Mary Blackman Graves, 1811-1902

GRAVES, BLACKMAN

Posted By: Emmet County IAGenWeb Coordinator (email)
Date: 2/3/2009 at 12:04:15

THE GRIM REAPER
Mrs. Howard Graves Passes Away at Her Home in This City
After Lingering Illness.

Our community was shocked last Friday at the news of the death of Mrs. Howard Graves. For some time Mrs. Graves had been a sufferer, but loving hearts and willing hands had been busy ministering in the hope that health and strength would be renewed. The end came peacefully at 12:15 p.m. [Oct 13, 1902].

Funeral services were held in the family home Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock, the Rev. Sam'l Steele, of Avon, N. Y. a former pastor of the Presbyterian church of this place, conducted the service assisted by the Rev. W. McLeod of the Presbyterian church. A large company of sorrowing friends attested by their presence, and by the numerous floral tributes, the loving remembrance in which the deceased was held.

Mary L. Blackman was born at Monroe, Conn., July 18, 1811, came to Iowa with her parents in 1856; was married to Howard Graves at Freeport, Winneshiek county, Ia., Dec. 16, 1857; moved to Emmet county in June 1860 where her home and residence has been maintained up to the time of her death. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Graves. They were Mary Edith, Howard, Lincoln, and Grace, three of whom have passed away. Mrs. Graves united with the Presbyterian church Dec. 3, 1891. A husband, daughter, son-in-law and grandson are left to mourn her sudden demise.

Mrs. Graves was a woman identified with the life and development of our city. Coming here at an early date she was active in the various enterprises for the advancement of the social and religious life of the community. A woman of strong character, tender heart, extensive kindness, her loss is keenly felt by the family, as well as by a large circle of friends. The remains were followed to their last resting place, in the east side cemetery, by a large concourse of sympathizing friends. The pallbearers were: John M. Barker, John Halverson, L. S. Williams, E. I. Sondrol, C. W. Crim and E. E. Johnston.

The heartfelt sympathy of this community is extended to the bereaved family in their hours of sorrow.

Contributed by: Ruth Hackett. Source: The Estherville Democrat, Estherville, Emmet County, Iowa, Oct. 18, 1902.

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NOTE: The date of birth indicates she was born in 1811 which is in error according to the following:

Source: Decorah Republican Oct. 16, 1902 Page 4 Col 3

Death of an Early Resident.
We find in the Esthervllle Vindicator a notice of the death on the 3d inst. of Mrs. Howard Graves, aged 61 years, in July. The maiden name of the deceas­ed, when she came to Freeport in this county in 1856, was Mary L. Blackman. In 1857 she married Howard Graves, then a well-known resident of Freeport and three years later they moved to Estherville where they have ever since resided. Four children were born to them, but only one—Mrs. Jas. Espeset- survive her. The Vindicator speaks of her in this strain—
Mrs. Graves was a woman of public spirit: interested in the advancement of her town in all ways, active in church and social circles until the time of her sickness several years ago. As an old settler, she wrought not for her­self, but for the future, and her life has been builded into the community so prosperous and progressive. She was a woman of domestic tastes, to whom the home and family circle were especi­ally dear, and whose best service and sympathy were for loved ones. Beyond the immediate family that service and sympathy also extended, and a willing heart offered help and encouragement wherever needed.

Transcriber's Note: Find a Grave shows she is buried in East Side Cemetery and was born July 18, 1841.

Thanks,
Joy Moore