Gruber, Jacob

Gruber, Jacob, a Methodist Episcopal minister was born in Lancaster County, Pa., Feb. 3, 1778, of German Lutheran parents. He was converted at fourteen or fifteen; entered the travelling ministry, in the -Philadelphia Conference, in 1800; labored fifty years, chiefly in Pennsylvania and Maryland, with abundant usefulness, and died May 25, 1850. Mr. Gruber was "a singular and extraordinary man." He was alike remarkable for "strength and originality of mind, energy of character, depth of piety, prodigious labors, power of endurance, extensive usefulness, and simplicity and regularity of life." His conversion was powerful, and, although driven from his home in youth for his religious course, he kept his faith. Through his long life his vigor and industry were untiring, and he never ceased labor for any four consecutive weeks until the year of his death. Although eccentric, and often rude in style, he was nevertheless a sound theologian and an able defender of Methodism. In the pulpit he was sometimes grand and overwhelming. "lie spent thirty-two, years on circuits, seven in stations, and eleven as presiding elder. Many anecdotes are on record of his eccentric wit and sarcasm, and of his great control over men." — Minutes of Conferences, 4:549; Wakeley, Heroes of Methodism, p. 407; Strickland, Life of Gruber (N. Y. 1860, 12mo).