The Children of Andreas & Maria Gruhler Rath
Earlier this year, I shared the stories of Andreas Rath and Maria Gruhler—their lives in Germany, their journey to America, and the foundation they built for their family.
If you haven’t read their stories yet, they provide the foundation for everything that follows.
As I began taking a closer look at their children, I discovered an important correction. In those earlier posts, I mistakenly listed Amelia Rath as their ninth child. Further research showed that Amelia was actually Amelia Mayer, the wife of their son, Christian Rath—not a daughter of Andreas and Maria.
Andreas and Maria had eight children: Johannes, Elias, Jakob, Anna, Andreas, Louise, Christian, and Caroline.
Five of these children—Johannes, Elias, Jakob, Anna, and Andreas—were born in Württemberg, Germany before the family immigrated. The younger three—Louise, Christian, and Caroline—were born later in Pendleton County, Kentucky, where the family settled.
In 1847, Andreas and Maria crossed the Atlantic with five young children. They stepped into a new life filled with both opportunity and hardship. Like many immigrant families, they relied on hard work, strong family ties, and faith to move forward.
This is the story of the children of Andreas Rath and Maria Gruhler—but it is also a story of loss, resilience, and survival.
Some of their children moved west in search of opportunity. Others stayed closer to home in Kentucky and Ohio. Several faced deep personal loss, including the deaths of spouses, children, and siblings. Illness and early death were part of daily life in ways that are hard to imagine today.
Before we look at each of their stories, it helps to see the family as a whole.
Rath Family Snapshot
Parents:
Andreas “Andrew” Rath and Maria “Mary” (Gruhler) Rath
Origin:
Württemberg, Germany
Religion:
Lutheran
Immigration:
1847 aboard the ship L’Unicorn
Arrival:
July 10, 1847
Settled in:
Pendleton County, Kentucky
Children of Andreas Rath and Maria Gruhler
- Johannes Rath (1839–1867)
- Elias Rath (1842–1907)
- Jacob Rath (1843–1908)
- Anna Rath (1845–1925)
- Andrew (Andreas) Rath (1846–1924)
- Louisa (Louise) Rath (1851–1925)
- Christian Rath (1853–1912)
- Caroline Rath (1856–before 1860)
The Journey to America
In 1847, Andreas and Maria left their home in Württemberg, Germany, with five young children and boarded the ship L’Unicorn. They arrived in the United States on July 10, 1847, after a journey that likely lasted six to eight weeks.
Like most immigrant families of the time, they traveled in steerage—the lowest level of the ship. Conditions were crowded, with little privacy and limited fresh air. Families slept in narrow wooden bunks and shared common spaces for eating and daily life.
the beginning of the Rath family’s story in America.
Food was simple and often scarce, typically consisting of bread, potatoes, and salted meat. Clean water was not always reliable. Seasickness was common, and storms could toss the ship for days at a time.
For a mother like Maria, the journey would have been especially difficult. She was responsible for caring for five young children in a cramped and unfamiliar space—managing meals, comforting illness, and keeping her family together through weeks at sea.
By the time they arrived in July of 1847, the family had endured weeks of close quarters, uncertainty, and physical strain—experiences that marked the beginning of their life in America.
Early Years in Kentucky
By the time of the 1850 federal census, Andreas and Maria Rath were living in Pendleton County, Kentucky, along with Maria’s father and brother, both named Elias Gruhler. Her brother had traveled with the family to America, while her father and another son, Christian, had arrived earlier that same year.
This shared household reflects a common pattern among immigrant families. Living with extended family provided support, stability, and a way to begin building a new life in an unfamiliar place.
By 1860, the Rath family had grown. Three more children—Louise, Christian, and Caroline—had been born in Kentucky. The family remained in Pendleton County, where Andreas worked and the children grew up in a rural farming community.
As the older children reached adulthood, their lives began to take different paths. Some stayed close to home, while others moved west or settled in nearby cities. Over time, the Rath family spread beyond Pendleton County, but their early years there shaped the foundation of their lives in America.
