My Genealogy Hound

JOHN A. LARIMER, merchant and Postmaster, Arrowsmith; was born in Fayette Co., Ohio, April 23, 1839; lived with his parents until 1848, when he came to this county; moved to Bloomington, and lived with his father until he enlisted (August, 1861) in Co. C, 33d I. V. I.; was in the battle of Pilot Knob and battle at Fredericktown, Mo.; fought Jeff. Thompson; thence to Arcade and wintered there; went to Vicksburg May 1, 1863; crossed the Mississippi River; was the first Union soldier landed on that side of the river; went to Magnolia Hills, and was there fired on by the rebels; the fire was returned, and the fight lasted all day — Mr. Larimer being in the hottest part of the battle; they were then engaged in one continual skirmish, until they got to Jackson, Miss.; after taking this place, the army moved toward Vicksburg; Mr. Larimer was then engaged in the great battle at Champion Hills; the rebel line was broken at 4 o’clock in the afternoon. During the march back to Black River bridge, Mr. Larimer helped to eat the supper prepared for Pemberton; he was then ordered to Black River bridge, where a charge was made on the works, taking several thousand prisoners and a number of guns; the rebels retreated after burning the bridge; Mr. Larimer was wounded by a shell from the enemy’s guns in this battle; he was then in the siege of Vicksburg; was slightly wounded by a shell from the enemy’s guns; was at the taking of Esperanza by siege, when he went to Texas and scouted around until January; he then re-enlisted for three years, and was in several other battles; was mustered out by general order Dec. 8, 1865. Mr. Larimer came home from the army, and engaged with his father in farming until he married Elizabeth J. Cowan Feb. 13, 1868; she was born in Clark Co., Ohio, May 24, 1845; the fruit of this marriage is four children — Eddy C., Robert P., William O. and Anna B., who died Aug. 23, 1878. Mr. Larimer commenced the mercantile business in the town of Arrowsmith in 1871, keeping, as he always has, a splendid stock of dry goods, groceries, boots and shoes, hats, caps, etc., on hand. His experience in purchasing goods has enabled him to keep a better class of goods on hand, and to sell lower than any other store in Arrowsmith. Mr. Larimer has held the office of Supervisor of township two years, and was appointed Postmaster at Arrowsmith in 1872, which office he still holds. He is universally esteemed by all who know him. He is decidedly a business man — very intelligent and pleasant. Mrs. Lairimer is also highly respected, and is a very intelligent lady. Mr. Larimer owns a house, lot and storehouse in Arrowsmith.