Professor David H. Graham, known as the "grand old man" of Rushville died this morning at four o'clock. The end came peacefully and he was relieved after months of suffering. His death was the result of a complication of diseases. Since last February he had been critically ill and the end had been expected almost daily since that time. However, he had been much worse since Tuesday, and the family yesterday realized that he could not live through the night.
Although his death had been expected for some time the announcement of the death of Mr. Graham is a deep shock to Rushville. He was the grand old man of the city and almost every woman and child in the city knew and loved him. For years he had been closely identified with the activities of the city and his interest was always in the things that were helpful and beneficial to humanity. Not only did he make friends while he was engaged in active school work but after he retired from active service he was regarded as the ideal man by school children and older folks as well.
Many is the time that he brought tears to the eyes of the school children as he told them in his quavering voice of the early days in which he was connected with the school---- and never did he make one of these talks without impressing on the pupils of the school how much he loved them.
Mr. Graham was born January 13, 1826, in Franklin County, Ohio, and at the time of his death was eighty - three years old. His birthplace was a log cabin on the National Road, and for eighteen years he lived there and with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. William G. Graham, endured the hardships of life in the uncultivated country. He was the eldest of three children, his two brothers being Andrew and Thomas W. Graham. Both of Mr. Graham's great grandfathers served in the Revolutionary War.
When he was eighteen years old Mr. Graham entered the academy at Reynolds, Ohio, and then one of his first ambitions was realized. Since a mere boy he had longed to go to school and never lost an opportunity to learn. In the two years that he was at the academy he made the best of the limited opportunities offered and from there Mr. Graham went to teach his first school. In was in Logan County, Ohio, about seven miles north of what is now Bellfountaine.
Here he taught three months in the year, and twenty-four days in each week. He received for his work fifty cents a day but saved practically every cent he made. He was working toward the one aim of his life at that time --- to get a higher education. He boarded with the patrons of the school and chopped wood, took care of the children, and did chores for his board. His was the typical life of the early school teacher and until he was twenty-four years old he taught and went to school alternately.
Then, as now, the children were fond of jokes on the teacher and one of Mr. Graham's favorite stories was of the Christmas morning he went to the school house and found that the children had beaten him there. The door was locked and the pupils refused to let him in. Not to be downed by the youngsters, he climbed to the roof, and put a flat board over the chimney. The youngsters were more than glad to let him in, and do it real quickly. He was always fond of talking of his experiences as a school teacher and if any man ever loved children, he did.
By hard work Mr. Graham managed to save $36 and with some little help, which his father was able to give him, he went to Hanover College. He remained there six months and showed much ability in his work. He then obtained a position teaching in the school which he had attended and for three years was an instructor in the Reynolds Academy.
An acquaintance with a former school mate ripened into a love affair which culminated in his marriage to Miss Caroline Adams. After his marriage he taught in the academy at New Washington in Clark County, Indiana. In 1862 he moved to Madison, Indiana and became the superintendent of the Madison Public Schools. It was here he had some thrilling experiences during the war of the rebellion. Since Madison was on the Ohio River there was considerable fear for some time that the Confederates would try to invade the city. Volunteer companies were organized and remained on duty night and day. Mr. Graham willingly joined one of these companies and had an experience which was not only somewhat exciting, but showed some of the real characteristics in the man.
It was on a night that was cloudy that he was patrolling a part of the river. He heard the swish of paddles in the water. Gradually, through the darkness, he made out the outline of a boat.
"Halt and give the countersign," he commanded.
"I don't know the countersign" replied the boatman.
"Then you will have to come with me and don't try to run away for I will have to shoot you and I don't want to kill anyone," replied Mr. Graham. The young man was taken to headquarters and he proved to be a Madison Youngster who had been across the river to see his sweetheart and had gone without getting the countersign.
In 1865 Mr. Graham became superintendent of public schools in Columbus, Indiana, and during the four years that he was there, gained a warm place in the hearts of the people which never cooled. During the last years of his life Mr. Graham made frequent visits to Columbus and was well known there.