Johannes “John” Rath (1839–1867)
Born: June 27, 1839 — Aldingen, Württemberg, Germany
Died: January 14, 1867 — Sacramento, California
Burial: Sacramento City Cemetery, Sacramento, California
Early Life and Immigration
Johannes Rath, later known as John, was the eldest child of Andreas Rath and Maria Gruhler. He was born on June 27, 1839, in the village of Aldingen in Württemberg, Germany.
In 1847, at just ten years old, Johannes immigrated to the United States with his parents and siblings. The journey marked a turning point in his life, as his family left behind everything familiar to begin again in a new country.
By 1850, Johannes was living with his family in Pendleton County, Kentucky, where his father worked to establish their place in America.
Move West and Work in Sacramento
As he reached adulthood, Johannes joined the westward movement that drew many young men seeking opportunity. By the age of twenty-one, he had traveled to Sacramento, California, along with his brother and maternal uncles, Elias and Christian Gruhler.
In Sacramento, Johannes worked with his uncles in their brewery. Brewing was a common trade among German immigrants, who brought their skills and traditions with them to the United States.
Illness and Death
No records have been found to indicate that Johannes ever married.
On January 14, 1867, at the age of 27, Johannes Rath died in Sacramento from typhoid fever, a disease that was common and often deadly in nineteenth-century cities.
He was buried in Sacramento City Cemetery, far from the Kentucky home where his family had first settled after arriving in America.
Elias Rath (1842–1907)
Born: May 20, 1842 — Aldingen, Württemberg, Germany
Baptized: May 22, 1842
Died: June 8, 1907 — Sacramento, California
Burial: Masonic Lawn Cemetery, Sacramento, California
Early Life and Immigration
Elias Rath was the second child of Andreas Rath and Maria Gruhler. He was born in Aldingen, Württemberg, Germany, and baptized two days later.
In 1847, he immigrated to the United States with his parents and siblings. He was about five years old when the family arrived. By 1850, he was living with them in Pendleton County, Kentucky.
Move to California and Work
By 1860, Elias had moved west to Sacramento, California, with his older brother Johannes. They lived with their uncles, Elias and Christian Gruhler and worked in the family brewery.
Although Elias has not been located in the 1870 federal census, he does appear in voter registration records that year, confirming he remained in Sacramento. A city directory the following year places him at Gruhler’s brewery on J Street.
By 1880, Elias had transitioned to working as a painter, showing a shift from family trade to skilled labor.
Marriage and Family
On November 3, 1874, Elias married Caroline Nold in Sacramento. He was thirty-two, and she was eighteen. Their marriage was witnessed by his uncles, reflecting the close family connections that remained important in his life.
They had five children:
- Nellie Rath
- Arthur Andrew Rath
- Anna Louise Rath
- Clarence Elias Rath
- Elizabeth Caroline Rath
Loss and Second Marriage
On November 23, 1889, his wife Caroline died at the age of 33 from phthisis (tuberculosis), leaving him with four young children.
On October 31, 1891, Elias married Anna Louisa Krieger. Anna’s maiden name was Schachtschneider, and like Elias, this was her second marriage. Anna became stepmother to Elias’s children and helped maintain the household.
The records concerning Anna contain some inconsistencies, particularly regarding her early life. However, the marriage record clearly identifies her as Annie Louisa Krieger and places her in Sacramento at the time of the marriage.
Elias experienced additional loss within his family. His daughter Nellie died in 1886 at the age of 11 from typhoid fever. His son Clarence died in 1901 at the age of fifteen due to drowning. Later, his daughter Anna Louise faced mental health challenges and was admitted to a state institution in December 1917.
Later Years and Death
Elias continued to work as a house painter in the Sacramento area for many years.
He died on June 8, 1907, at the age of 65 and was buried at Masonic Lawn Cemetery.
