Gruben, Matt

RUNYARD, HAMMES

Posted By: BCGS
Date: 11/24/2009 at 11:21:22

Business interests of Waverly find a progressive and worthy representative in Matt Gruben, operating the Waverly Granite and Marble Works, the oldest establishment of its kind in northern Iowa. He was born in Prussia, Germany, June 22, 1871, and is a son of Nicolao and Katherine (Hammes) Gruben, both of whom were born in the same locality. The father engaged in farming there for many years and never came to America. He had been twice married and had four children by his first wife and two by his second. After his death the mother of the subject of this review came to America and settled in Hastings, Minnesota, in 1882. She moved from that city to Mankato, in the same state, and there she still resides.

Matt Gruben acquired his education in the public schools of Minnesota and after laying aside his books, began learning the stonecutter's trade in Hastings, continuing at it in Mankato. In 1890 he came to Waverly and worked in the employ of A.R. Taylor for some years, eventually buying a half interest in the business. In 1900 he purchased the entire concern and moved it from the original location on West Bremer street to the new plant one block east. There he has one of the most modern and up-to-date shops in Iowa, provided with a show-room eighty feet deep and an enclosed work shop twenty-two feet square. The Waverly Granite and Marble Works is the oldest establishment of its kind in northern Iowa and is without doubt one of the best equipped, electric power and pneumatic tools being used for producing finer work than can be done by hand. Mr. Gruben has also installed an overhead traveling crane of the latest pattern and this has proved of the greatest value in moving monuments. He keeps on hand a large and well assorted stock of artistic marble and granite of all kinds and he makes it his aim to keep his prices reasonable and his work of the highest quality. In addition to the work done and his shop he also imports monuments from all over the world, especially from Scotland and Sweden, and his business is continually growing in volume and importance.

On the 19th of June, 1895, Mr. Gruben married Miss Mary E. Runyard, a daughter of Austin Runyard, a representative of one of the best known families in Bremer county. She is a highly educated woman and was for some time principal in the city schools. Mr. and Mrs. Gruben have two children, Merrill F. and Harold C., who are attending school.

Mr. Gruben is a member of the Roman Catholic church and he gives his political allegiance to the republican party. The cause of education finds in him a loyal supporter. His attention is concentrated upon the upbuilding of his marble and monument works and in the development of this business he has proved capable, reliable and energetic, standing today among the men of marked ability and substantial worth in this locality.

History of Bremer County, Iowa Vol. II 1914