Sunday evening, August 23, 1903, Gaylord S. Graves, a citizen of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] for more than fifty years, passed peacefully away at his home on North Main street, aged seventy-six years. "God's finger touched him and he slept." Mr. Graves had experienced a gradual decline in health for a number of years, but it was not until a few weeks ago that a marked change came that foretold near dissolution. He fell upon the floor of his home one day, caused by accident, or possibly by a crisis in his nervous condition, since which time he had steadily failed, though unable to talk, he still recognized those about him. The latter years of Mr. Graves' life have produced a verification of the serenity resulting from a Christian life. He was in the world, but not of it. The summons to a higher sphere he felt might come at any moment and he was ready. He rejoiced in the progress of events, as in the building and the dedication of the new M.E. church, in which he had been an instrumental factor in leading the church to its present prosperity. His reminiscences of the past, his enjoyment of the present and his predictions of the future, both of this world and another, were beautiful in their sweet simplicity. There have been several anniversary observances in the family of Mr. Graves, and notably a reunion August 11, 1897, in which the Republican gave a brief history of the life of the deceased. We give extracts as follows:
"Mr. Graves was born in Blenheim, N.Y., in 1827. In his boyhood he removed to Mt. Upton with his parents where was his home until he came to Bainbridge in 1849. At that time Bainbridge had but one furniture dealer, Theodore Fairchild, whose store, shop and undertaking business were conducted in a building which stood where now is Mr. Graves' residence on North Main street. Mr. Graves was then twenty-two years of age and began learning the cabinet trade of Mr. Fairchild, afterward perfecting his knowledge of the work in Utica. He finally bought out Mr. Fairchild's interests and by industry, energy and natural commercial talent, soon built up a large business. He commanded for a long time all of the undertaking patronage within ten miles of Bainbridge. When it is understood that he made all of the furniture and coffins sold, an idea can be given of the extent of his business. Mr. Graves was an entirely self-made man and when he began life in Bainbridge, judgment, thrift and an excellent character formed his chief capital; but enterprise speedily brought success and it was not long before he was recognized as a prominent business man in the place. He built in 1871 the store now occupied by E.D. Truman, druggist, which was the first brick block erected in Bainbridge, and removed his business thereto. Several other buildings also owe their erection to him. The deceased was always identified with every measure for the public good. The town is specially indebted to him for his zealous activity in furthering the establishment of the Union school. He was a member of the first Board of Education, elected in April 1868, and served efficiently for a number of terms. The Methodist church found in Mr. Graves a most devoted adherent. He became a member nearly forty years ago and his service in every capacity, as local preacher, steward, trustee and chorister, has been loyal, unswerving and enthusiastic."
Mr. Graves was a social man and always derived much pleasure in intercourse with his friends. The extract below is typical: "All present enjoyed the anniversary meeting and none more than he who was the guest of the day and was so happily surrounded by family and friends. At the age of seventy years, and after the tolls and battles of life, it was a pleasing picture to look upon the once busy man of the world and note the enjoyment and serenity with which he was gliding down the river Time. It has been a number of years since through impaired health he surrendered active business relations and yet he has a calm interest in all that transpires about him."