Jacob Rath (1843–1908)
Born: October 14, 1843 — Aldingen, Württemberg, Germany
Died: January 6, 1908 — Cincinnati, Ohio
Burial: Vesper Cemetery, Neville, Clermont County, Ohio
Early Life and Immigration
Jacob Rath was the third son of Andreas Rath and Maria Gruhler. He was born in Aldingen, Württemberg, Germany, and immigrated to the United States with his parents and siblings in 1847.
He grew up in Pendleton County, Kentucky, where the family settled after arriving in America. He appears in the 1850 census as a young child in the household. By 1860, at age seventeen, he was still living at home, and in 1870, at age twenty-seven, he was working as a farm hand.
Front Row (L to R): John Emery and Arthur Martin.
Back Row (L to R): Andrew, Catherine, Elias Elmore, Charles Arthur, and Jacob.
Marriage and Family
On May 9, 1871, Jacob married Catherine Wenzel, whose family had strong ties to nearby Clermont County, Ohio, just across the Ohio River.
Together, Jacob and Catherine built their life in Pendleton County, where he worked as a farmer and they raised a large family.
They had twelve children:
- Maria Elizabeth Rath
- Anna M. Rath
- Katherine Louise Rath
- Jacob John Rath
- Andrew “Andy” Edward Rath
- Louisa Rath
- Emma M. Rath
- Augustus “Gus” Clemmons Rath
- Charles Arthur Rath
- Elias Elmore Rath
- John Emery Rath
- Arthur Martin Rath
Not all of their children lived long lives. Their first child, Maria Elizabeth (“Mary”), died at the age of two from scarlet fever. Their daughter Louisa died at just ten months old. The cause of her death is not known.
Later Years and Death
By 1880, Jacob was thirty-seven years old and continuing his work in agriculture. In the 1900 census, he was fifty-six and still farming, living with Catherine and several of their children.
Jacob Rath died on January 6, 1908, at the age of 64 in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Although he spent his life in Pendleton County, he was buried in Vesper Cemetery in Neville, Clermont County, Ohio. This reflects Catherine’s family connections, as Clermont County sits just across the Ohio River.
Anna (Rath) Stollmaier (1845–1925)
Born: March 25, 1845 — Aldingen, Württemberg, Germany
Baptized: March 30, 1845
Died: July 11, 1925 — Cincinnati, Ohio
Burial: Spring Grove Cemetery, Cincinnati, Ohio
Early Life and Immigration
Anna Rath was the fourth child and first daughter of Andreas Rath and Maria Gruhler. She was born in Aldingen, Württemberg, Germany, and baptized five days later.
In 1847, at just two years old, Anna immigrated to the United States with her parents and siblings. She grew up in Pendleton County, Kentucky, where she appears with her family in both the 1850 and 1860 census records.
Marriage and Family
Anna married Johannes Christoph Stollmaier, a German immigrant who lived in Cincinnati, where he worked as a butcher.
This was Christoph’s second marriage. He first married Mathilda Siess in Cincinnati. By 1870, the couple was living there with their infant daughter, Mathilda.
Sometime after, the family moved to Topeka, Kansas, where Christoph continued working as a butcher. While in Topeka, they had a second child, Charles Stollmaier, born on May 21, 1872. Just days after his birth, Mathilda died. Two months later, their infant son Charles also died.
After these losses, Christoph returned to Cincinnati with his young daughter.
When Anna married Christoph, she became his second wife and stepmother to his daughter.
Anna and Christoph had two children:
- Arthur Martin Stollmaier
- William Stollmaier, who died at six days old
Life in Cincinnati
Anna and Christoph lived in Cincinnati in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, an area known for its strong German heritage.
Following the death of her father, Andreas Rath, in 1879, Anna’s household became a place of support for her family. Her mother, Maria, and brother, Christian, came to live with her, reflecting the close family ties that continued across generations.
published in the Cincinnati Enquirer, July 13, 1925.
Later Years and Death
Christoph died on December 12, 1920, at the age of 79. His death was attributed to senility.
Anna lived several more years and died on July 11, 1925, at the age of 80 from heart disease.
They are buried together at Spring Grove Cemetery in Cincinnati.
