William J. Graf

© The Lahoma Sun Lahoma, Garfield Co., OK

January 5, 1906 page 1, column 5

Submitted by: Emily Jordan

© Lois Burdick

WILLIAM J. GRAF IS DEAD.

William J. Graf died at his home one mile south of Lahoma Saturday, Dec. 30, 1905, of a complication of diseases, after an illness of two weeks. The funeral took place Wednesday at 1:30 p.m., from the German Lutheran church, the Rev. Philip Roesel conducting the services. Burial was in the German Lutheran cemetery, 2 miles north of Lahoma.

The pall bearers were: William Boettcher, C.W. Brandhorst, Chris Rathjen, Adam Scheffe, Fred Buschmeyer, and L.A. Juergemeyer.

William J. Graf was born in Mayville, Wis., and lived in Dodge county for 42 years. From there he went to Blue Earth county, Minn., where he resided 9 years, coming to Oklahoma nearly 5 years ago, when he purchased the fine farm 1 mile south of town from M.W. Wood, where he lived until the time of his death.

Mr. and Mrs. Graf were married July 19, 1877, and reared a family of 7 children, all of whom are at home and were present at the time of his death. A brother, August Graf, of Good Thunder, Minn., came to attend the funeral, but owing to the train being 5 hours late, he was only able to take a last look at his brother's corpse before the coffin was closed. Burial was delayed for 2 hours in order to allow him this privilege. It was quite dark when the cemetery was reached.

In the death of Mr. Graf, Lahoma and vicinity have lost one of their most progressive, influential and desirable citizens. He was always ready and eager to lend a hand and give his money to any good cause whose object was the upbuilding of this community. He was honest, liberal, just in all his dealings, and no more popular man ever lived in this community than William J. Graf, and in his death we lose a friend whose place cannot be filled.