8 August 1857
Died at Hazlewood, in the county of St. Louis (Mo.) on the 27th July, Major RICHARD GRAHAM, in the 78th year of his age. He was the last surviving son of Richard Graham, of Dumfries, Prince William county, Va. He was brother of George Graham, acting Secretary of War during the administration of President Monroe, and subsequently Commissioner of the General Land Office; of John Graham, first United States District Attorney for Louisiana, Secretary of Legation to Spain, Commissioner to the South American Republics, and Minister Plenipotentiary to Brazil; and of Mrs. Catherine Ramsay, of the city of Washington -- all now deceased.
Major Graham entered the military service during the last war with Great Britain, and served with distinction as Aid-de-Camp on the staff of Major General Harrison. He participated in all of the perils and hardships of the Northwestern army, and was promoted to the rank of Major for his gallantry and good conduct. His relations with General Harrison were peculiarly intimate, and he was, during his life, the cherished and honored friend of his commander.
The war over, Major Graham was appointed Indian Agent for the extended Territory of Missouri, in which office he continued until 1829. He was also appointed by the President one of the Commissioners to establish the boundary lines of Illinois.
With ample fortune, Major G. has for many years, surrounded by his devoted family, led the happy life of a country gentleman, investing his favorite pursuit, agriculture, with all the charms of a refined taste and a well cultivated mind. Social in disposition, his olden time hospitality was proveribal, and his happy home the favorite resort of a large circle of friend.
The death of such a man is a public loss -- his life a happy commentary on true patriotism, an example of blended virtues, in the conscientious discharge of every duty -- a noble-hearted, honest man.
As a Christian, he was consistent, pure, and humble. The study of the Holy Scriptures was his daily office, and his unaffected, unsullied goodness relfected its softened radiance on all around, and imported, as he gently and consciously passed from time to etenity, the summons brief and heart-rending to his family.
"That peace which passeth not away."
Carolyn, Thank you for posting this obituary on Major Richard H. Graham. I'm doing research on the area around his property in St. Louis County near Ferguson, Missouri. Several landmarks seem to have been named by him. There's Graham Road, the City of Hazelwood, and the City of Kinloch. My understanding is that Graham's homestead in Prince William County was called Kinloch. Would you have any information about that or have an idea where I could search? It would be great to find an image of their estate in the form of a map or a drawing, but even some descriptive text would be helpful.
ReplyDeleteAndrew Raimist
ALWRaimist << a t >> me << d o t >> com
Hi Andrew. Thank you for your query. I know that there is a Kinloch Farm but I'm not certain what, if any, tie it has to Major Richard Graham. Have you contacted the RELIC room at the Bull Run Library? If anyone can help you find historical evidence of Graham's homestead in Prince William County, it's the able staff at RELIC. (http://www.pwcgov.org/government/dept/library/pages/relic.aspx)
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