Andrew (Andreas) Rath (1846–1924)
Born: October 7, 1846 — Württemberg, Germany
Died: May 4, 1924 — Campbell County, Kentucky
Burial: Spring Grove Cemetery, Cincinnati, Ohio
Early Life and Immigration
Andrew Rath, also known as Andreas, was the fifth child of Andreas Rath and Maria Gruhler. He was born in Württemberg, Germany, and immigrated to the United States with his parents and siblings in 1847.
He grew up in Pendleton County, Kentucky, where the family settled. By 1850, at age four, he was living with his parents. He appears again in the 1860 census at age fifteen and in 1870 at age twenty-four, working as a farm laborer.
Marriage and Family
In 1875, Andrew married Sophia Stiebel.
Sophia was born in Kentucky to German immigrant parents.
Andrew and Sophia had six children:
- Anna L. Rath
- Matilda Rath
- Clara Rath
- Andrew Rath
- Sophia Rath
- Willard Rath
Life in Pendleton County
Andrew and Sophia built their life in Pendleton County, where Andrew worked as a farmer. The 1880 and 1900 census records show the family living there, with Andrew continuing in agriculture.
The family rented their farm, a common arrangement at the time, reflecting steady work and modest means as they raised their children.
Move to Newport and Later Work
Later in life, Andrew and Sophia moved to Newport in Campbell County, Kentucky. By 1910, they were living on Washington Street, where Andrew was working as a “cooker” in a battery-related occupation.
By 1920, they were living at 1026 Washington Street, and Andrew was no longer working.
Living with them were three of their adult children:
- Matilda Rath, a dressmaker for ladies’ clothing
- Clara Rath, a tailoress for men’s clothing
- Andrew Rath, a pressman at a printing company
None of these three children married.
Later Years and Death
Andrew died on May 4, 1924, at the age of 77 from arteriosclerosis.
Sophia died on April 3, 1933, at the age of 75 from angina pectoris, arteriosclerosis, and senility.
After their parents’ deaths, Matilda, Clara, and Andrew continued living together in the family home on Washington Street for many years, reflecting a close and lasting bond.
Andrew and Clara later lived at the Baptist Rest Home in Newport. Clara died in 1972, and Andrew died in 1979.
Andrew, Sophia, and several of their children are buried at Spring Grove Cemetery in Cincinnati.
Louisa (Louise) Rath (1851–1925)
Born: July 10, 1851 — Pendleton County, Kentucky
Died: February 28, 1925 — Cincinnati, Ohio
Burial: Spring Grove Cemetery, Cincinnati, Ohio
Early Life
Louisa Rath, also recorded as Louise, was the sixth child of Andreas Rath and Maria Gruhler. She was born in Pendleton County, Kentucky, where she appears in the 1860 census as a young child living with her parents and siblings.
By 1870, she remained in the family household, though her reported age varies slightly—one of several small inconsistencies that appear in her records.
Marriage and Family
Louisa married Jacob Rath, a machinist who was also born in Germany. The 1900 census states they had been married for approximately twenty years, placing their marriage around 1880, although no official marriage record has been found.
At this time, no direct family relationship between Louisa and Jacob has been documented, although given the shared surname and geographic proximity, a connection is certainly possible.
By 1900, the family was living at 316 Liberty Street in Cincinnati, Ohio. Louisa reported that she had given birth to five children, four of whom were still living.
Their children:
- Alma Anna Rath
- Walter Rath, who died at just over one year old from “gastric” illness
- Louisa “Lulu” or “Lula” Rath
- Elsie Rath
- Herbert Rath
Life in Cincinnati
By 1910, Louisa and Jacob were living on Race Street in Cincinnati, where Jacob continued working as a machinist.
Jacob died on July 9, 1912, at the age of 57 from valvular heart disease.
In 1920, Louisa was living at 29 Lakewood Avenue in Cincinnati in a multi-generational household that included family members, reflecting the close family ties that were common during this time.
