Meeker County MN Archives Biographies.....McGraw, Cornelius 
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Joy Fisher http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00001.html#0000031 January 9, 2020, 12:57 am

Source: Alden, Ogle & Co.
Author: See Below

  CORNELIUS McGRAW, a prominent farmer and stock-raiser residing on section 33,
Greenleaf township, is one of the oldest settlers residing in that portion of the
county. He came to Meeker county in 1860 with his parents, who were Michael and
Winnefred McGraw, and the father selected 160 acres of land on section 26, in
Greenleaf township. At that time the family consisted of the parents, six boys and
two girls, and four of the boys are still living here. Accompanying the party were
Patrick Manley and family, M. Hanley and family, M. Ryan and family, Lewis Maher and
family, and a Mr. Carrigan and family, all of whom settled in Greenleaf. The party
arrived in July, and Michael McGraw at once put up a cabin and began improvements.
He remained on the farm, except during the Indian troubles, until the time of his
death, which occurred in March, 1878. His widow is still living on the old farm.

   Cornelius McGraw. the subject of this biography, remained with his parents until
the time of the Indian outbreak. After they heard of the killing of Jones and Baker,
he went to G. C. Whitcomb’s to learn the particulars, and returned that night. The
following day the whole settlement gathered at Whitcomb’s, and remained there for
two days, when all hands started for Forest City, driving their stock with them. The
following day Cornelius returned to his father’s house and found that the Indians
had been there, but had not burned it. After Whitcomb had returned from St. Paul
with guns and ammunition, Cornelius enlisted in the company which was organized, and
served in it until it was disbanded. In the spring of 1863 he joined the Independent
Battalion Minnesota Volunteer Cavalry, and served on the frontier until the war
closed. He then returned to Greenleaf and worked at various things until 1869 when
he purchased 160 acres of wild land on section 27, and at once began improvements.
He lived upon that for about ten years, when he sold it and bought his present place
on section 33, where he now has 235 acres, well improved with excellent buildings.
He devotes his attention largely to stock-raising, and his able management has
placed him among the most prominent stock-raisers and general farmers of the
county.

  He has taken an active interest in educational matters, and has held various
offices in his district. In political matters ho does not hold himself bound to any
party, but acts independently.

  Mr. McGraw made a gallant and creditable record during Indian times. When the
Indians made the attack on Forest City, he was asleep, and, not until the bullets
were flying thick and Indians yelling all around was he aroused. He started up to
find that he was left alone with a single companion. They each grasped a box of
ammunition and fire arms, a heavy load, and started for the stockade, arriving in
safety amidst the yells and bullets of the foe. For three years and a half he was in
service, fighting the redskins whenever an opportunity presented, and never flinched
when duty called. He began fighting Indians when only sixteen, and his bravery
equaled that of the hardiest of men. He was one of the nine who remained in Forest
City in those trying times, when there was scarcely a white man in the county beside
themselves.


Additional Comments:
Extracted from:
Illustrated Album of Biography
Meeker and McLeod Counties, Minnesota
1888


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