My Genealogy Hound

DWIGHT GRAVES, a prominent business man of North Amherst, son of Fortin and Louisa (Russell) Graves, was born in Otselic, N.Y., January 7, 1839. Fortin Graves was born in Sunderland, Mass., August 24, 1801, and followed agriculture in Hinsdale, Berkshire County, Mass., for the greater part of his life. He was residing in South Amherst with his son when he died, April 24, 1876. He was an industrious and highly esteemed citizen and a Republican in politics. His wife, who was born October 21, 1803, became the mother of nine children, as follows: Samantha, Louisa, Emily, Julia, William, who are dead; Nelson, a carpenter, who resides in Illinois; Leonard, a resident of Deadwood, S. Dak.; Dwight, the subject of this sketch; and Edward, a carpenter of Williamsville, Vt. The mother died in Hinsdale, February 22, 1865. Dwight Graves was educated in the district schools of Berkshire County; and, when a young man, he commenced to learn the trade of a wood-turner. In 1861 he came to Amherst, and entered the employ of John W. Haskins, a carpenter, with whom he remained for a number of years. In 1869 he formed a partnership with B. F. Kellogg; and, purchasing Haskins’s business, the new firm continued it. They did wood-turning and general jobbing, manufacturing sashes, doors, and blinds. In 1880 they sold their old shops, and moved to their present mill, where they have built up a prosperous business. Their mill has much enlarged capacities, is equipped with modern machinery for sawing all kinds of lumber, and employs from four to ten men. Mr. Graves is a Republican in politics and a member of the Pacific Lodge of A. F. & A. M. On April 11, 1863, he married Mary E. Kellogg, a daughter of Dexter and Mary (Town) Kellogg, old residents of Amherst. Mrs. Graves is a member of the Congregational church. Mr. Graves is a stirring business man, full of energy and ability; and his success is the result of untiring and patient industry.