I realize your post was just about a year ago, but am wondering if you received the answers you were looking for regarding Valentine Gross? Valentine is my Great-Great Grandfather. My Great Grandfather is Otis Gross. If you have information regarding his birth place(Germany I know, but would like to know a town)or arrival in the United States I would really love to get this information. Based on census data, his place of birth is inconsistent. I'm not sure if that is the census takers inaccuracy or some other reason. I am curious about your comment regarding him working his way her by boat. Did he have siblings for other family with him? Anyway, I would love to hear from you.