George W. Graves
George W. Graves (Farmer and Stock-raiser) This energetic and enterprising
farmer and extensive stock-raiser of Middle Fork township, is indigenous
to the county, having been born here April 27, 1846. His mother, nee Miss
Permelia Reynolds, was a native also of Macon, while his father, William
R. Graves, was cradled in the waving blue grass of Kentucky.
Mr. Graves came to Macon in 1839, and settled first in Woodville, but
after remaining a short time moved to a small farm in the vicinity, and finally
bought land farther north upon which he still lives. He has accumulated a
handsome portion of worldly goods, owning, all told, 785 acres. George W.
grew to maturity on his father's farm, and adopted that pursuit as his own
means of subsistence. He owns 240 acres of land and is a stable farmer. He
is in the strictest sense of the word a self-made man. Or brisk, active habits
of thought and deed, he is not like "dumb driven cattle," but a "hero in
the strife," and his example of wide-awake go-ahead-ativness is of incalculable
benefit in the township. Mr. Graves handles all kinds of stock and of the
best grades.
This man of strong calibre has filled several offices within the gift
of the people. He served as magistrate for two years, dealing out justice
with an impartial hand, and in 1882 was appointed collector. To this position
he was re-elected in 1883 for a term of two years. Ad interim, while money
and worldly advancement certainly seem to be the end and object for which
most men live, there are few who do now, at some time in the course of their
toilsome journey, linger for a moment by the wayside to pluck some of the
sweet-smelling blossoms of love. Mr. Graves proved no exception to this rule,
and has twice languished a captive in the silken chains of beauty. His first
choice was Miss Mary W. Patton, of Macon. They were married April 15, 1866.
The three children born of this union, Permelia E., Robert H. and an infant
son, were early laid to "rest in the quiet earth's breast", while Mrs. G.
herself, in 1879, filled an untimely grave. Mr. Graves married the second
time Miss Mary H. Judy of Macon. His home is blessed by five charming children:
William A., Ida M., Oliver F., Pearly G. and George L.
Mr. Graves is inclined to the Christian Church, while his wife is a member
of the Missionary Baptist Church.
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