Howard Graves, 1836-1913

GRAVES, BLACKMAN, ESPESET

Posted By: Emmet County IAGenWeb Coordinator (email)
Date: 2/3/2009 at 07:19:20

HOWARD GRAVES PASSES TO REWARD
PIONEER AND HONORED CITIZEN DIES AT HOME OF DAUGHTER
TUESDAY NIGHT
FUNERAL FRIDAY AFTERNOON
NEARLY EIGHTY YEARS OF AGE

President of Estherville State Bank. Formerly State Representative
A Pure and High Minded Citizen
Commendable Character for Emulation

Estherville is in mourning over the death of one of its most highly respected and honorable citizens, Howard Graves, which occurred at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Jas. Espeset on south Eighth street at 11:30 o'clock Tuesday night, October 28th [1913], after only a comparatively brief illness.

Until a few weeks ago he was a conspicuous figure on the streets of this city and was a daily visitor at the office of the Estherville Abstract Co., of which he was president. He was also president of the Estherville State Bank and had been at the head of that institution for many years.

About two months ago his health began to fail and his decline was very rapid. There was no organic disease but simply a decline incident to old age and the wasted tissues refused to respond to stimulants or restoratives. Until the last his mind was bright and up to the final summons he was conscious and hopeful If he had lived until next January he would have been 78 years of age.

Funeral is to be held Friday afternoon from the residence of his daughter, Mrs. Jas. Espeset, who is the only surviving daughter. There are no sons and his wife died about eleven years ago.

Estherville has never had a better citizen than Hon. Howard Graves and no one in whom the people had greater confidence. He was high minded; he lived a pure and exemplary life. His life was a benediction. He belonged to no fraternal organization. He was a home lover and had no desires for clubs or social prominence. His life was unostentatious; his death was peaceful.

Deceased was born in St. Lawrence county, New York, January 28th, 1836. Two years later he came with his parents, [Gaylord and Nancy Tuckerman Graves], and located in East Troy, Walworth county, Wisconsin, where his father engaged in farming and in the mercantile business. At this place the subject of this sketch received his primary education in the district school and also devoted much of his time on the farm and in his father's store.

In 1855 he came with his parents to Winneshiek county, Iowa, where the same avocations were pursued.

When 19 years of age Mr. Graves went to Freeport, Iowa, and five years later came to Emmet county where he has since resided. He engaged in farming and stock raising the first three years here, afterwards he was engaged in the mercantile business until 1871. His first store was constructed of logs and was located near the site of the Rick Island round house. He afterwards engaged in the real estate and banking business, having a private bank until 1887 when the bank was incorporated into a state bank, known as the Estherville State Bank, and has continued under that name ever since. It was the first bank established in Emmet county. He was elected to the state legislature from this district in 1870.

In 1857 he was united in marriage to Mary L. Blackman of Winneshiek county. Four children blessed this union, three sons and a daughter. The three sons died while young of a malignant disease, but the daughter, Mrs. Jas. Espeset is living, her home being in this city. A grandson, Mr. Howard Espeset, also resides here. Mrs. Graves died in 1902.

Mr. Graves accumulated a very comfortable fortune and had a magnificent home. He was thrifty and frugal and yet benevolent. No one in actual distress asked in vain of him. What he had he honestly earned. He had no enemies. His friends were as numerous as his acquaintances.

Contributed by: Ruth Hackett. Source: The Vindicator and Republican, Estherville, Emmet County, Iowa, Oct. 29, 1913.