GRAVES, R. E.

GRAVES, R. E. (Keene, NH, Aug. 8, 1835-Tucson, AZ, Mar. 19, 1918). Bank president. President of the Graves' early boyhood was spent on a farm, and he received his early education at the common school and academy of his native town. At the age of 16 with $13, his own savings, he left home to begin life for himself. He found work in a bank and at the age of 19 he was elected cashier of the Brighton Market Bank.

He came West to Iowa and settled in Dubuque. He established the Dubuque branch of the State Bank of Iowa and was elected its cashier. He continued until 1863 when he accepted the position of cashier of one of the leading banks of Chicago. He was offered the position of United States Tax Commissioner at Charleston, S.C. which he declined.

In 1867, upon the consolidation of the National State Bank and the FIRST NATIONAL BANK, Mr. Graves was offered the management and in March was elected President of the First National Bank. He later sold his interest and resigned his position intending to move East after being offered the presidency of a bank there. By the persuasion of his friends, he organized the [[COMMERCIAL NATIONAL BANK] and served as president. Graves was actively identified with the educational interests of the city and was interested in the advancement of music and art.