Re: Research
GRIMES, JAMES JOSEPH, GRIMES, THOMAS AFTER 1860, GRIMES, WILLIAM
Posted By: Rick Bergman (email) In Response To: Re: Research (Mary C. Rickl)
Date: 6/15/2018 at 06:25:28
Mary Rickl
Dear Mary,
I have been working on some ideas about your questions on the Grimes family.
Some limitations in records should be noted.
1. Iowa began keeping death records at the county level about 1880. This record keeping may not have included elderly or people who were not well known or persons who were officially residents but died out of county after an illness or accidental death. For instance. I had an Iowa ancestor who virtually disappeared about 1880. No trace of him is found in any cemetery record or subsequent census or newspaper account even though much is known about his widow and several children. Does that sound familiar? At least you have a date of 1881 for James’ death. You are correct in that Ellen was indicated as a widow on June 11, 1880 so why was James death indicated in 1881? Several hypotheses come to mind. He may have had a delayed burial for some reason . For instance they were not wealthy so they may have had to save for the cost of a a plot. In a Catholic cemetery a proof of church baptism is needed and an application process is necessary. The Dubuque diocese may yet have records. He may have been buried on a farm plot and later transferred to the church cemetery. The stone cutter may have made a simple mistake. The death register for Chickasaw county is available from the family history library and I can borrow in for a few dollars and view it at my local Family History center (attached to the local LDS church).
2. Many deceased persons were buried at farm homesteads especially prior to 1880. Some had stones some did not. Even stones could be lost as small family plots were plowed under after ownnership changes. Many such cemeteries have been lost so I think Jane Grimes was lost. The basic index of burials for Chickasaw County was compiled by the Works Progress administration in the 1930’s and so in 55 years few family plots survived.
3. Infant deaths were often placed in specific areas of cemeteries without markers or other records especially if stillborn or died of unknown reasons. The basic reason for death certificates was recording the cause of death. There was little official interest in names of persons.
4. Indirect means of establishing death dates include probate records and court records involving property transfers. Some of those records used to be available by renting microfilm at a local family history center(FHC) but now are free and on line if one goes in person to the FHC. I have a chance to do that next week.
Regards,
Rick Bergman. volunteer
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