Grimes, Elihu 1820-1894

GRIMES, HOBSON, CHAMBERS

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 9/6/2006 at 12:03:40

The Newton (IA) Journal, Wednesday, April 11, 1894

ANOTHER GOOD MAN GONE - Last Saturday night, there passed from earth to Heaven one of the old settlers of Jasper County, adding another to the long list of aged men who have been hewn down by the relentless Reaper, during the last six or seven months, in Newton and vicinity.

Elihu Grimes was born in Randolph Co., North Carolina, December 27, 1820, of Lutheran parentage. At the age of ten, his parents moved to Hendricks Co., Indiana, where he spent his early manhood.

In 1847, he was united in marriage to Miss Miriam M. Hobson, who survives him. Five children came to bless this happy home, three of whom are living; Adam, who now lives in South Dakota; Mrs. Mary Chambers, of Oskaloosa; and Eli, of Des Moines, the last two of whom attended the funeral.

He came to Jasper County in 1854, where he has since resided. Forty years is a long time in one county, being one in its adversity and prosperity, development, improvements and progress. How many and great changes have taken place in that period of years!

Mr. Grimes was converted to Christ when a young man and was ever after ward a faithful Christian. For a number of years he was a minister of the Gospel, working in the Wesleyan Methodist Church.

Four years ago, Mr. Grimes and family moved to Newton and some time afterwards built a house on the land bought west of the "big bridge." It was at this place that he died aged 74, after a week's illness caused from heart failure, Saturday night, April 7th. The last loving services were held, Sabbath afternoon at three o'clock, Rev. Harrah being the pastor in charge. The body was then laid to rest in the Newton cemetery.

Jasper County owes much to the noble men, like Mr. Grimes, who came here when the first settlements were made and gave character to communities. In every matter of Christian reform, such as anti-slavery and temperance, Mr. Grimes was always on the right side, and in those earlier days of our country in the matters of right and wrong he always stood firmly for righteousness.