Biography of Jay Graham, Montcalm County, Michigan


Copyright © 1997 by Candy Grubb. This copy contributed for use in 
the USGenWeb Archives.  

 

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>From "History of North Washington" Published 1904

Transcribed by: Candy Grubb (candyg@theofficenet.com)
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JAY GRAHAM.
	who resides three miles south frown Calispell, has shown himself to
be one of the leading and substantial farmers and stockmen of Stevens county.
In 1893 he first settled here and at that time took a homestead, to which he
has added eighty acres of railroad land by purchase. The land is well
improved, being fenced, cross fenced, and  supplied with good buildings.
Nearly a hundred tons  of hay are the annual return of the land, besides
other crops. Mr. Graham also devotes considerable attention to dairying.
	Jay Graham was born in Montcalm county, Michigan, on June 1, 1864,
the son of John and Perlina (Wheaton) Graham, natives of Pennsylvania and of
Scotch and Irish descent, respectively. They settled in Ohio in early days
and there the father operated a boot and shoe factory. In 1850 they went to
Michigan, and there the mother died in 1879, and the father in 1867.
Four children were the fruit of that marriage, Eliza, William M., Ellen, and
Jay. Jay was educated in the district schools of his native place and at the
tender age of twelve went to do for himself. His first venture was driving
team in the lumber woods, and the fact that he continued there for nine years
indicates the tenacity and purpose of the man. Following his service in the
lumber regions, Mr. Graham went to Aberdeen, North Dakota, and learned the
carpenter trade which he followed successfully for nine years. Next he went
to farming, and raising stock. In 1888 he was one of the progressive ones who
made the journey to Washington and for several years he wrought at his trade
in various places. In 1891  we see him on the sound and in 1893, he settled
as stated above.
	In 1898 Mr. Graham married Miss Nancy, daughter of Mike and Lizzie
Lawyer. In an early day they removed  to Wisconsin and in 1887 came to
Spokane, whence the following year they came to Stevens county. In 1901,
they went to Lincoln county and two years later they journeyed on to Douglas
county where they now dwell. They were the parents of seven children, James
B., Nancy, Frank, Perry, Henry, Fred and Rosa E. To Mr. and Mrs. Graham
there have been born three children, Leo, Lulu and Flosey M.
	Mr. Graham is an active and representative Republican and is ever on
the alert to push forward the chariot of progress.