It was 1869 that Rushville had the good fortune to obtain the services of Mr. Graham and then began his residence in the city where he lived until his death. The schools were poorly organized but the city had grown to such an extent that a graded school had become necessity. The authorities cast about for a suitable man to take charge and finally selected Mr. Graham. He came here and made a success of a difficult task.
It was his kind and sympathetic disposition, his tact, and above all, his lovable nature which accomplished, in short time, what would have taken many men years to accomplish. In the school at the time he came were the Misses Thomson, Fisher, Miller, Titt and Williams who gave him valuable assistance in his work. In addition to acting as superintendent of the schools Mr. Graham was a teacher. There are many people living in Rush County who loved Mr. Graham almost as they would a father and their acquaintance started back in the seventies when he was their teacher. He was also known as the as the first superintendent of the Rushville schools and his life closely interwoven with the history of the school.
As a monument to his noble work the new high school building is called the Graham school and long after the pupils have followed their teacher to the other world, this building will stand as a monument to the first superintendent.
He retired from the public schools in 1883 and became a teacher in a private school for two years. In 1890 he accepted a position in the Rushville Academy which was established by his brother, Andrew Graham. Then he retired from school work and spent the remainder of his life in making other people happy.
He built cottages and rented them to poor people and then helped them to buy homes at reasonable prices. He became interested in other enterprises and bought stock in the Innis, Pearce & Company factory.
In 1886 he was elected Treasurer of Rushville on the Republican ticket.
The saddest blow of his life was the death of his wife in 1900. Mrs. Graham died suddenly and the loss of his life long companion cast a shadow over his life which was never removed. But, never did his efforts to make others happy cease. To the last moment his thoughts were of those around him.
He was a pillar of the United Presbyterian Church. He was seldom known to be absent from from a church service no matter how bad the weather. He was an elder in the church from the time of its organization in 1879. Professor Graham's help and presence in the church came to be as much an accepted thing as the work of the minister.
Mr. Graham is survived by three children, Mrs. Anna Ong of Columbus, Mrs. Minnie Ditmars and Mrs. Etta Ditmars , both of Franklin.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Caroline, and a daughter, Ida Belle Graham.
The funeral services will be held Monday afternoon at the United Presbyterian Church at 1:30 o'clock, conducted by Rev. W.H. Clark. Burial will be in East Hill Cemetery.
Although his death had been expected for some time the announcement of the death of Mr. Graham is a deep shock to Rushville. He was the grand old man of the city and almost every woman and child in the city knew and loved him. For years he had been closely identified with the activities of the city and his interest was always in the things that were helpful and beneficial to humanity. Not only did he make friends while he was engaged in active school work but after he retired from active service he was regarded as the ideal man by school children and older folks as well.
Many is the time that he brought tears to the eyes of the school children as he told them in his quavering voice of the early days in which he was connected with the school---- and never did he make one of these talks without impressing on the pupils of the school how much he loved them.
Mr. Graham was born January 13, 1826, in Franklin County, Ohio, and at the time of his death was eighty - three years old. His birthplace was a log cabin on the National Road, and for eighteen years he lived there and with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. William G. Graham, endured the hardships of life in the uncultivated country. He was the eldest of three children, his two brothers being Andrew and Thomas W. Graham. Both of Mr. Graham's great grandfathers served in the Revolutionary War.
When he was eighteen years old Mr. Graham entered the academy at Reynolds, Ohio, and then one of his first ambitions was realized. Since a mere boy he had longed to go to school and never lost an opportunity to learn. In the two years that he was at the academy he made the best of the limited opportunities offered and from there Mr. Graham went to teach his first school. In was in Logan County, Ohio, about seven miles north of what is now Bellfountaine.
Here he taught three months in the year, and twenty-four days in each week. He received for his work fifty cents a day but saved practically every cent he made. He was working toward the one aim of his life at that time --- to get a higher education. He boarded with the patrons of the school and chopped wood, took care of the children, and did chores for his board. His was the typical life of the early school teacher and until he was twenty-four years old he taught and went to school alternately.
