Friday, December 06, 2019

William E. Graves' complicated path to the grave

William E. and Elsie Graves, united now in death in the Chariton Cemetery, were not at all united when he died during 1903. That estrangement, along with distance and miscommunication, accounts for the somewhat complicated route his remains took on their way home.

Mr. Graves was a respected Chariton businessman, operator of a livery barn just off the square. When the 1900 census was taken, the Graves --- both in their early 50s --- still were occupying their home jointly on West Braden Avenue. But Elsie sued William for divorce during early 1901 and that decree became final in May.

At some point, William moved to Oklahoma to work and live --- and communication with his family in Chariton apparently was limited. So as his condition deteriorated in Oklahoma after an amputation during February of 1903, it was his brother in Michigan who received the notification. He, in turn, got the name of the town wrong when communicating the information to the Chariton family.

All three of Chariton's newspapers reported Mr. Graves' death, but only The Herald of March 5, 1903, gave a fairly complete explanation of the situation, as follows:

William E. Graves, formerly and for a number of years a resident of Chariton, died in Snyder, Oklahoma, Tuesday, Feb. 17, and was buried in that town. His death was the result of being run over by a loaded wagon and his leg crushed so that amputation was necessary.  His death and burial were unknown to the family in Chariton at the time. 

Saturday, February 21, his son, Guy, received word from Mr. Graves' brother, living in Grand Rapids, Michigan, that Mr. Graves was sick in Sidney, Oklahoma. There is no town by that name and it was not until a few days later that the correct name of the town was learned.

Guy proceeded at once to Snyder, only to learn that his father had been dead and buried for a week. He brought the body home with him and interment was made in the Chariton cemetery Tuesday. Short services were held at the graveside.

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Elsie Graves continued to live in Chariton, but was visiting her son, David (known as Bun), in Houston, Texas, when she died on Sept. 26, 1929, at the age of 84. Her remains were returned to Chariton for burial beside her estranged husband with fewer complications.

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