County commissioner is his current title, but Joseph Casper Gruman also has been called precinct committeeman and school board member. He was born April 2, 1907 in Springvale Township in Barnes County to Teresa Wolf Gruman (December 13, 1884-June 17, 1970) and Charles Gruman (October 7, 1882-March 9, 1959), immigrants from Austria, Hungry. Joe grew up with four brothers (Frank, John, Carl, and Edward) and twin sisters (Clara and Mary).
In 1927 Joe came to Jessie as a farm laborer for Lawrence and Edward Zimprich. In 1932 he struck off on his own farm north of Jessie. Romance blossomed as he courted Rosey Johana Fiebiger with his horse and buggy. On June 27, 1933 they were married.
Rosey Johana Fiebiger was born March 29, 1913 to Edward Francis Fiebiger (February 23, 1877-August 5, 1973) and Mary Josephina Zimprich (April 9, 1887-Oct, 5, 1973). She grew up with five sisters (Mary, Martha, Ida, Annie, and Florence) and five brothers (Edward, Lawrence, Frank, Richard, and William). Her ancestors were from Hungary.
Joe and Rosey moved to a farm 7 miles west of Walum in 1940. They moved into Hannaford in 1966. Five sons were born to them.
Robert Joseph Gruman married Mary Alice Kelly. They have two sons Joseph James and John Robert. He is vice-president in the Aberdeen, South Dakota National Bank.
Charles Edward Gruman married Carmen Sigrid Johnson. They have three children:
Sue Ellen, Audra Rose, and Karla Charlene. Chuck is engaged in farming with his brothers Jerry and Larry.
Larry Frank Gruman farms with his brothers Chuck and Jerry. He married Pamela Rae Lawrence. They have three children:
Julie Ann, Kimberly K. and Wade Martin.
Jerry John Gruman is engaged in farming with Chuck and Larry. He married Glenna Mae Becherl. Their children are:
1. Cynthia Ann, Melissa Rae, and Gary John.
Allen Wayne Gruman is engaged in a custom combining operation. Recently he purchased a cafe and service station in Walum.
Source: Griggs County History 1879 - 1976 Page 135