Then, as now, the children were fond of jokes on the teacher and one of Mr. Graham's favorite stories was of the Christmas morning he went to the school house and found that the children had beaten him there. The door was locked and the pupils refused to let him in. Not to be downed by the youngsters, he climbed to the roof, and put a flat board over the chimney. The youngsters were more than glad to let him in, and do it real quickly. He was always fond of talking of his experiences as a school teacher and if any man ever loved children, he did.
By hard work Mr. Graham managed to save $36 and with some little help, which his father was able to give him, he went to Hanover College. He remained there six months and showed much ability in his work. He then obtained a position teaching in the school which he had attended and for three years was an instructor in the Reynolds Academy.
An acquaintance with a former school mate ripened into a love affair which culminated in his marriage to Miss Caroline Adams. After his marriage he taught in the academy at New Washington in Clark County, Indiana. In 1862 he moved to Madison, Indiana and became the superintendent of the Madison Public Schools. It was here he had some thrilling experiences during the war of the rebellion. Since Madison was on the Ohio River there was considerable fear for some time that the Confederates would try to invade the city. Volunteer companies were organized and remained on duty night and day. Mr. Graham willingly joined one of these companies and had an experience which was not only somewhat exciting, but showed some of the real characteristics in the man.
It was on a night that was cloudy that he was patrolling a part of the river. He heard the swish of paddles in the water. Gradually, through the darkness, he made out the outline of a boat.
"Halt and give the countersign," he commanded.
"I don't know the countersign" replied the boatman.
"Then you will have to come with me and don't try to run away for I will have to shoot you and I don't want to kill anyone," replied Mr. Graham. The young man was taken to headquarters and he proved to be a Madison Youngster who had been across the river to see his sweetheart and had gone without getting the countersign.
In 1865 Mr. Graham became superintendent of public schools in Columbus, Indiana, and during the four years that he was there, gained a warm place in the hearts of the people which never cooled. During the last years of his life Mr. Graham made frequent visits to Columbus and was well known there.
It was 1869 that Rushville had the good fortune to obtain the services of Mr. Graham and then began his residence in the city where he lived until his death. The schools were poorly organized but the city had grown to such an extent that a graded school had become necessity. The authorities cast about for a suitable man to take charge and finally selected Mr. Graham. He came here and made a success of a difficult task.
It was his kind and sympathetic disposition, his tact, and above all, his lovable nature which accomplished, in short time, what would have taken many men years to accomplish. In the school at the time he came were the Misses Thomson, Fisher, Miller, Titt and Williams who gave him valuable assistance in his work. In addition to acting as superintendent of the schools Mr. Graham was a teacher. There are many people living in Rush County who loved Mr. Graham almost as they would a father and their acquaintance started back in the seventies when he was their teacher. He was also known as the as the first superintendent of the Rushville schools and his life closely interwoven with the history of the school.
As a monument to his noble work the new high school building is called the Graham school and long after the pupils have followed their teacher to the other world, this building will stand as a monument to the first superintendent.
He retired from the public schools in 1883 and became a teacher in a private school for two years. In 1890 he accepted a position in the Rushville Academy which was established by his brother, Andrew Graham. Then he retired from school work and spent the remainder of his life in making other people happy.
He built cottages and rented them to poor people and then helped them to buy homes at reasonable prices. He became interested in other enterprises and bought stock in the Innis, Pearce & Company factory.
In 1886 he was elected Treasurer of Rushville on the Republican ticket.
The saddest blow of his life was the death of his wife in 1900. Mrs. Graham died suddenly and the loss of his life long companion cast a shadow over his life which was never removed. But, never did his efforts to make others happy cease. To the last moment his thoughts were of those around him.
He was a pillar of the United Presbyterian Church. He was seldom known to be absent from from a church service no matter how bad the weather. He was an elder in the church from the time of its organization in 1879. Professor Graham's help and presence in the church came to be as much an accepted thing as the work of the minister.
Mr. Graham is survived by three children, Mrs. Anna Ong of Columbus, Mrs. Minnie Ditmars and Mrs. Etta Ditmars , both of Franklin.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Caroline, and a daughter, Ida Belle Graham.
The funeral services will be held Monday afternoon at the United Presbyterian Church at 1:30 o'clock, conducted by Rev. W.H. Clark. Burial will be in East Hill Cemetery.
