Francis A. Grimes
Jan. 27, 1820-February 23, 1902
The Niles Republican (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Thursday, February 27, 1902, page 2 column
Francis A. Grimes Passes Away at the Age of 82
(Monday's Sun)
After a lingering illness attended with much suffering, one of Niles' most respected citizens, F.A. Grimes, passed peacefully away yesterday afternoon.
Francis A. Grimes was born Jan. 27, 1820, in Kandor, Tioga County, N.Y, and died Sunday afternoon, Feb 23rd, 1902. In Nov. 1843 Mr. Grimes was married to Sarah G. Forshee, who survives him. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Grimes, four of whom are still living. They are Mrs. Wm. H. Tyson of this city, Mrs. John J. Osborne of Benton Harbor, Wm. F. Grimes of LaPorte, Ind., and Frank R. of Cleveland, Tenn. Mr. Grimes early life was spent in New York. In 1845 he come to Livingston county, Mich. He remained ten years, moving from there to Niles where he resided the remainder of his days.
In young manhood Mr. Grimes united with the Baptist church and was an active worker in church and Sunday school until failing health compelled him to give up. He was a deacon in the Baptist church of this city for many years and served as Supt of the Sabbath school from 1858 to 1865. He was later a teacher in the Sabbath school ministering each week to a large bible class, a work most dear to him. He lived an active life by was never too busy with outside affairs to attend the mid week prayer meeting. He made the work of the church a part of his daily care, ever giving it his most watchful and prayerful attention.
He was for many years engaged in business of a merchant tailor in this city. He became widely known and was respected by the entire community.