I've "rescued" an old photograph of Lavinna BARTLE GROUT which was taken at the Cassinger Bros. Studio in Independence, Iowa. The photograph was probably taken in the 1880's with Lavinna appearing to be in her 50's at the time it was taken. In addition to her name someone has also noted that she was the Mother of: 1. Lavinia "Lina" GROUT RICE 2. Laura GROUT KINGSBURY 3. Louis Edwin GROUT 4. Minnie GROUT NEELEY 5. Ransom Albert GROUT Based on limited research I was able to find Lavina GROUT and three of her children in the 1880 census of Independence, IA. Lavina GROUT is listed as age 51, a widow, born in OH to parents both born in NY. Three children living with her at the time are Edward age 21, Minnie age 19, and Bertie (male) age 14. Both Edward and Minnie are born in MN and Bertie in IA. All three children note that their father was born in Canada. Her oldest daughter, Lavinia GROUT married Henry P. RICE on 3 Jan 1872 in Buchanan County, IA. Second daughter Laura A. GROUT married Edwin J. KINGSBURY on the 30th of Nov 1878 also in Buchanan Co., IA. Son Louis Edwin GROUT b. 28 April 1857 in Chatfield, Minnesota married Anna FOSTER in June 1883 in Winthrop, IA, Louis died 18 Jun 1920. Minnie GROUT married Lester L. NEELEY on 2 Oct 1882 in Buchanan Co., IA. Son Ransom A. GROUT b. 7 Jun 1866 died in San Mateo Co. CA on the 10th of Feb 1946. Lavinna or Lavina BARTLE was married to Louis Powell GROUT who was the father of all five children listed on the back of the photograph. Her last name also appears as BARTELL in some records. I'm hoping to locate someone from this family so that this wonderful old treasure can be returned to the care of family. If you are a member of this family, or know someone who might be, please contact me. Thanks, Shelley