Obituary for Stephen Riley Grimes, Randolph, Alabama http://files.usgwarchives.net/al/randolph/obits/srgrimes.txt ============================================= USGENWEB PROJECT NOTICE: In keeping with the USGenWeb policy of providing free information on the Internet, this data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages cannot be reproduced in any format for profit or for presentation by other persons or organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file contributor. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Project Archives to store the file permanently for free access. This file is copyrighted and contributed by: William Fischer, Jr. ============================================= September 2001 NAPOLEON [Community, Randolph County, AL] ---------------------------- Jan 10. -- Your correspondent having received a message that his wife’s father, Rev S R GRIMES, was lying at the point of death, we boarded the A B & A [Atlanta, Birmingham & Atlantic Railroad] Saturday for Bullochville. There we changed to the Southern [Railroad] for Oak Mountain [Talbot co., GA], arriving at nine, P M, in the rain. We were agreeably surprised at the comfort, lack of racket and easy-going method and fixtures of such a new [rail]road. Father GRIMES was dead and buried before we reached his home. His help-meet [mate], who had lived with him sixty-one years, seven children, with large families, still survive him. This heroic old man was a true and trusted Southerner. He early rallied to arms at his country’s call at the very beginning of the awful conflict “Between the States.” He followed the intrepid “Stonewall” JACKSON in all of his magnificent and unequaled campaigns, being twice wounded, one bullet from the enemy following him to the tomb. This noble veteran grounded his trusty rifle at the historic Appomattox; and though sorely humiliated at the loss of his cause, he hastily stanched his chagrin, and began the feat of the long march to loved ones at home in Talbot county, Ga -- a feat that only “Stonewall” braves would hazard. Sixty miles per day was his average; but he made it in safety, only to find his home devastated by the recent raid of the Federal Gen WILSON. Such undaunted courage as was evidenced in rehabilitating their ruined homes, and supplying the wants of starving loved ones, by these returning Confederates almost staggers credence. Such matchless heroism is a lesson in history which should be of interest to the young, and a stimulant toward the perpetuation of such noble Southern patriotism. For thirty-five years this old veteran had been a faithful Baptist minister, being eighty-two years old when he died. I rejoice that my wife was of such lineage, and that my children had such a grandfather. The exemplary life and honors of this grand old patriot, citizen and Christian is an heritage left to his numerous progeny that ROCKEFELLER and CARNEGIE, in the bestowment of their millions toward charity, can never hope to attain. Though writing of a relative, I am sure I may be excused when thus expressing my appreciation of a departed Confederate comrade. There is an inexpressible, binding link existing in war comradeship more devotional than mere neighborly friendship, and as lasting as brotherhood itself. The grizzled old veteran who was true to his cause and courageous to the end, who long since has forged his sword into a pruning hook, and has made two blades of grass grow luxuriously where only one dwarfy spire struggled before; who has formulated his whilom, and apparently God forsaken home into the paradise of earth; who has lived long a righteous life, and at last goes down to his tomb at peace with God and all mankind, surely such a death is to be envied. Such was the peacable [sic] passage of Stephen Riley GRIMES. G O [George O] HILL [From The Roanoke Leader (Randolph County, Alabama), 15 Jan 1908, p.2]