NameJames B GRAHAM 3282,451
Birth Date21 Aug 1811
Birth PlaceBellefonte, Centre Co., PA, USA
OccupationMerchant, Lumberman, Businessman, Banker
Misc. Notes
Hon. James B. Graham

The old adage, "True merit will win," was never better illustrated than in the sketch of our subject. Humble surroundings and lack of early educational training did not hinder him in the race for competence. He was born near Bellefonte, on the 21st of August 1811. His father, Francis Graham, during the Revolution, lived near Valley Forge, and after the battle of the Brandywine, many of the British officers stopped over night with his fatherJohn Grahamalthough a whig. They, in token of their appreciation of his hospitality, resented him with a cane, which our subject has yet in his possession.

Francis Graham settled in Centre county about 1790, and removed to Karthaus township, Clearfield county, in 1822. Prior to his father's removal James attended an academy at Bellefonte for a brief time, and after the location in Karthaus he had a limited opportunity of learning the " three R's" at the common schools then in vogue. But the keen desire to improve, and the anxiety to know more than the dull routine of a country school, forced him to read all the books that came in his way, and to act upon the axiom, " Read much, but think more." Although he worked upon the farm till twenty-two years of age, he found many opportunities for study and reflection, so that he might well be termed a well-read man.

His attention was now turned toward a mercantile life, and in 1834 he entered the store of William Irvin, at Curwensville, as a clerk, and remained with him till 1836. His habits were economical, and from his meagre salary he saved a limited amount of money. With this, and the credit he had so well earned, he opened a general store at Turner's Stills, now known as Grahamton. His old employer aided him constantly, both with goods and money. From a humble commencement his business increased so that he engaged in the lumber trade. The latter seemed his own peculiar field. He erected an extensive saw mill, bought large tracts of land, and sometimes had over three hundred men in his employ. The grist-mill, the blacksmith shopin fact, the entire business of the town, was owned and managed by himself. Whether rafting on the river, sawing in the mill, or selling in the store, he seemed at home, and managed each department so well that in a few years he secured a handsome fortune.

In 1852 he removed his family to Clearfield, for the purpose of educating his children, but did not take his residence there till the 4th of July, 1860. In November of that year he was elected cashier of the Clearfield County Bank, organized under the Free Banking Law. This was the first bank organized in the county. After being cashier five years he was elected vice-president, and retains the position at this date. He disposed of a portion of his business in Grahamton, and retained his lumber interest, and this he yet is pushing as well as the time will permit. Grahamton is not the thriving town it was prior to 1873, but the prospect is that the good time is soon coming when its business will rival the most palmy days of its former career of prosperity.

He has been but little in public life. Though often requested, he never was a candidate but twice for official honors. From 1838 to 1839 be served in the board of county commissioners. He was married in 1838, at Clearfield Bridge, to Miss Elizabeth A. Alexander, a daughter of William Alexander, an old settler of Bellefonte. Five children were born to him, all living at the time of publication.

Socially our subject is a most genial friend, and his acts of kindness and real welcome are a true index of his warm and affectionate temperament. He has acquired a competence, and in a greater proportion has he contributed to public and private enterprises than his wealth has increased. His career has been crowned with success, and there is left for him a future of still larger possibilities.
Spouses
Family ID6601
Marr Date1838451
Marr PlaceClearfield County, PA, USA
Marr Memoat Clearfield Bridge
ChildrenEmma Augusta (1840-1901)
Last Modified 25 Mar 2011Created 17 May 2017 Rick Gleason - ricksgenealogy@gmail.com