Grimes, Dr. Francis S. 1833-1924

GRIMES, ST GAUDENS

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 6/24/2011 at 17:03:53

The Grinnell Herald; Aug. 22, 1924

BELOVED DOCTOR GOES TO REWARD

Dr. Grimes, Philosophical, Kind And Sincere, Matches Character, Silas Marner.

PRACTICED AT DEEP RIVER FOR MANY YEARS

Was Graduate of Columbia; Daughter is One of Foremost Sculptresses of Day.

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The death of Dr. Francis S. Grimes in Deep River last Wednesday created a distinct and profund impression on the minds of the people of that community. The life history of this old-time philosophical man, known for his kindly deeds and sterling manhood, his sincerity of purpose and generosity, matches in many respects that of the character, Silas Marner, made famous by George Elliot.

Dr. Grimes was the father of Frances Taft Grimes, now a resident of New York City, and one of the foremost sculptresses of the day, having been a student under the famous St. Gaudens and finished some of his important work after his death. He was also the father of Stanley Taft Grimes, residing in Decatur, Ill. None of the family was present at the funeral.

"The storm of this morning, with its thunder, lightning and torrents of rain, has passed. The storm typical of human life, passes; the sunshine, typical of God's love, remains. And so this life has ended, and let us hope that from the storms, the thunder and lightnings of life he has found light and rest as a reward for his upright life among us and for his many kindly deeds to those who needed and for his wise words of uplift and advice."

In young manhood, Dr. Grimes shipped before the mast and made a trip around the Horn, through Central America, reacing the Pacific coast in the gold days of '49. He spent some time in the gold fields and was a ranch owner in Colorado.

He was a graduate of Columbia University in medicine and a post graduate student of Bellevue, New York City. He served throughout the Civil war and was discharged at its close with the rank of Sergeant Major. He practiced in many states and came to Deep River in 1892, at once entering upon the practice of his profession. Here he won the love and esteem of a large clientele.

The father of Dr. Grimes was a noted phrenologist and hypnotist and made long tours over the United States, accompanied by Dr. Grimes. The elder Dr. Grimes wrote treatises on Phrenology, all the drawings and sketches for which were made by Dr. Grimes.

The funeral was held Friday. The remains were followed to their last resting place by a large concourse of friends. The pall was borne to the tomb by a squad of American Legion boys, escorted by a firing detail, the dead soldier being buried with honors of war. The casket was beautifully draped with the stars and stripes in defense of which he had given several years of service in his young manhood. The floral offerings were profuse and were from his many friends who sought in this way to express their admiration and respect for one who had for many years lived an exemplary life among them.