James McCoy Graham, a civil war veteran and one of Mt. Vernon’s familiar figures, died Saturday evening at 6:55 p. m. at the home of his stepdaughter, Mrs. Peter Steury. Mr. Graham would have been 76 years and 8 months of age on the 24th of this month.

He was born in Iowa, and spent his youth and early manhood there.

In 1889 he was united in marriage to Mrs. Surilda Gray, the daughter of Joe Wallace, at Independence, Mo.

The Graham’s moved to Jefferson County about twenty years ago and have resided here since. Mrs. Graham died at the 23rd of last December. Since Mrs. Graham’s death he has made his home with his stepdaughter, Mrs. Peter Steury, 422 so. Eighteenth St.

Mr. Graham served through three years of the civil war in company D of the Iowa Infantry. He is survived by one daughter, Mrs. D. A. Etienne and a stepdaughter, Mrs. Peter Steury at whose home he resided.

Mr. Graham became a member of the Catholic church last Thursday and the funeral was held at that church this morning at 9:00 the Rev. C. A. Feeney. Interment was made at Oakwood.

Mr. Graham was widely known especially among the older residents of Jefferson County, and highly respected by all those who came into contact with him.

Source: Mt. Vernon newspaper
Date: 1918
Submitted by Patrick Coughlin
Relationship: Great-great grandson