GRAVES, Charles

GRAVES, LAUER, MILLER, LOCKYER, BRAMLEY, LOFT

Posted By: Lynette Edsall (email)
Date: 2/18/2008 at 15:29:05

CHARLES GRAVES, PROMINENT BUSINESMAN, DIES SUDDENLY; RESIDENT OF CITY 57 YEARS (dated May, 1942)
Succumbed of Heart Attack Sometime Between 11 and 12 p.m.; Was Born July 13, 1860 At Bedal, Yorkshire, England

Charles W. Graves, 81, pioneer Cherokee businessman, died of a heart attack late Wednesday night at the Jacob Lauer residence, 918 West Main street, where he had been making his home for the past three years.

The body was found in the bathroom by Lauer when he returned home from work at the Twentieth Century Bowling alleys. Death apparently occurred sometime between 11 and 12 p.m.

Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m., Sunday at the Methodist church here with the Rev. John A. Farnham, pastor, officiating. Asked to serve as pallbearers are George R. Hicks, Herb H. Armbrecht, John Bridie, Perry Boughton, Lyle Dawson and George Stowell. Burial will be in Oak Hill cemetery. By request of deceased the casket will not be opened at the church. Friends wishing to see the remains before time of services are asked to call at the Boothby Funeral Home by noon Sunday.

Survivors are one brother, Joseph, in Australia and three nephews-James and Walter Graves, Cherokee, and George Miller, Chicago, Ill.

Graves’ passing was sudden and unexpected. The Lauer family said he had been in failing health but was as well Wednesday as he usually was. He spent most of the evening playing cards with friends in the neighborhood. As he was preparing to retire for the night he was stricken.

For many years Graves and Joe Lockyer operated the City meat market here in partnership, closing out to retire four years ago in May. He had learned the butcher trade in his native England before coming to the United States, having been an apprentice at York, England, 1874-1978 and also at Darlington. He was also an extensive stock buyer.

Only Monday night Graves was one of nine members of the Masonic Commandery and Chapter organizations over 80 years old who were honored at a special celebration in the local temple. In good spirits then and apparently in good health he responded heartily to the compliments extended him and the others present.

He and his old partner, Joe Lockyer, did not dissolve their long terms of friendship when they quit business. Graves stopping by the Lockyer residence nearly every day to visit with his former business associate.

Graves was a civic leader in Cherokee. He served two years on the city council, was a member of the Cherokee Chamber of Commerce and of the Rotary Club; was a member of the I.O.O.F. lodge for nearly 55 years, belonged to Crusade Comandery, No. 307 A.F. & A.M. Knights Templar; Abu Bekr Shine at Sioux City and was interested in all kids of civic projects. His hobby was playing cards.

Graves was born July 13, 1860, at Bedal, Yorkshire, England, a son of James Graves and Maria Anna Bramley. He was education in Bedal and at Knarborough boarding school, Knarborough, England in 1874.

He came to the United State in 1879 and settled at Chesterfield, Ill., where for five years he was a farmer and butcher. He arrived in Cherokee in August 1885.

After coming to this city, Graves worked for Joe and Charlie Lockyer. When Charlie Lockyer two years later went to west, Graves went into partnership with his brother.

They operated a meat market for several years, sold it out, then a short time later opened up again.

In March 1887 he was married to Gertrude Loft, who died three years ago last March. The coupe had one daughter, Mary, who died in 1920.