John Graven
John Graven was born in Prairie Township February 2, 1840, a son of Thomas and Eliza (McKelvy) Graven, natives of Trumbull County, Ohio and a grandson of John Graven, a pioneer of Holmes County. Thomas Graven, who was a prominent citizen and a successful farmer, owned 185 acres of land, which was under a high state of cultivation. He died in 1871, aged sixty-six years; his widow is now seventy-one years of age. Their family consisted of nine children, seven of whom lived to maturity: John, Amy A., Clark, Sarah, Marion, William, and Amos.
John Graven was reared and educated in his native township, and has devoted his time to the occupation of farming. He now owns 127 acres of land, and his improvements are among the best in the township. He takes an active interest in anything that is of benefit to the community, and has served as a member of the school board. In politics he is a Republican. He was married in 1863 to Lydia, daughter of Isaac Buckingham, of this county, and they have had four children, three of whom are living: Della L., Osie A. and Cora O. Mr and Mrs. Graven are members of the Presbyterian Church.
From Commemorative Biographical Record of the Counties of Wayne and Holmes, Ohio, J. H. Beers & Co., Chicago, 1889