E. A. Graham

REV. E. A. GRAHAM, who was among the first ministers of the Gospel in Labette county, Kansas, and one of the oldest, if not the oldest, in the state, came to this county about 1879, as a Methodist preacher. A man of great strength of character and a devout Christian worker, he made his influence felt in the community, and did a grand work in improving the moral tone of the county. Since 1885 he has been located at Mound Valley, and has preached more or less as a local minister, although he has been active in different business ventures. He is now engaged in the general merchandise business, as a member of the firm of Graham & Cruzan. Mr. Graham was barn in Connecticut, October 8, 1829, and is a son of James S. and Mary (Ingraham) Graham.

James S. Graham was a ship carpenter by trade, who moved to Iowa and from there to Kansas in 1871, and remained with his son, E. A., until his death, in 1875. His wife survived him until 1878. Both were born in Connecticut, he of Scotch and she of English parentage. They reared three sons and one daughter, as follows: William H., who died in Connecticut, in 1890; Edward A., whose twin died in infancy; Joseph, who died in 1876 and Mary (Alexander), a twin of Joseph, who was married in Connecticut, and died in Iowa.

Edward A. Graham attended the common schools of his native state, and learned the trade of a carpenter, which stood him in good stead when he was sent, as a pioneer minister, to the western wilds. He followed his trade several years, and was sent to the Kansas conference in 1867, his first charge being at Burlington, Kansas. He has been located in much new territory in Kansas, and was a great benefactor in every community in which, he lived. He first came to Labette county in 1879, and preached in school-houses in lieu of church edifices, which were few at that time. He built the first church at Mound Valley, also at Hopewell and Altamont. He solicited funds for the erection of each, superintended the construction, and also worked on them. He located permanently at Mound Valley in 1885, and has since preached off and on as a local minister. He was a member of the furniture firm of Graham & Beggs for many years, and in 1897 engaged in the general merchandise business with William G. Cruzan, under the firm name of Graham & Cruzan. He is now practically retired from active business labors. He has been a successful and upright business man, and, is highly respected by all who come within his influence.

Mr. Graham was united in marriage in Connecticut with Fannie Skinner, a native of that state, who died in July, 1900, at the age of sixty-five years, - a faithful Christian woman. Two children were born to them, both of whom died in infancy. In politics he strongly advocates Prohibition principles, but in national campaigns he has supported the Republican party. He was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows for a period of twenty-one years, but is not now so affiliated. He is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen.