GRAHAM, Aaron A. - Putnam

Living in honorable retirement in Russellville is Aaron A. Graham, one of Putnam County's highly respected and substantial citizens whose former life of activity resulted to much good to his fellow men as well as to himself and immediate family. He was born in Jackson County, Indiana May 22, 1844, son of James C. and Mary A. REYNOLDS Graham, the former a native of NC and latter of Tenn. In a very early day they came to Indiana, later moving to Iowa. About 1854 they returned to the Hoosier State, locating at Portland Mills, Putnam County where Mr. Graham operated a daily mail route from Waveland to Greencastle through Portland Mills. They later lived in Brown Township, Montgomery County where Mrs. Graham died at age 77; he spent his last years in Iowa with his children, dying there when about 80. They were the parents of but two sons, George F. and Aaron; however, James C. Graham had been previously married and had children by his first wife. When only 17 Aaron Graham gave vent to the patriotism he felt and enlisted in Co. K, 67th Regt Ind Vol. Infantry, from Jackson Co in August 1862, and he served very faithfully through all the vicissitudes of his regiment, receiving an honorable discharge May 16, 1865. He fought at Munfordville, Ky, Port Gibson, Black River, Champion Hills, and at Vicksburg, being wounded in the general assault at the latter place May 22, 1863, a bullet passing through his left hand. He was sent to Graysville and as soon as he was able he was appointed ward master in the hospital there, which position he occupied for 9 months, when he was ordered to Cincinnati as clerk under general Willick, commander of the depot there and there he remained until discharged. After returning home Mr. Graham began trading in and shipping stock at Russellville, his brother George becoming his partner. In 1867 they began buying land in Brown Twp, Montgomery County, 1 1/2 miles from Russellville Station, starting out with 80 acres. They made money rapidly farming and shipping from Russellville and Waveland, keeping well posted in the daily markets, being constantly buying or in the market, shipping 200 cars of livestock in one year. Mr. Graham was also accustomed to buying horses in large numbers, which he kept on his farm until ready for market. He prospered by his judicious handling of livestock and general farming and he became the owner of 560 acres of good land; he owned 400 acres in Montgomery and 160 acres in Parke; paying as high as 55 dollars per acre for improved land; it consisted of the best black land, covered with walnut and sugar trees, but he always made farming secondary to his livestock interests. However, he was known as a large wheat raiser and has sold as high as 2900 dollars worth at one shipping. He disposed of his stock interests 10 years ago and six years ago came to Russellville to make his home. He has bought and sold considerable town property. He has a beautiful modern home, elegantly furnished and here the many friends of the family delight to gather. He also has modern and substantial buildings on his farms. His brother, George F, continued in the stock business all the while and still owns his fine farm in Montgomery County. Politically Mr. Graham is a Republican, but he has never had an inclination to hold public office, being content to look after his individual affairs and leave public matters to others; however, he has always been deeply interested in the general welfare of his county. He is a liberal supporter of the local Methodist Church. Mr. Graham married Miranda JONES of Montgomery County when 22. She died 10 years later. Two children were born to this union: Ida who married Abe GRIMES of Russellville and George F who was but six days old when his mother died. Mr. Graham's second marriage was with Ardellie HART of Putnam County who after 28 years of mutually happy married life died in Dec 1901. The following children graces this 2nd union: Zona married Fred H. GOODWIN is in business at Russellville; J. Blaine is associated with his father in the farming business; Everett L, now 11 is attending school. Personally, Mr. Graham is a man whom it is a pleasure to know, being generous hearted, kind, hospitable, honest in all his dealings with his fellow men and eminently worthy of the trust and respect they repose in him and have for him, and he is today regarded as one of the county's most representative and valued citizens.