Professor David H. Graham, known as the "grand old man" of Rushville died this morning at four o'clock. The end came peacefully and he was relieved after months of suffering. His death was the result of a complication of diseases. Since last February he had been critically ill and the end had been expected almost daily since that time. However, he had been much worse since Tuesday, and the family yesterday realized that he could not live through the night.
Although his death had been expected for some time the announcement of the death of Mr. Graham is a deep shock to Rushville. He was the grand old man of the city and almost every woman and child in the city knew and loved him. For years he had been closely identified with the activities of the city and his interest was always in the things that were helpful and beneficial to humanity. Not only did he make friends while he was engaged in active school work but after he retired from active service he was regarded as the ideal man by school children and older folks as well.
Many is the time that he brought tears to the eyes of the school children as he told them in his quavering voice of the early days in which he was connected with the school---- and never did he make one of these talks without impressing on the pupils of the school how much he loved them.
Mr. Graham was born January 13, 1826, in Franklin County, Ohio, and at the time of his death was eighty - three years old. His birthplace was a log cabin on the National Road, and for eighteen years he lived there and with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. William G. Graham, endured the hardships of life in the uncultivated country. He was the eldest of three children, his two brothers being Andrew and Thomas W. Graham. Both of Mr. Graham's great grandfathers served in the Revolutionary War.
When he was eighteen years old Mr. Graham entered the academy at Reynolds, Ohio, and then one of his first ambitions was realized. Since a mere boy he had longed to go to school and never lost an opportunity to learn. In the two years that he was at the academy he made the best of the limited opportunities offered and from there Mr. Graham went to teach his first school. In was in Logan County, Ohio, about seven miles north of what is now Bellfountaine.
Here he taught three months in the year, and twenty-four days in each week. He received for his work fifty cents a day but saved practically every cent he made. He was working toward the one aim of his life at that time --- to get a higher education. He boarded with the patrons of the school and chopped wood, took care of the children, and did chores for his board. His was the typical life of the early school teacher and until he was twenty-four years old he taught and went to school alternately.
Then, as now, the children were fond of jokes on the teacher and one of Mr. Graham's favorite stories was of the Christmas morning he went to the school house and found that the children had beaten him there. The door was locked and the pupils refused to let him in. Not to be downed by the youngsters, he climbed to the roof, and put a flat board over the chimney. The youngsters were more than glad to let him in, and do it real quickly. He was always fond of talking of his experiences as a school teacher and if any man ever loved children, he did.
By hard work Mr. Graham managed to save $36 and with some little help, which his father was able to give him, he went to Hanover College. He remained there six months and showed much ability in his work. He then obtained a position teaching in the school which he had attended and for three years was an instructor in the Reynolds Academy.
An acquaintance with a former school mate ripened into a love affair which culminated in his marriage to Miss Caroline Adams. After his marriage he taught in the academy at New Washington in Clark County, Indiana. In 1862 he moved to Madison, Indiana and became the superintendent of the Madison Public Schools. It was here he had some thrilling experiences during the war of the rebellion. Since Madison was on the Ohio River there was considerable fear for some time that the Confederates would try to invade the city. Volunteer companies were organized and remained on duty night and day. Mr. Graham willingly joined one of these companies and had an experience which was not only somewhat exciting, but showed some of the real characteristics in the man.
It was on a night that was cloudy that he was patrolling a part of the river. He heard the swish of paddles in the water. Gradually, through the darkness, he made out the outline of a boat.
"Halt and give the countersign," he commanded.
"I don't know the countersign" replied the boatman.
"Then you will have to come with me and don't try to run away for I will have to shoot you and I don't want to kill anyone," replied Mr. Graham. The young man was taken to headquarters and he proved to be a Madison Youngster who had been across the river to see his sweetheart and had gone without getting the countersign.
In 1865 Mr. Graham became superintendent of public schools in Columbus, Indiana, and during the four years that he was there, gained a warm place in the hearts of the people which never cooled. During the last years of his life Mr. Graham made frequent visits to Columbus and was well known there.
