McDonough ILGenWeb

GRIER, James F., who is engaged in the furniture and undertaking business in Macomb, Ill., was born July 10, 1859, at Martin's Ferry, Ohio, where he received a public school education. He is a son of Thomas J. and Mary (Fleming) Grier, his father being a native of Chester County, Pa. Two boys and three girls constituted his parents' family, of whom the subject of this sketch is the eldest. At the age of sixteen he began learning the trade of a molder at Martin's Ferry, and worked there until 1880. He then came to Macomb, continuing thus employed at various periods for the succeeding five years, when he was engaged as clerk by Isaac M. Fellheimer in the clothing business. He retained this connection for eight years and at the end of this period, entered into partnership with John McElrath in the furniture business, and two years later, became sole proprietor of the concern. He handles furniture, pictures, molding and sewing machines, and is also engaged in undertaking. He is considered a sound and reliable business man, and enjoys a good patronage.

Mr. Grier was married in April, 1895, to Ada Twyman, who was born and schooled in Macomb. Two children have blessed their union — Kathryn and Louis. Politically, Mr. Grier supports the Republican party. Fraternally, he is affiliated with the Masonic Order (Macomb Lodge No. 17, and Morse Chapter No. 19), Royal Neighbors, I. O. R. M., M. W. of A., and Court of Honor. His wife is a member of the Episcopal Church.

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Source: The Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of McDonough County, compiled by Dr. Newton Bateman, and Paul Shelby, 1907, volume 2, page 888, extracted 04 Jan 2019 by Norma Hass.