Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1903-02-05
SILVER LAKE.
Charles W. Graves.

Charles w. Graves.
| Charles w. Graves died at his home in
East Barnard Jan. %, 1903, at the age of 81
wears. The funeral was largely attended
| Sunday, Feb. LIST, at Union church, Rev.
w e. Mann of South Royalton officiating,
who spoke in his usual eloquent and I'M.
pressiVe manner. A large number OF
Grand Army men were in line. The cor
tege was escorted by Sons Of Veterans
from South Royalton under command OF
Capt. Fred Shepard, who concluded the
solemn burial service by firing three vol
leys over the grave of this dead soldier.
The pail bearers were members of the fam
ily: conductor, +. NJ. Chase.
Isaac Graves, ST., came to Barnard IN
1903, buying the land which now comprises
/ the noted Graves farm that has been
/ successfully held in the family one hun
dred years, without any incumbrance by
mortgage In process of time, it passed
into the hands of Isaac, Jr., who married
/ Miss Louise Il. Swift, daughter of DR..
I Thomas Swift, longtime practising
physician in Barnard, Pomfret and Royal
! ton. From this union there were sons and
daughters, the oldest son being our late
departed friend, Charles w. Graves.
He was born of sturdy New England
stock and at 20 years OF age he enlisted in
the 10th VT. Vols, serving until that regi-
ment was discharged in 1865 He married
I Miss Augusta Il. Allen, daughter of Selden
Allen, who for many years was a merchant
in East Barnard. One son was born TO
them, c. Frank, who, in company with his
father, has been proprietor OF the old orig
inal Graves farm with its many additions
and large dairy stock.
In 1894, Mrs. Augusta Graves died, much
lamented, but Charles still made his home
at the farm, living and working jointly
with his son for five years. Failing health
inn that n farFaarf q.
work was too hard for his already weaken
ed condition, so he left the old home to
the care OF Frank, but retained half
ownership.
In 1900 he married Miss Hattie c. Davis,
daughter OF the late Joseph +. Davis, one
of Barnard's once most prominent citizens.
BUYING residence in East Barnard, they
moved TO that village, where Charles. soon
after commenced his long, heroic strug
gle, battling manfully against the grim
reaper who was creeping surely and
stealthily on for his victim. Day by day,
month after month, he grew weaker, but
still flattered himself with a buoyant hope
that some change or help would come to
his rescue.
He attended the last soldiers reunion at
Silver Lake in August, 1902. Old comrades
were concerned to see the unerring symp-
toms Of the dread disease which had fas-
tened upon him, but his ardor had not
cooled, neither had his courage abated,
but the pallor OF his face and the shrink
ing Of his form told the story Of a strong
mans undoing. Still his many friends
cherished the hope, though slight il was,
that this great contest for life might end
in his favor, but hope was in vain. The
great Ruler OF the universe had planned it
differently, and the long roll was about to
be called.
When the end and final summons came,
he calmly submitted to the decree that
awaits us all, supported by his family and
friends, sustained by the courage which
had been characteristic through his long
and painful illness.
Our friend is dead; his hands are folded
and lips closed, altho' well equipped for a
longer life.
Yet he did not live and die in vain; his
memory will continue bright.
II was the fortune of your correspond
ent to be intimately acquainted with
Charles Graves, perhaps as much or more
than anyone outside of his own family,
and, being pleasantly associated with him
in social and business circles, the writer
can easily testify to his strict integrity
and honesty OF heart, making him one of
the most manly OF men. He had the con-
fidence OF his native town, which gave
him nearly all the offices in its gift-iustice
of the peace many years, selectman, over
seer OF the poor, lister, auditor, grand jur
or, the duties OF all which he performed to
Barnard's satisfaction.
He was great friend of agriculture and
took such an interest that Windsor coun-
ty made him president OF its society and
would have reelected him, only for his
resignation on account of declining health. |
His successful management of one of the |
largest and best farms in Barnard will
long be remembered.
When the time comes that awaits us all
and we stand upon the brink of the dark |
river, feeling the cold waters of death cir
cling our feet, we will look across the
rushing stream, straining our vision to
catch the sight of outstretched hands to
welcome us to that golden shore where the
rainbow never fades.