It was 1869 that Rushville had the good fortune to obtain the services of Mr. Graham and then began his residence in the city where he lived until his death. The schools were poorly organized but the city had grown to such an extent that a graded school had become necessity. The authorities cast about for a suitable man to take charge and finally selected Mr. Graham. He came here and made a success of a difficult task.
It was his kind and sympathetic disposition, his tact, and above all, his lovable nature which accomplished, in short time, what would have taken many men years to accomplish. In the school at the time he came were the Misses Thomson, Fisher, Miller, Titt and Williams who gave him valuable assistance in his work. In addition to acting as superintendent of the schools Mr. Graham was a teacher. There are many people living in Rush County who loved Mr. Graham almost as they would a father and their acquaintance started back in the seventies when he was their teacher. He was also known as the as the first superintendent of the Rushville schools and his life closely interwoven with the history of the school.
As a monument to his noble work the new high school building is called the Graham school and long after the pupils have followed their teacher to the other world, this building will stand as a monument to the first superintendent.
He retired from the public schools in 1883 and became a teacher in a private school for two years. In 1890 he accepted a position in the Rushville Academy which was established by his brother, Andrew Graham. Then he retired from school work and spent the remainder of his life in making other people happy.
He built cottages and rented them to poor people and then helped them to buy homes at reasonable prices. He became interested in other enterprises and bought stock in the Innis, Pearce & Company factory.
In 1886 he was elected Treasurer of Rushville on the Republican ticket.
The saddest blow of his life was the death of his wife in 1900. Mrs. Graham died suddenly and the loss of his life long companion cast a shadow over his life which was never removed. But, never did his efforts to make others happy cease. To the last moment his thoughts were of those around him.
He was a pillar of the United Presbyterian Church. He was seldom known to be absent from from a church service no matter how bad the weather. He was an elder in the church from the time of its organization in 1879. Professor Graham's help and presence in the church came to be as much an accepted thing as the work of the minister.
Mr. Graham is survived by three children, Mrs. Anna Ong of Columbus, Mrs. Minnie Ditmars and Mrs. Etta Ditmars , both of Franklin.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Caroline, and a daughter, Ida Belle Graham.
The funeral services will be held Monday afternoon at the United Presbyterian Church at 1:30 o'clock, conducted by Rev. W.H. Clark. Burial will be in East Hill Cemetery.
Although his death had been expected for some time the announcement of the death of Mr. Graham is a deep shock to Rushville. He was the grand old man of the city and almost every woman and child in the city knew and loved him. For years he had been closely identified with the activities of the city and his interest was always in the things that were helpful and beneficial to humanity. Not only did he make friends while he was engaged in active school work but after he retired from active service he was regarded as the ideal man by school children and older folks as well.
Many is the time that he brought tears to the eyes of the school children as he told them in his quavering voice of the early days in which he was connected with the school---- and never did he make one of these talks without impressing on the pupils of the school how much he loved them.
Mr. Graham was born January 13, 1826, in Franklin County, Ohio, and at the time of his death was eighty - three years old. His birthplace was a log cabin on the National Road, and for eighteen years he lived there and with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. William G. Graham, endured the hardships of life in the uncultivated country. He was the eldest of three children, his two brothers being Andrew and Thomas W. Graham. Both of Mr. Graham's great grandfathers served in the Revolutionary War.
When he was eighteen years old Mr. Graham entered the academy at Reynolds, Ohio, and then one of his first ambitions was realized. Since a mere boy he had longed to go to school and never lost an opportunity to learn. In the two years that he was at the academy he made the best of the limited opportunities offered and from there Mr. Graham went to teach his first school. In was in Logan County, Ohio, about seven miles north of what is now Bellfountaine.
Here he taught three months in the year, and twenty-four days in each week. He received for his work fifty cents a day but saved practically every cent he made. He was working toward the one aim of his life at that time --- to get a higher education. He boarded with the patrons of the school and chopped wood, took care of the children, and did chores for his board. His was the typical life of the early school teacher and until he was twenty-four years old he taught and went to school alternately.
