...Franz X. Gruber...

Franz Xaver Gruber was born in Hochburg in 1787 as the third son of a poor linen weaver. As a child he was already very interested in music, especially in the organ music witch he heard in the local church. But he had to learn the job of his father to become a linen weaver. Unknown to his father he took violin lessons and the result was that, at the age of 18, he could take organ lessons and he was allowed to become a teacher.
He was appointed schoolmaster in Arnsdorf and from 1816 he was also organist at the st. Nicola Church in Oberndorf. He kept both jobs doing until 1829, when he went to Berndorf and six years later he moved to Hallein.
There he became choir master and organist in the main church. Here he was totaly engaged in music and wrote several pieces of music.
He died, respected and beloved in 1863.

His grave near the main church of Hallein is stil honoured.