Henry C. Graves
Henry C. Graves, mannufacturer, Dayton, and a member of the firm of Marshall, Graves & Co., was born near Elmira, Chemung County, N.Y., in May, 1836. His father was Henry M. Graves, a prominent physician of Chemung County, who died when the subject of this sketch was eleven years of age. A year later, Mr. Graves acompanied his mother and family to Dayton, where he attended the district and high school. When twenty years of age, he obtained a postition as a clerk with J. B. Gilbert & Co., wholesale grocers and liquor dealers. He remained with this firm until 1868, when himself and brother, George M., purchased the stock and trade of the firm, and continued the business with good success until 1880. In the latter year, in connection with Albert C. Marshall, Mr. Graves purchased the business of the Dayton Machine Company, and soon after removed it to the present location of the firm. The firm subsequently bought out Reigel & Co.; manufacturers of engines. Mr. Graves was married in 1863 to Sally J., daughter of William Dickey, a prominent citizen of Dayton, now deceased. Two sons have been given to bless this union, William D. and Charlie. Mrs. Graves is a consistent member of the Presbyterian Chursh. Politically, Mr. Graves is Democratic, and has served his fellow-citizens as a member of the School Board and Police Commissioners. Mr. Graves has been eminently successful as a business man, and has always evinced and active interest in the welfare of his adopted city. He is a Director in the Dayton Gas Light and Coke Company, and Vice President of the Ohio Insurance Company.
From History of Montgomery County, Ohio, W. H. Beers & Co., Chicago, 1882