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Contributed by Christine Thacker Duplin Times-Progress Sentinel Pg 11 Nov. 2, 2006 Four Revolutionary War patriots recognized at SAR grave marking ceremony Grimes cemetery in Summerlins Crossroad area Leon Sikes Staff writer . SUMMERLIN'S CROSS¬ROADS-Approximately 100 members of the Grimes families from North Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, Florida, Texas, Alabama, Louisiana and Washington, DC gathered at the old family burying ground located on the farm of Dean and Ruth Cooper in the Summerlin Crossroads community area. The event, held on Sunday, October 29, was an official grave marking ceremony and Commemoration for four Revolutionary War patriots from the Grimes families. Those honored were Elizabeth Whitehead Grimes and her three sons, James Grimes, Sr., Sampson Grimes and Joseph Grimes. The grave marking event was organized by Paul Grimes of Jonesboro, Georgia, Hugh Grimes of Houma, Louisiana and others. The event was sponsored by the North Carolina and Georgia Societies of the Sons of the American Revolution, supported by LeMarquis de Lafayette Chapters of Fayetteville, NC and Fayetteville, GA. The colors were presented at the patriotic ceremony by the combined states color guards. A skillfully organized and impressive commemorative program was conducted by members of the Sons of the American Revolution from both states. The Sons of the American Revolution and the Daughters of the American Revolution both perform grave marking ceremonies for Revolutionary War patriots; however, there are slight differences in each organization's ceremony. The unveiling of the official Sons of the American Revolution bronze grave markers was done by descendants of each patriot. They were: Hugh Grimes, Peggy Grimes Cline, descendant and member of the Clayton Augustin Chapter GASDAR, Paul Grimes, Marquis de Lafayette Chapter GASSAR, and Christine Thacker, a descendant. The Grimes family was among the early settlers in Duplin County. Hugh Grimes and his wife and children relocated from Bertie County in 1752. In November 1761, Grimes received a land grant #281 for 250. acres in the area..The grave sites were re-discovered approximately 15 years ago when C.C. Ivey lead Hugh Grimes of Louisiana to the old Grimes cemetery. Hugh Grimes gave a brief narrative biography of each patriot to be honored. Elizabeth Whitehead Grimes; Elizabeth was the wife of Hugh Grimes. Their children were James, Sampson and Joseph Grimes. Elizabeth is listed in "Women Patriots of the American Revolution" by Charles E. Claghorn. She is shown on the payroll voucher list in 1783/1784 for supplying provisions for the army. She died after 1784. James Grimes, Sr; James Grimes, Sr., was born about 1747 and moved with the family from Bertie County to Duplin County. James served as a Private in the Duplin County Militia and received a land grant in Duplin County in 1778 for his oath of Allegiance. James married Sarah Winders and they had eight sons and four ,daughters. He died about 1831. Sampson Grimes Sampson Grimes was born in 1749 and moved with the family from Bertie County to Duplin County. Sampson's first wife was Winifred Branch; they had one child. His second wife was Bethsheba Winders. They had six children, three boys and three girls. Jesse Grimes, one of the sons, was a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence and a county in Texas bears his name. Sampson served as a Private under Captain William Taylor and Colonel James Kenan at the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge. Sampson died in May 1828. Joseph Grimes Joseph Grimes was born soon after the family arrived in Duplin County in 1752. He married Ellinder, last name unknown, and had six children. He served as a Lieutenant in the Duplin Militia under Captain Charles Ward in a regiment under the command of General Lillington. Following wreath laying at the grave sites by descendants a Musket Salute was performed by four members of the Georgia Militia, commanded by Bloise A. (Bob) Hill. The Lower Cape Fear Chapter of the NCSSAR led the recessional. |