Later Years and Death
Louisa died on February 28, 1925, from lobar pneumonia.
She was buried at Spring Grove Cemetery in Cincinnati.
Christian Rath (1853–1912)
Born: November 15, 1853 — Pendleton County, Kentucky
Died: March 19, 1912 — Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Ohio
Burial: Spring Grove Cemetery, Cincinnati, Ohio
Early Life
Christian Rath was the seventh child of Andreas Rath and Maria Gruhler. He was born in Pendleton County, Kentucky, and spent his early years there with his family.
He appears in the 1860 census at age seven and again in 1870 at age fifteen, both times living in Pendleton County with his parents and siblings.
Move to Cincinnati and Work
Following the death of his father, Andreas Rath, in 1879, Christian relocated to Cincinnati, Ohio.
By 1880, he was living in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood with his sister Anna and her husband, Christoph Stollmaier. His mother, Maria, was also part of the household. This arrangement reflects the close family ties that often provided support after the loss of a parent.
During this time, Christian worked as a butcher, likely learning the trade from his brother-in-law, Christoph.
Marriage and Family
On February 11, 1885, Christian married Amelia Mayer.
They made their home in Cincinnati, where Christian continued working as a butcher. By 1900, the family was living at 59 East Clifton Avenue.
They had four children:
- John C. Rath
- Amelia J. Rath
- Norma Ann Rath
- Matilda Rosina Rath
Their youngest daughter, Matilda Rosina, died at the age of three from a fractured skull.
Later Years and Death
By 1910, Christian had advanced in his trade and owned his own butcher shop. The family was living at 2713 Jefferson Avenue in Cincinnati, and three of his children remained in the home.
Christian died on March 19, 1912, from a subphrenic abscess, a serious internal infection.
He was buried at Spring Grove Cemetery in Cincinnati.
Caroline Rath (1856–before 1860)
Born: April 30, 1856 — Pendleton County, Kentucky
Died: Before 1860
Burial: Unknown
Early Life
Caroline Rath was the eighth and youngest child of Andreas Rath and Maria Gruhler. She was born in Pendleton County, Kentucky, when her mother, Maria, was 41 years old.
Very little documentation has been found for Caroline’s life. She does not appear with her family in the 1860 census, where her parents and siblings are otherwise accounted for.
Death
Based on the absence of census and later records, it is believed that Caroline died in early childhood, sometime between her birth in 1856 and the 1860 census.
No burial record or cause of death has been located.
Hardship and Loss in the Rath Family
The lives of Andreas and Maria Rath’s children reflect the realities of the nineteenth century—where hardship was not the exception, but part of everyday life.
Several of their children experienced the loss of loved ones at a young age. Johannes died at just 27 from typhoid fever. Elias lost his first wife, Caroline, at the age of 33, leaving him with young children to raise. He would also lose two of his own children—Nellie at age 11 and Clarence at 15.
Jacob and Catherine buried two young children, one to scarlet fever and another in infancy. Anna’s husband endured the deaths of his first wife and two children before their marriage, and together they lost a newborn son. Christian and his wife lost their young daughter Matilda in early childhood.
Even Louisa, whose life appears quieter in the records, lost a young child. And Caroline, the youngest of Andreas and Maria’s children, likely died before reaching the age of four.
Illnesses that are now treatable—or preventable—were often fatal. Typhoid fever, tuberculosis, scarlet fever, and pneumonia appear repeatedly in this family’s history.
Yet, alongside these losses, there is also a pattern of endurance.
Widowed parents remarried and continued raising their families. Siblings took in one another after the death of a parent. Children grew into adults who worked, married, and built lives of their own, even after experiencing loss at an early age.
The Rath family’s story is not only one of hardship—it is also one of resilience, shaped by strong family ties and the determination to move forward.
Sources and Notes
This post is based on census records, city directories, burial records, and other historical documents related to the Rath and Gruhler families, along with local historical context.
This post contains my personal research and writing. Please don’t republish or copy without permission. Genealogy is always a work in progress, so information may change as new records come to light.
