Source: New Salem, 1883-1983 - Page 298

Fritz Grube, Sr. Family
Fritz Grube, Sr., was born in Germany, Sept. 2, 1848. At the age of 16 years he crossed the Atlantic ocean on a sailing vessel. The trip took 6 weeks before he landed in a Texas harbor. Young Grube had a sister living in Texas where at first he visited and stayed for a while. Later he moved to Okawville, Illinois. There he married Elizabeth Rondoll. They farmed for a few years in that area, and then in 1887 moved to New Salem. N. Dak. The original Grube farm is located 7 miles northwest of New Salem. Mr. and Mrs. Grube, Sr., were parents of 11 children, 7 of them are living. Mrs. Fritz Grube Sr. passed away in the year 1908, and Fritz Grube Sr. in the year 1933.

Source: Morton Prairie Roots, by Marion Plath Peterson. 1975 - page 382

Fritz Grube Family
Fritz Grube Sr. was born in Germany Sept. 2, 1848, came to America at age 16 on a sailing vessel and landed in a Texas harbor, to see his sister. While working around Okawville, Ill., he met Elizabeth Rondoll. They were soon married and farmed in that area for several years. Six children were born in Okawville, Katherine Oct. 4, 1877, William in 1879, who died in infancy, Elizabeth Aug. 22, 1881, Anna, May 14, 1883, Mary in 1885, who died in infancy and Mary Feb. 13, 1887.
Through the Evangelical Church of North America the Grubes heard of the unbroken prairies in the Dakota Territory, which could be owned through the Homestead Act. Friends, the Heids, and Tellmans wrote back to Ill. telling of the wonderful New Salem settlement. In the spring of 1888, Fritz loaded their household goods, farming equipment, 1 horse, 1 mule and a cow into a boxcar, bought his wife and children tickets for the passenger car and made the long move to Salem. For two years they rented land from Mr. Heid, 1 1/2 miles north of town. When possible Katherine and Elizabeth walked into town for their schooling. Here Fred Jr. was born April 30, 1889.
In the fall the family moved 5 miles west of New Salem to their quarter of land which they would improve for ownership through the Homestead Act. Here in the northwest corner of the quarter a house was erected partly a dugout. It contained a small bedroom just large enough for the bed, clothes chest, and cradle. All homes, even though small, had a sitting room or parlor and so did they. The children's bed was in the kitchen beside the range. Here Katherine, Elizabeth, Anna and Mary slept. Elizabeth and Anna took turns sleeping at the foot of the bed. How fortunate on a cold winter day when they had only to open the door to the granary and walk on through into the barn. For the house, granary and barn were all built together into one long building. On this place Christine was born in 1891. Two years later George arrived March 15, 1893. During this time more land was acquired through a Timber Claim. This quarter was directly northwest of the homestead land. Here a new wooden two story house was constructed and a family farm soon began. On March 19, 1895 daughter Louise arrived, the first child born in the new house. Two years later Margaret was born July 29, 1897.
Mr. Grube was one of the many who helped fortify Moltzen Hill and train in case of Indian attacks. In 1890 rifles were issued and they left to help ward off the Indian uprising. Much to the relief of Mrs. Grube and children, he soon returned as Sitting Bull was killed. Mr. Grube's other gun was a muzzle loading rifle with which he was never able to kill a buffalo. Meat was scarce and the children yearned for a taste of buffalo, but rabbit was plentiful.
In the new home, the children grew to adults. Four weddings were held, Katherine's, Anna's, Mary's and Elizabeth's. Many grandchildren were christened and their parents passed away. Mrs. Grube in 1908 at the age of 52. Mr. Grube in 1933 at the age of 85.
Young Fred married Rena Buckland and they made their home with Fritz Sr. for several years. Later they built up their own farm directly south of the dugout home. Here he passed away. George remained on the home place until the Interstate highway bought the homesite. He then moved the house into New Salem and lived there until his death in March 19, 1969. In this year of 1975, only three children remain. Elizabeth (Mrs. Sherman Kisner) age 94 of Bloomfield, Nebr. Louise (Mrs. George Muse) age 80 of Santa Monica, Calif. Margaret unmarried, age 78 of Onamia, Minn. Fred's wife Rena and many descendants.