Obituary:
Death of Elihu G. Arms - One of Greenfield's oldest residents passed away Tuesday, Elihu G. Arms, 85, father of Mrs. G. H. Kaulback, who was found dead in his bed that morning. Mr. Arms had enjoyed excellent health for many years, and had been well of late. The previous evening he felt as usual and played checkers with his daughter, Miss Arms.
Mr. Arms was one of a very few survivors of the older generation of Meadows people, who gave that neighborhood a distinctive character of its own. He had been a very likable figure during his old age, with his love for his garden work, his taste for books, his sweet even temper, his enjoyment of life. A student of the weather, his judgment on our fickle skies was worth having in a time of emergency. He was fond of fishing and enjoyed the life at Heron Island. He was a pillar of the First parish church, serving for many years as deacon, and 50 years as chorister.
Mr. Arms was born on what is now the Day farm, the son of Chester and Rebecca Goodman Arms, being descended from the old Arms family of Deerfield. His wife, who died three years ago, was the daughter of Rev. Dr. Amariah Chandler. Mr. Arms conducted his farm until 1891, when he came to the village to reside with his daughter. The surviving children are Mrs. Kauiback and Miss Mary E. Arms. The funeral was held at the house Thursday afternoon, Rev. C. H. Watson officiating. Rev. C. W. Merriam, who was expected to assist, was unable to do so on account of illness. Mrs. F. E. Kellogg and Mrs. A. J. Mealand sang. The body was placed in the tom b, and later will be interred in the Upper Meadows cemetery.
The Day farm was in Possession of the Arms family from the first settlement of Greenfield until it was sold by Elihu Arms' father, and Mrs. Kaulback has in her possession the original deed bearing the signature of John Hancock.
('Greenfield, MA. Gazette and Courier' February 9, 1907) Obituary contributed by Judy Winn-Graves.