Graves, Charles J. – 1839-1917

BOWMAN, DOWNS, GRAVES, LOUGHRAN, MEAD

Posted By: Diana Wagner
Date: 5/17/2021 at 16:53:12

Charles J. Graves was born in Worchester county, Massachusetts, March 30, 1839, and died at his home in Prairie City, January 12, 1917, at the age of 77 years, 9 months and 12 days. February 11, 1862, he enlisted in Co. A of the 13th regular infantry and participated in many of the important battles of the war. He was married to Miss Helen M. Downs, August 18, 18_6, she died May 10, 1888, five daughters were born to them, Mrs. Marian L. Loughran, Mrs. Alice A. Mead, Cecil A., who died in childhood, Helen F., and Mrs. Elizabeth Bowman who lives in Richardsville, Virginia. Besides his four daughters he leaves eight grandchildren and four brothers. Mr. Graves moved his family from Wisconsin to Ames, Iowa, in February 1875. He was janitor of the Ames schools for over thirty years until his failing health compelled him to give up his work. In March 1912, he and his daughter, Helen, moved to Prairie City where he spent the remainder of his life.
He became a Christian while still a young man, he and his wife becoming members first of the Baptist and then of the Christian church of which he was a faithful member until the end. Funeral services were held at the home in Prairie City, Sunday at 2 p.m. conducted by Rev. Martin of the Christian church, and on Monday morning the body was taken to his old home at Ames for burial and there another service was conducted by Rev. Martin assisted by Rev. Harris of that city.
Source: The Colfax Clipper; January 25, 1917