Source: Morton Montgomery, p. 316
Surnames: GRIM, GRIMM, STOVER
Grim. The Grim family of eastern Pennsylvania was founded by three brothers, natives of Wurtemberg, Germany. Gideon Grim, also known and named written as Gitti and Egidius Grimm, was the first to emigrate, landing in Pennsylvania in 1728. His brothers Henry and Jacob followed in 1730.
Gideon Grim located in Macungie township, Lehigh county, at a point where Macungie and Weisenburg townships, in Lehigh county, meet Maxatawny township in Berks county. Here he owned 1,000 acres of land, which was situated in the three townships mentioned. It is supposed that he sold part of this land to his brothers, who reared large families. Gideon Grim crossed the ocean on the same vessel in which the noted pioneer minister of the Lutheran Church, Rev. John Casper Stover, came to this country.
The Grim family is of patrician origin and long seated in Normandy. One branch established itself in Alsace, whence "Egidus Grimm" came because of religious persecution and as the result of reading an English book containing fabulous accounts of the New World. An interesting circumstance attaches to this family from the fact that an ancient pedigree, tracing the family back to a Norman baron who lived in the days of William the Conqueror, was brought by the emigrant to America.
The first Grim family reunion was held at Hancock, this county, in 1897, at which time the connection numbered over one thousand souls. The regular annual reunions in 1907 and in 1908 were held at Kutztown Park, both well patronized. Prof. Geo. A. Grim, superintendent of schools in Northampton county, Pa., delivered an historical address at the last gathering. The organization has succeeded in discovering a considerable number of records. Miss Anna M. Grim, of Allentown, Pa., as secretary, deserves commendation for her efforts in establishing a family tree.
Most of the Grims in Berks county live in Maxatawny and Greenwich townships and in Kutztown. Grimville, a village in Greenwich township, perpetuates the family name. It contains a store, hotel, tannery, church and school. The village was founded by "Col." Daniel Grim, locally known as "Der Hellwedder Grim." He was colonel of the militia of his district.
The officers of the Grim reunion are:
President, J. Peter Grim, Allentown, Pa.
First Vice-President, A. S. Grim, Allentown, Pa.
Second Vice-President, A. B. Grim, Allentown, Pa.
Secretary, Anna M. Grim, Allentown, Pa.
Treasurer, C. R. Grim, Monterey, Pa.
Executive Committee, Stanley Grim, Oscar S. Grim, Dr. Charles E. Grim, William H. Grim, Charles A. Grim, Jacob L. Grim, Harry E. Grim, Walter J. Grim, William A. Grim
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