and 1-year-old Willie.
On 20 Jan 1880, Peter lost his mother Sarah at age 75. He would lose his father the following year on 31 May 1881, aged 70.
Due to the lamentable loss of the 1890 Census, two decades would pass before researchers get a chance to check back in with their family. The 1900 Census showed that Peter and Irene had moved to Center Township, which is the Plymouth area of Marshall County. Peter, 63, was still actively farming. Irene, 53, reported that of the eight children she had brought into the world, only five had survived to that census year. Four of those children were still under her protective wing—Charles, 24 and helping with the family farm, Nellie, 19, Lillie, 15, and Carrie, 13.
There was quite a bit of drama in the decade following that 1900 Census. On Christmas Eve, 24 Dec 1903, Peter and Irene’s 18-year-old daughter Lillie married Ora Franklin Wright in Marshall County. Things were blissful at the beginning, but then the wheels went off the rails. (From: The Bremen Enquirer, Bremen, Indiana – Thu 03 Dec 1908 p. 1) “TALE OF TWO CITIES. Ora Wright of Plymouth Vicinity Arrested Monday Evening On Arrival in Bremen. CHARGE OF WIFE DESERTION. Accompanied By Sister-In-Law and Baggage—Taken to Plymouth By Sheriff Voreis. Ora Wright, of near Plymouth, charged with wife desertion, was arrested here Monday evening by Marshal Goss, on complaint of Wright’s father-in-law, Mr. Unger [should be Grube] also living near Plymouth. Wright left his home Monday afternoon and drove to the home of his wife’s parents, where his sister-in-law, Miss Carrie Grube, lives. He and the girl then drove to Plymouth, and hired a livery team and driver to bring them and baggage, consisting of a trunk and suit case, to Bremen. Shortly before their arrival the authorities were notified by Sheriff Vories [Voreis] to be on the watch and detain Wright upon his arrival. Just about dark the carriage and occupants drew up at the Garver livery barn, and before Wright could alight from the carriage Marshal Goss placed him under arrest and took him to the lock up. In a statement Wright avers that he was on his way to Syracuse to get a job and that his partner, Miss Grube, who is his wife’s sister, was going to Nappanee for a situation, and that they intended taking a morning train the next day out of town. It is alleged, however, that this was not the first excursion the two have taken, and that Mrs. Wright is fully justified in thinking her husband meant to desert her. Sheriff Voreis came here Tuesday morning and later took Wright to Plymouth, where he will have a preliminary hearing.” (The Weekly Republican, Plymouth, IN – Thu 3 Dec 1908 p. 1) “HAPPY ROMANCE IS SHATTERED. LILLIE B. WRIGHT GIVEN A DIVORCE FROM HER WAYWARD HUSBAND. Married Life Was Happy Until He Discovered His Affinity With Whom He Eloped. A long story, in which affinities, county jail, cruelty and abandonment figured, was concluded in the Marshall circuit court Saturday morning when Judge Bernetha granted Lillie B. Wright, a divorce from her husband, Ora F., and restored her maiden name Grube. After five years of wedded bliss, the husband found his soul mate in the person of his wife’s sister, … In just five days father-in-law who was none other than Peter I Grube, appeared at the bastille requesting an interview with his wayward son. It was granted. Grube started to rake Wright over the coals ‘I will send you to the penitentiary,’ said he. ‘G’wan and do it’ said Wright, ‘and I’ll warrant that you will soon follow men, you hypocritical xmzdr--, I know all about you.’ At once the two men grew confidential. Grube withdrew the charges against his son-in-law and even paid the costs, whiche were $13.50 in Justice Young’s court … Mrs. Wright was given a divorce on the grounds of cruel and inhuman treatment, abandonment and adultery. She says that she was married to Wright on Dec. 24, 1903, and lived with her husband until August 31, of this year, when he ran away with her younger sister. All of the parties lived a mile and a half north of this city.”
Three weeks after the divorce, Lillie’s ex-husband Ora and Lillie’s sister Carrie filed for a marriage license on Christmas Eve 24 Dec 1908. That date would have been his fifth wedding anniversary to Lillie. I can only imagine the rift this affair must have caused between Lillie and Carrie. In 1909, a newspaper clipping indicated that Lillie was attending business college in South Bend, Indiana. Lillie eventually moved to Los Angeles, married Harvey Austin Shiffer, and went into the real estate business. Things did not turn out for Carrie and Ora. Their marriage does not seem to have ever taken place. Ora Wright was arrested early in 1910 for stealing some shoes and a suit and pawning them. He was found guilty and was sentenced to from 1 to 8 years in the Jeffersonville Prison. Carrie moved on, marrying Charles Edgar Wright on 11 Apr 1919. In yet another twist, Charles was Ora’s older brother.
The crazy didn’t end. (The Weekly Republican, Plymouth, IN – 1 Jun 1905 p. 5) “Peter I. Grube was hit on the head by a hail stone while trying to care for his team in this city Monday. A hole was made in his hat and a gash cut in his head. He fell to the ground and was picked up unconscious but soon recovered and was able to be in the parade with other veterans on Tuesday afternoon.” Yikes! That must have been some hailstone!
As for Peter, the 1910 Census caught back up with him on the Michigan Road in Center Twp., Marshall Co., Indiana. Peter, 73, was still noted as a farmer. Irene, 63, again reported that only five of the eight children she had borne were still alive. Living with them was 8-year-old Herbert Arthur Wilson, identified as a grandson. Herbert was the son of Peter and Irene’s daughter Nellie and her first-husband Clarence E. Wilson. I don’t know what happened to Clarence, but Nellie had remarried, wedding Edward Miller on 17 Aug 1907, not taking Herbert with her.
Six years after that census, Peter died on 29 Sep 1916 at age 79. Wife Irene only lasted another year without her helpmate and companion, following him into the light on 25 Sep 1917 at age 71. Grandson Herbert appears to have at some point gone to live with his Aunt Lillie in Los Angeles.
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