Rev. E. A. Graves
Cemetery Record Information
Full Name: Rev. E. A. Graves
Life
Birth: October 9, 1836
Death: May 17, 1889
Age: 53 yr. 3 mo.
Notes
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/66393922/erastus-augustus-graves
Obituary
By the death of the Rev. Father Erastus Augustus Graves, the Catholic Church loses one who, for more than twenty years, was one of its most devoted and zealous workers.
He passed to his final rest on the 7th of May, 1889, in the city of Fond du Lac, at the residence of his brother, Hon. Leroy Graves. The direct cause of his demise was heart disease, though he had been a great sufferer from dropsy for a long time previous, yet was confined to the house but four weeks, still the end came unexpected, as it was thought he was improving he seemed so much better that morning.
The deceased was born Oct. 9th, 1836, in Courtland County, N.Y., and when six years old came to this state with his parents, who settled in Rochester, Racine County. As a child he was of a religious turn inclined to studious habits and in early youth determined to devote himself to the service of God, and earnestly desired a thorough theological education. To that end he bent all his energies, which were crowned with success, for all who knew him will admit that Father Graves was a profound scholar.
His early education was acquired in the common schools until at the age of nineteen in 1855, the dream of his youth was realized when he entered the college at Nashotah for the education of Episcopal clergyman, to begin his clerical course. Remaining there about two years, he with five other students embraced the Roman Catholic faith, they being convinced that it was the only true religion. He then left and entered St. Francis, Milwaukee, and afterward continued his studies at St. Mary’s Seminary, in Baltimore. After two years in the latter institution, by the direction of the late Bishop Hennie, he went to Rome to complete his studies at the Propaganda, where he remained six years, returning home one during the time, to see his mother who was not expected to live.
He was ordained in 1865 by Pope Pius IX. After his ordination he traveled extensively in Europe, returning to the United States in the autumn of the same year. His first charge was at Troy, Wis., after which he was pastor of the church at Byron, Fond du Lac County. At Ripon he officiated as pastor at St. Patrick’s church for seven years, where he was very popular with all classes, and well beloved by his parishioners. He was then transferred to Berlin, where he served six years, and his next last charge being Me???. In May 1886 his health failed so rapidly that the Most Rev. Archbishop Heiss, of Milwaukee, granted him a vacation of two years longer, if necessary, to recruit his health. He thought to travel in the western states, and next take a tour to Europe, but so long a journey seemed to much for him to undertake. He was always a great favorite with his congregation, being devoted to their interests. He was a fine orator and delivered many interesting and useful lectures in connection with his pastoral duties, which bespoke for him the deep thinker that he truly was.
His funeral took place at St. Patrick’s church Fond du Lac, Rev. J. J. Keenan and other clergymen officiating, and his remains were taken to Byron, and laid beside those of his parents. He mother died while he was pastor there. She was a convert to the Catholic church, as were also two of his brothers, who have laid down their earthly burdens within the past few years, the four who survive being in attendance at the last sad rites.
Chilton Times – June 1, 1889
[Thanks to Rose Mohnsam.]