Then, as now, the children were fond of jokes on the teacher and one of Mr. Graham's favorite stories was of the Christmas morning he went to the school house and found that the children had beaten him there. The door was locked and the pupils refused to let him in. Not to be downed by the youngsters, he climbed to the roof, and put a flat board over the chimney. The youngsters were more than glad to let him in, and do it real quickly. He was always fond of talking of his experiences as a school teacher and if any man ever loved children, he did.
By hard work Mr. Graham managed to save $36 and with some little help, which his father was able to give him, he went to Hanover College. He remained there six months and showed much ability in his work. He then obtained a position teaching in the school which he had attended and for three years was an instructor in the Reynolds Academy.
An acquaintance with a former school mate ripened into a love affair which culminated in his marriage to Miss Caroline Adams. After his marriage he taught in the academy at New Washington in Clark County, Indiana. In 1862 he moved to Madison, Indiana and became the superintendent of the Madison Public Schools. It was here he had some thrilling experiences during the war of the rebellion. Since Madison was on the Ohio River there was considerable fear for some time that the Confederates would try to invade the city. Volunteer companies were organized and remained on duty night and day. Mr. Graham willingly joined one of these companies and had an experience which was not only somewhat exciting, but showed some of the real characteristics in the man.
It was on a night that was cloudy that he was patrolling a part of the river. He heard the swish of paddles in the water. Gradually, through the darkness, he made out the outline of a boat.
"Halt and give the countersign," he commanded.
"I don't know the countersign" replied the boatman.
"Then you will have to come with me and don't try to run away for I will have to shoot you and I don't want to kill anyone," replied Mr. Graham. The young man was taken to headquarters and he proved to be a Madison Youngster who had been across the river to see his sweetheart and had gone without getting the countersign.
In 1865 Mr. Graham became superintendent of public schools in Columbus, Indiana, and during the four years that he was there, gained a warm place in the hearts of the people which never cooled. During the last years of his life Mr. Graham made frequent visits to Columbus and was well known there.
It was 1869 that Rushville had the good fortune to obtain the services of Mr. Graham and then began his residence in the city where he lived until his death. The schools were poorly organized but the city had grown to such an extent that a graded school had become necessity. The authorities cast about for a suitable man to take charge and finally selected Mr. Graham. He came here and made a success of a difficult task.
It was his kind and sympathetic disposition, his tact, and above all, his lovable nature which accomplished, in short time, what would have taken many men years to accomplish. In the school at the time he came were the Misses Thomson, Fisher, Miller, Titt and Williams who gave him valuable assistance in his work. In addition to acting as superintendent of the schools Mr. Graham was a teacher. There are many people living in Rush County who loved Mr. Graham almost as they would a father and their acquaintance started back in the seventies when he was their teacher. He was also known as the as the first superintendent of the Rushville schools and his life closely interwoven with the history of the school.
As a monument to his noble work the new high school building is called the Graham school and long after the pupils have followed their teacher to the other world, this building will stand as a monument to the first superintendent.
He retired from the public schools in 1883 and became a teacher in a private school for two years. In 1890 he accepted a position in the Rushville Academy which was established by his brother, Andrew Graham. Then he retired from school work and spent the remainder of his life in making other people happy.
He built cottages and rented them to poor people and then helped them to buy homes at reasonable prices. He became interested in other enterprises and bought stock in the Innis, Pearce & Company factory.
In 1886 he was elected Treasurer of Rushville on the Republican ticket.
The saddest blow of his life was the death of his wife in 1900. Mrs. Graham died suddenly and the loss of his life long companion cast a shadow over his life which was never removed. But, never did his efforts to make others happy cease. To the last moment his thoughts were of those around him.
He was a pillar of the United Presbyterian Church. He was seldom known to be absent from from a church service no matter how bad the weather. He was an elder in the church from the time of its organization in 1879. Professor Graham's help and presence in the church came to be as much an accepted thing as the work of the minister.
Mr. Graham is survived by three children, Mrs. Anna Ong of Columbus, Mrs. Minnie Ditmars and Mrs. Etta Ditmars , both of Franklin.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Caroline, and a daughter, Ida Belle Graham.
The funeral services will be held Monday afternoon at the United Presbyterian Church at 1:30 o'clock, conducted by Rev. W.H. Clark. Burial will be in East Hill Cemetery.
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