James McGraw, son of Patrick and Johanna (Genan) McGraw, was born in County Clare, Ireland about (1856). His family moved to Sangomom Co., Ill., when he was a young boy and later moved to Ringgold Co., near Beaconsfield, Iowa, where he farmed and worked on the railroad. There were six brothers and one sister in the family. John, Michael, Patrick, sister Mary Amelia, James, Thomas and Martin. His parents are buried in St. Edwards Cemetery in Afton Ia. He met and married Mattie Grogan, whose parents were Patrick and Frances (Brider) Grogan. There were two brothers-Dennis and John-and sisters-Jane, Kate, Mary, Bridget and Elizabeth. The parents are buried in St. Mary's Cemetery, east of Leon.

The McGraws started their married life in Decatur Co., living on the McConnell place and the Haggerty place. In 1902 they purchased the farm in Westerville, where they spent the remainder of their lives. Both passed away in Westerville and are buried in St. Mary's Cemetery east of Leon. Their three children were......

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