THOMAS GRIMES. Prominently identified with the representative and successful farmers of Independence township stands the gentleman whose name introduces this brief sketch. He is a son of John Grimes, whose father, William Grimes, came from Ireland and settled in Buffalo township, Washington Co., Penn. William Grimes was among the earliest of pioneer settlers, coming to this county before the Indians had abandoned their former hunting ground. He cleared a small piece of land, and built a rude cabin, to which he soon afterward brought a youthful bride, who bore him the following children: John, Jane (wife of Adam Miller), Mary (wife of Daniel Lane) and Robert, all of whom are deceased, the latter having passed away in Donegal township, this county. The parents both died on the farm in Buffalo township. John Grimes was born, in 1793, on the home farm in Buffalo township, where his parents passed their wedded lives. He received a meager education at the primitive schools of the place, and being obliged to attend irregularly, could not avail himself even of the poor opportunities then offered the seeker after literary knowledge. In 1813 he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Reed, who was born in 1792, in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of West Virginia, and afterward came with her parents to Washington county, Penn. Of their union were born the following children: Jane (deceased wife of Thomas Patterson, of Belmont county, Ohio), Sarah (unmarried, residing in Claysville, Donegal township), Robert (farming in Des Moines county, Iowa), William (a retired U. P. minister), Edward (deceased in Donegal township, at an adult age), Samuel (killed while serving in the Civil war), John (an agriculturist of Buffalo township, this county), and Thomas. John Grimes lived on a rented farm during the twelve years following his marriage, and then purchased the remaining interest in the old home place, where the remainder of his life was passed. He was a successful agriculturist and a valued citizen. In politics he was formerly an Old- line Whig, and upon the organization of the Republican party became an active worker in its ranks. His wife died in 1871, and in 1884 he was laid by her side at the good old age of ninety-one years.
Thomas Grimes, the subject of this sketch, was born December 28, 1828, in Buffalo township, this county, was reared to farm work from earliest boyhood, and received a common- school education. On November 1, 1855, he married Susanna Sawhill, who was born October 10, 1833, daughter of William and Jane (Lorimer) Sawhill. Of this union the following children have been born: Chester, Lorimer (married January 1, 1890, to Miss Nettie Farrer, of Independence township), Sarah J., Nancy Irene (wife of A. L. Farrar, of Donegal township, this county), John Lemon, Mary Udella and Ida May. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Grimes located on his father's farm in the eastern part of Donegal township, and in 1868 moved to a place on Buffalo creek. In 1870 he purchased the old Lawrence farm adjoining Mt. Hope church in Independence township, where he has since resided. He devotes considerable attention to stock raising, and is a very progressive farmer, his home being supplied with modern appliances for convenience and comfort. He has recently erected a handsome residence, which enhances both the beauty and value of his property. In politics he is a stanch Republican, and has been selected to fill various offices of honor and trust, the duties of which he has performed with much credit to himself and the party. He is much esteemed by all who know him. He and his wife are members of the Mt. Hope United Presbyterian Church.
Text taken from page 925 of:
Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893).Transcribed March 1997 by Neil and Marilyn Morton of Oswego, IL as part of the Beers Project.
Published March 1997 on the Washington County, PA USGenWeb pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.[ [Back to Beers Table of Contents] [Back to Beers Project Page]