KIMER, Grant L. (1866-1923)

KIMER

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 5/12/2020 at 13:08:50

Grant L. Kimer
(1866-1923)

Grant Kimer Fell Dead on Street
Former Sheriff Called Without Warning when Leaving Post Office Monday Morning
Grant L. Kimer, one of the most widely known citizens of Warren County, dropped dead on the street of Indianola, near the post office, Monday morning shortly before ten o’clock. Death was due either to heart failure or apoplexy, but neither his family nor his most intimate friends knew that he was in danger from either of these sources. His death came as a bolt from the blue, not only to his immediate family, but as well to his thousands of friends and acquaintance throughout the county and state.
Mr. Kimer had just come from the post office where he had been in conversation with Ed Brasher, and as he left the building talked with Walter Keene, county treasurer, apparently in every way in normal health. Mr. Keene walked slowly, examining some mail and Mr. Kimer had proceeded about ten feet ahead of him when Mr. Keene saw him stagger and fall to his knees just as he was passing the post office barber shop. He hurried to his assistance and other help came from the barber shop at the same time, but consciousness was already gone. Physicians arrived in a few seconds, but found life extinct. The only possible inkling of any trouble that is recalled was a slight, shortness of breath of which he complained to Mrs. Kimer on Sunday evening, but he insisted that this did not amount to anything. During an illness last winter and spring physicians has found his heart to be in good condition. The body was immediately taken to his home where the funeral will be held Wednesday afternoon at 2:30.
Grant Kimer was born and raised on a Warren County farm near St. Charles and his entire life was spent in this county. In 1901 he was appointed deputy during the four years of Mr. Hodson’s incumbency of the office. His conduct of his duties in this office and his personal standing were such that he was elected to the office of sheriff at the close of Mr. Hodson’s second term in 1905 and was re-elected four times, thus completing a total service of 14 years in the sheriff’s office, a record for length of service not exceeded in the county. After his retirement from public office, Mr. Kimer devoted himself to various business interests and because of his integrity and sound judgment was used much as administrator of estates and referee in court matters, taking a place in the community life, which will be hard to fill. Since its organization he has been vice-president of the Peoples Trust and Savings. He has been president of the Warren County Fair Association. In recent years he has developed a good business as auctioneer in real estate sales and had probably sold more acres of Warren County land at auction than any other man. Grant Kimer would have been prominent in any community. Over six feet tall, broad shouldered, strong and straightforward and in countenance, his physique marked him in any company. As a companion his keen humor, his sympathy and appreciation of human nature were inimitable. As a friend he was true and helpful without compromise or truckling. IN politics his wide acquaintance, his judgment and foresight, his knowledge of human nature and the confidence he held, made him an outstanding force. As a citizen his influence, his time, personal effort and purse were always available in worthy public enterprises. As a father his devotion to his two boys and to the welfare of his home was ideal. Probably no man had more friends in Warren County and he will be missed. [Copied from a scrapbook at the Warren County Historical Society Library, Indianola, Iowa]