BIO: Edmund W. GRAFFIUS, Huntingdon County, PA

Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by JO

Copyright 2008.  All rights reserved.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/pafiles.htm 
**********************************************************
__________________________________________________________________  

Commemorative Biographical Encyclopedia of the Juniata Valley: 
Comprising the Counties of Huntingdon, Mifflin, Juniata and Perry, 
Pennsylvania, Containing Sketches of Prominent and Representative 
Citizens and Many of the Early Settlers.  Chambersburg, Pa.: J. M. 
Runk & Co., 1897, pages 139-140.
__________________________________________________________________ 

  EDMUND W. GRAFFIUS, merchant, Spruce Creek, was born in Birmingham, 
Huntingdon county, Pa., January 24, 1831, son of John and Mary 
(Whittaker) Graffius. Because of their religious belief, three brothers 
named Graffius were driven out of Germany, and being without funds, 
sold themselves to pay their passage to America. Having landed they 
separated, two settling near the Susquehanna river, the other near the 
Juniata. The son of the latter, Martin, was the grandfather of Edmund 
W. Graffius. He was a tinsmith, and resided in Huntingdon county until 
his death. John Graffius, father of Edmund W., was born in Huntingdon, 
Pa., in 1801, educated in his native place, and learned the trade of a 
tinner. Before his marriage he was engaged during the summer months in 
managing flat boats on the river. After marriage he moved to Birmingham 
and worked at his trade until his death, which occurred in 1863. His 
honesty and rectitude of character won for him the esteem of his 
neighbors and friends. His wife survived him eight years and was buried 
with her husband at Birmingham. Both were consistent members of the 
Methodist church. Their family consisted of these children: Adolphus 
Martin, died in Tyrone, Pa., in 1890, Edmund W.; Thomas W., retired, 
Scottdale, Westmoreland county, Pa.; and Annie (Mrs. Beyer), of 
Huntingdon.
  Edmund W. Graffius was educated in the public schools, and at 
Birmingham Academy. During the summer months he worked for the 
neighboring farmers. At sixteen he began to learn saddlery with Samuel 
Bender, of Williamsburg. After working for a time as journeyman, he was 
clerk for a year in the store of F. M. Bell & Co., Tyrone, Pa. He then 
purchased a half interest in a general store at Spruce Creek; the 
partnership continued for two years, and his brother, T. W. Graffius, 
then bought the stock. Later he secured an interest in his brother's 
store, and they were successfully engaged in the mercantile business in 
Tyrone for nine years. Having bought a farm on Eden Hill, Mr. Graffius 
sold his interest in the store, and farmed for two years. He then began 
business at Spruce Creek, where he has since been continuously engaged. 
He was married, in 1858, at Eden Hill, to Annie, daughter of Hugh and 
Martha Seeds. Their children are: Mary, wife of John E. Stewart, 
Tyrone, Pa.; Alice, wife of Alfred Goodman, of Peoria, Ill.; Clara, at 
home; and John Edgar, deceased. Mr. Graffius is a Republican. He is a 
member of the Methodist church, Spruce Creek, is a trustee, and served 
many years as steward.