Mr. Graves married Jan. 6, 1853, Miss Harriette Pettys of Bainbridge, who died Nov. 4, 1885. The children were: Willis D., George D., deceased, Frederick C., and Miss Anna T. Graves. In March 1877, Mr. Graves married Miss Harriette T. Price of Binghamton, and two children have been born, a daughter, Rena, deceased, and son Rexford. The funeral was held at the home Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock, Rev. J.S.Crompton officiating who paid an eloquent tribute to the life of the deceased. Among the hymns sung by the gentlemen, Messrs. Strong, Bentley and Wilcox, was Mr. Graves' favorite, "Jesus Lover of my Soul," in which the congregation joined. The interment was in St. Peter's burying ground and the bearers were: Perry Rood, M.A. Yale, H.W. Whitman, George W. Taylor, Dennis W. Payne and C.J. Fisher. There were many beautiful floral offerings which included an anchor from the M.E. church....[Bainbridge Republican, Aug. 27, 1903]
The death of Lucy Jane Whiting Hovey occurred at six o'clock Saturday morning, August 22, 1903, at her home on West Main street [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY]. Her age was nearly seventy-nine years. The summons hence was unexpected to her friends, as the evening of last Thursday, when she received a stroke of paralysis which prostrated her beyond consciousness, and from which she did not rally, was preceded by a day of quiet, happy enjoyment,, receiving her friends and conversing with her usual equanimity. Mrs. Hovey's health had failed quite perceptibly for the past six months which was the result of accumulated years, rather than the advance of disease. Mrs. Hovey was endowed with a strong mind, clearness of intellect, and to her the approach of death was but a transition to the joys beyond. There was no fear in the contemplation of the change. She was watched over with the tenderest love by her son, every wish anticipated, every means devised for her comfort and happiness, and she enjoyed living and the communion with friends, but her natural characteristic, independence of spirit, and her solicitude for others, led her often to say that she wished not to live when she became physically helpless. Mrs. Hovey was born in Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], September 28, 1824. She was the daughter of Erastus B. and Arthusa Mills Whiting, who were born in 1800 and 1801, respectively. Her grandparents, Jesse and Hannah Smith Whiting, moved from Norfolk, Conn., to Guilford in 1810, which was the first settlement of the Whiting family in Guilford. The Whitings have a long genealogical record and their history can be traced back definitely to ancestors living in England in 1333. The records in a direct line from 1597 down bear testimony mostly of exalted positions occupied, and by college bred men. The first ancestor to come to America was Rev. Samuel Whiting, son of John Whiting, a mayor of Boston, in Lincolnshire, England. He settled as pastor in Lynn, Mass., in 1636. Mr. Whiting was twice married and his second wife was the daughter of Rt. Hon. Oliver St. john, of Bradfordshire, who was Chief Justice of England in Cromwell's reign. Thus it will be seen that Mrs. Hovey, who was a lineal descendant, sprang from the purest of English stock and her life has been imbued with her ancestral heritage. She was educated in Guilford attending the select schools, which had a high reputation. In the early years of Guilford, that town was noted for its production of musical instruments, the chief of which were pipe organs, and the first introduced into a large portion of Chenango county were those made by her relatives. There are two or three in Bainbridge now of those primitive organs. She has bequeathed to a grandchild a melodeon made by her father in Guilford, rare and curious in make. Mrs. Hovey was united in marriage with William M. Hovey of Guilford September 20, 1848. The husband possessed a large farming property in Guilford and in conjunction with its management, conducted for many years an extensive business in purchasing cattle for the eastern markets. In 1872 Mr. and Mrs. Hovey moved to Earlville, and in 1875 to Norwich, where Mr. Hovey died in 1889. Soon after his death, the wife came to Bainbridge to reside and for the last five years has occupied a pretty cottage, handsomely fitted up on West Main street. Three sons were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hovey, of which only one, the youngest, survives, Charles C. Hovey, of Bainbridge. The eldest, Eugene W. died at three years of age; the second, Franklin B., at nineteen years of age. The mother never recovered from the shock of this sudden death which occurred which on a southern trip. The deceased was a member of the Presbyterian church and her loyalty to it had existed since childhood. Her virtues are fittingly described in a memorial to her mother, Arthusa Whiting, published at her death in Guilford in 1860 which reads: "As a wife, she was cheerful, attentive, and obedient; as a mother, loving, earnest, and affectionate; as a member of society, she was charitable, bearing cheerfully all the burdens it necessarily imposed upon her; and as a Christian, exemplifying, as far as human frailty can do, the character of the meek and lowly Jesus." The funeral of Mrs. Hovey was held from her late home Monday at two o'clock p.m. The Rev. Arthur Spaulding, her pastor, who was away on his vacation, returned directly upon the receipt of the news of her death, and conducted the services. He spoke feelingly of the worth of the deceased. The selections of music were sung by Mr. and Mrs. George A. Ives, Mrs. William Evans and Mr. George C. Smith. The interment was in Green Lawn cemetery [Bainbridge, NY] and the bearers were George Ives, John Toby, Uriah Toby, Frank Humphrey, I.I. Ogden, Herman Van Cott. The casket was surrounded and imbedded in flowers, indicative of the loving remembrance and regard of friends. There were many choice designs, different organizations of the place as well as individuals being contributors. The large autumn wreath presented by grandchildren was the perfection of beauty and sentiment....[Bainbridge Republican, Aug 27, 1903]
