Elon Graves (1862 - 1920)

GRAVES, CHAPMAN, RYAN

Posted By: Barry Mateer (email)
Date: 12/7/2021 at 22:09:17

The Osceola Sentinel , Osceola, Iowa
December 11, 1920 , page 1

Elon Graves, son of Joseph N. and Eliza Graves, pioneer settlers of Clarke county, was born in Wayne county, Iowa, June 7, 1862, and died at his home in Osceola, Iowa, November 5, 1920, aged 58 years, 4 months and 26 days. With the exception of the first five years of his life, and another five years spent in Montezuma, Iowa, he lived in Clarke county all his life. He received his education mostly in the Montezuma schools. His business life has been in various lines in Osceola, and covers a period of thirty-eight years. And during this time he has held the respect and confidence of everybody.

In 1884 he was united in marriage to Florence Chapman of Osceola, Ia., and to this union was born six sons and two daughters, all of whom are well and favorably known in this community. Clarence and Gilbert Graves of Denver, Colorado, Mrs. Amy Ryan, Joseph and Arthur Graves, of El Paso, Texas, Walter of this city and Lucile and Charley at home. These eight children, with the bereaved wife, and two brother and one sister are left to mourn the loss of a loving and indulgent husband and father and a kind and helpful brother.

He was a jovial companion, and to all a true friend, and will be much missed in the community. The influence of his kindly, helpful life will long remain to bless those who knew him. Mr. Graves was a member of the Presbyterian church and was held in highest esteem by the members of the same. He was interested in the good o the church and the welfare of the town. This church and the entire community extend warmest sympathy to the bereaved ones.

The hearts of the good people of Clarke county were touched Friday afternoon when the report gained circulation announcing the sudden death of Elon Graves, County Auditor of Clarke county, at his home in the city at 3 o’clock. For some time past, Mr. Graves had been confined to the hospital as the result of a minor operation but recently he was taken to his home where he seemed to be making the expected improvement.

At times he was permitted to sit up or walk about the house and each day seemed to add to his gaining strength. He was anxious to return to his duties at the office and Friday morning his good wife promised him that if he continued to feel better by evening that he might get up, sit in a chair and probably walk some about the house. During the afternoon he seemed to rest well until about 3:00 o’clock when he spoke to Mrs. Graves who was in the next room, telling her that he was very sick, and within a few minutes his spirit took its flight. Death came as the result of heart failure.

Elon Graves was 58 years of age. With the exception of a few years he spent his life in Clarke county. He commanded the highest respect of a wide circle of acquaintances who had implicit confidence in his ability and integrity in years gone by. He served the public well as a member of the city board of education and as a member of the city council. Two years ago, he was elected to the office of county auditor of Clarke county and he has proved to be a most efficient officer in that important position, and on Thursday of last week he was re- elected without opposition for the second term.

Elon Graves was one of Clarke county’s best citizens. He shall be greatly missed from the prominent position he held in the community and his good family and other relatives have the sympathy of a host of friends.

The funeral services, conducted by the Rev. Mr. Webster at the Presbyterian church Tuesday afternoon were attended by a large concourse of sympathizing friends including the county officials in a body. The floral offerings were most beautiful and the consoling words of the minister and the selections rendered by Mrs. Hemphill and Miss Totten combined as a fitting tribute to the good life of an esteemed citizen. The obituary, as read by the pastor, is as follows:

gravestone photo at Findagrave
 

Clarke Obituaries maintained by Brenda White.
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