The Grimes House, a modest dwelling with an extraordinary past, stands as a testament to the courage and conviction of The Grimes Family. Entered into the National Register of Historic Sites on April 4, 1977, this late 18th-century home in Mountain Lakes, New Jersey, served as the epicenter of the Grimes family’s fervent antislavery activism. This article delves into the rich history of the Grimes family, exploring their pivotal role in the abolitionist movement and their lasting legacy in the Mountain Lakes community.
The Grimes House.
Dr. John Grimes: A Voice for the Voiceless
At the heart of the Grimes family’s antislavery efforts was Dr. John Grimes (1802-1875). Born within the walls of the Grimes House, Dr. Grimes emerged as a powerful and outspoken advocate against slavery. He spent his formative years here before briefly relocating to Passaic County to establish his medical practice in 1828. However, the call of his convictions brought him back to the family homestead in Morris County in 1832, and later to the neighboring town of Boonton, where he continued his tireless fight for abolition.
New Jersey in the 19th century was a state divided. While some residents maintained economic and social ties to the Southern slaveholding states and sympathized with their cause, a vocal opposition, largely composed of Quakers like the Grimes family, passionately condemned the institution of slavery. Dr. Grimes became a prominent figure in this opposition, facing constant harassment and even arrest for his unwavering stance. His commitment to sheltering runaway slaves placed him directly in the crosshairs of pro-slavery factions, highlighting the dangers faced by abolitionists during this turbulent period.
The Grimes House and the Underground Railroad
The Grimes House was not merely a family residence; it was a sanctuary for freedom seekers. As a crucial station on the Underground Railroad, the Grimes family home provided refuge and aid to enslaved individuals fleeing to freedom in Canada. Dr. Grimes’ involvement in this clandestine network is documented in his 1875 obituary in The Jerseyman newspaper. The obituary recounts how his father’s house, belonging to Mr. Jonathan Grimes of Parsippany (present-day Mountain Lakes), served as an initial “prominent station” on the Underground Railroad. Later, this vital role transitioned to Dr. Grimes’ own home in Boonton. Runaway slaves were guided to the Grimes family by figures like Baxter Sayre Esq. of Madison and then further assisted on their journey towards liberation.
The Grimes Legacy Continues: Norman Van Ness Grimes
The Grimes family’s connection to their ancestral home extended through generations. Norman Van Ness Grimes became the last family member to reside in the Grimes House, located at 45 Bloomfield Avenue, Mountain Lakes. Inheriting the property in 1926, he lived there until 1963 when he sold it to the Boonton Young Men’s Christian Association. In 1946, historian Alex D. Fowler interviewed Norman Van Ness Grimes, seeking to document the house’s history and the Grimes family’s story. During this interview, Mr. Grimes shared valuable insights, noting the house’s long association with the Grimes family since the 1840s and its rumored origins as the Righter homestead. He also confirmed his lineage as a direct descendant of Dr. John Grimes’ father, further solidifying the family’s historical significance.
Unraveling the History: Righters and Grimes Connections
Subsequent research by Alex D. Fowler corroborated Norman V. Grimes’ account, revealing a deeper history intertwined with the Righter family. Fowler’s studies clarified several key points:
- Righter Homestead: The house was initially known as Michael Righter’s homestead from 1812 until 1842, before William H. Grimes acquired it through marriage to Ann Elizabeth Righter.
- Grimes Ownership: The Grimes family, through William H. Grimes and his descendants, maintained ownership of the house until Norman V. Grimes sold it in 1963.
- Jonathan and Dr. John Grimes’ Residence: Fowler’s research could not definitively confirm if Jonathan Grimes or Dr. John Grimes lived in the Grimes House. Jonathan Grimes’ farm was adjacent, and his home was nearby but no longer exists.
- William H. Grimes’ Abolitionist Sympathies: William H. Grimes, Dr. John Grimes’ brother, likely shared his brother’s antislavery beliefs, evidenced by his involvement with the First Free Congregational Church in Boonton, which Dr. John Grimes helped establish. However, historical records primarily link Jonathan Grimes’ house, not William H. Grimes’ house (the Grimes House), to the Underground Railroad.
The Righter Family: Pioneering Parsippany Settlers
The story of the Grimes House also encompasses the history of the Righter family, early settlers in the Parsippany area. Gasper Righter, believed to be a Pennsylvania native and Revolutionary War soldier, established the Righter family in Morris County by 1778. He accumulated approximately 350 acres of land. His son, Michael Righter (1788-1814), married Margaret Kingsland and acquired the homestead that would later become the Grimes House. Michael Righter’s early death led to his property being divided, with his daughter Ann Elizabeth eventually marrying William H. Grimes, thus connecting the Righter and Grimes families and their shared history in Mountain Lakes.
Grimes Family Lineage: Generations in Mountain Lakes
The Grimes family genealogy reveals a long and deep-rooted presence in the Mountain Lakes region. Jonathan Grimes (1773-1845) and Hulda Leonard had several children, including Dr. John Grimes and Henry (William H.) Grimes. William H. Grimes married Ann Elizabeth Righter, inheriting the Righter homestead. Their descendants, including Norman Van Ness Grimes, continued to live in the house for generations. This intricate family history underscores the Grimes family’s enduring connection to the land and their community.
Preserving History: The Grimes House Today
Despite its age and the changing landscape of Mountain Lakes, the Grimes House stands preserved as a vital piece of history. Threatened with demolition in the late 1970s, community efforts led to its placement on the National Register of Historic Places, recognizing its significance as an Underground Railroad station. The Mountain Lakes Historical Society played a crucial role in relocating the Grimes House to 4 Craven Road, ensuring its survival for future generations. Today, the Grimes House serves as a tangible reminder of the Grimes family’s courageous fight for justice and their indelible mark on Mountain Lakes history. Visiting the Grimes House offers a powerful opportunity to connect with the past and honor the legacy of a family who dared to stand against injustice.
