Surnames: GRAVES CALDWELL

----Sources: Colby Phonograph (Colby, Clark County, Wis.) 05/31/1888

Graves, John (27 OCT 1819 - 26 May 1888)

Died, at his home in the town of Loyal, Clark County, Wis., May 26th, 1888, John Graves in his 69th year of his age.

John Graves was born in Lincolnshire, England, Oct. 27th, 1819; was brought to America by his parents, when he was less than a year old. They were six months making the voyage, during which time deceased learned to walk, which resulted in giving him that peculiar step and motion in walking which characterized him through life. His parents first settled in the then wilds of central New York, where he grew to manhood. On Sept. 8th, 1842, he married Lutina Caldwell, who though feeble in health, still survives him. He thus began life as a pioneer and fully imbibed its spirit. He remained in New York until his family numbered four persons, then he removed to Wisconsin, settling in Dodge Co., where he took up a farm from government land, (the village of Iron Ridge is now located on said farm), which he improved and where he lived until his family numbered six persons, being twenty years. He then sold out and pioneered the way to Loyal, Clark County. Here he bought a tract of land, built a saw mill and grist mille, which he ran and superintended until about a year ago, when he relinquished this task to his youngest son, A. A. Graves. John Graves was one of the most industrious and persevering of men, continuing his labor until within forty-eight hours of his death, when he ceased, at once to work and to live. John Graves was converted in his 19th years; he joining the M. E. Church and continued an honored member until his death; he was licensed to preach at Iron Ridge nearly forty years ago; was ordained deacon about sixteen years ago and "Father Graves," as hew as familiarly called, has married the living, prayed with the dying and buried the dead, in the place where he lived and died. He was always at his post ready for any duty; his word was his bond and the people relied upon it; he was a man and a Christian. His funeral took place from the church he did so much to build, on Sunday, May 27th, at 11 o’clock a.m., Rev. L. W. McKibbin of Loyal, officiating. Although it rained incessantly the house was crowded with sincere and weeping friends. The church was tastefully and appropriately decorated, over the pulpit was arranged, in large letters, the motto: "we shall miss him," a draped arch was arranged at the entrance to the cemetery. Deceased left a wife and four children to mourn his sudden death, S. D. Graves of Spencer, A. A. Graves of Loyal, Mr. H. Hill of Topeka, Kan., and Mrs. L. R. Booth of Colby, also an adopted daughter, 12 years old, residing with him at the time of his death. But while they weep they rejoice that Father is at rest.