JOHN GRIMM.

JOHN GRIMM, who follows farming in Geneva township, was born in Prussia February 5, 1839, a son of John H. Grimm, who died in the fatherland at the age of seventy-four years, while the mother also passed

away in that country. Their two children, Henry and John, are both residents of America. The latter was reared in the land of his nativity and after entering upon his business career secured a situation in an iron foundry where sheet iron was manufactured. He was thus employed until, according to the German laws, he had to enter the regular army. He was a member of a sharpshooters company and remained in the service for seven years, but as the country was then at peace the soldiers had little else to do but drill. One regulation of their army life was that they were required to learn to swim, spending an hour thus each day in summer months and continuing the practice until they were enabled to swim across the River Rhine, which is a mile and a half in width. Another regulation was that the soldiers could not marry until they had served their seven years in the army.

After being released from military service, Mr. Grimm was united in marriage, in 1867, to Miss Eliza France, and in 1871 they came to the United States, casting their lot with the citizens of Allen county, Kansas. At the time of their arrival Mr. Grimm's cash capital consisted of only a few dollars, but he resolutely set to work and when he had earned more money he rented a small farm, continuing its operation for six or seven years, when with the capital he had acquired through his own efforts he purchased a small farm, to which he has added from time to time until his landed possessions now aggregate one hundred and twenty acres. There were no trees upon the place, but now a beautiful grove surrounds his farm. He has a good residence and barn, well tilled fields and a fine orchard containing seventeen varieties of apples.

Mr. Grimm served as justice of the peace of Geneva township for one term and then declined re-election. For about twelve years, however, he has served as school director, and the cause of education has found in him a warm friend. He exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Republican party and is very earnest in his advocacy of its principles. All that he is in life and all that he has acquired, are due to his own efforts. Though he came to America empty-handed, unfamiliar with the language of the people and their customs, he readily adapted himself to his new surroundings, and to-day is numbered among the substantial citizens of his community.

Previous | Home | Next