The Rock Island Argus and daily union. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1920-1923, 1922-08-21

to various pablic-odiees. several OF
which were in direct line Of his
profession. During his two farms
a. mayor Of Geneseo he gave to the
city q business-like and progress
sive administration. He inaugura-
ted several reforms and improve
ments and was very alert In his
efforts to check those movements
which he deemed inimical to the
cityrs interests.
He was four times elected to the
position of states Attorney OF Hen
ry COUNTY, being first chosen In
1889 to fill vacancy. then serving
three full terms. In June, 1903. he
was called to the circuit bench OF
this district and was reelected In
1909, 1915 and 1921.
Staunch Republican.
: During the latter years OF this
service he was frequently called
upon to preside in the appellate
courts at Springfield. Ottawa and
Chicago. &Iis political allegiance
had always been given to the Re-
publican party. for he deemed its
platform of most value to good gov
eminent. He had for many years
been a leader in the councils OF
this party and had always been a
staunch devotee to the cause OF
temperance and prohibition. Dur
ing the late World war he was
thoroughly American in his utter
ances Of the qualifications Of good
citizenship. denouncing in most
emphatic manner those who were
not in accord with the best Of
American citizenship.
Was Twice Married.
Judge Graves was twice married.
In October, 1873, he welded Miss
Flora Spurlock Of Kewanee. whose
death occurred in 1888. The sur
viving daughter by that marriage,
MAY Graves, now Mrs. Allen<N.
Bradford. resides at Sterling. Mrs.
Bradford is an artist of exceptional
i ability, having graduated from the
Fart Institute of Chicago.
i On June 5, 1896, he was united
in marriage to Miss Lulu Godfrey,
daughter Of William and Myra
Goodman Godfrey of this city. Unto
Judge and Mrs. Graves three chill
) dren we're born. Of whom but one,
daughter, Miss Gretchen, born
, Feb. %, 1906, survives. In 1906
J Judge Graves erected the beauti-
/ full residence on West First street.
: in which he and his family have
, since resided. 1t was the scene OF
r many delightful social occasions
(which we're marked by his cordial
hospitality.
Prominent Mason.
In his fraternal relations Judge
} Graves had been prominent Ma
son. He was a member Of Stewart
lodge No. 80, A. F. & A. NJ, and
Geneseo chapter No. IL, R. A. M.
:, both of this city: Evart command
cry, knights Templar of Rock Is
y u land, and Kaaba temple of the
/, Mystic Shrine OF Davenport He
! was also an honorary member OF
u the Geneseo kiwanis club.
u While in all non-professional re-
lations Judge Graves was modest
genial and approachable, he never
forgot his position on the bench
and sustained the dignity OF his
court and the law which was there
' administered. He commanded the
!, respect and esteem of all who knew
. him as gentleman. His reelec
Ition to the various offices which ht
held is evidence of the trust which
was reposed in him and Of thu
= highest regard in which he wa
;, held by his fellow members OF thu
= bar.
- In his tastes and manner Judg'
:, Graves was simple and unassum
- ing, entirely free from ostentatiol
: and display. His personal WORT
:, as a man was recognized by hi
~ townsmen who honored him no les
~ for his professional skill than 70
his nobility of character.