ANDREW H. GRAHAM, BEAR GROVE TOWNSHIP.

Entering at once on his life pursuit of farming after leaving school, even before he reached his majority, and following it with industry and system while the country remained at peace, then, when the dreadful cloud of the Civil War lowered over the land, feeling it his first duty to aid in defense of the Union, Andrew H. Graham, one of the leading farmers of Bear Grove township in this country, has in both lines of activity--useful industry in time of peace, and valiant soldiery in time of war--ever demonstrated his constant and devoted interest in the welfare of his country. For after the close of war he returned to his farming enterprise, and this he has steadily developed ever since, although not all the time in the same locality.

Mr. Graham was born on July 26, 1837, in Westmoreland county, Pa., and is a son of Andrew and Margaret (Graham) Graham, the former a native of Ireland and the latter of Pennsylvania. The father, Robert Graham, settled in Pennsylvania and died in that State. His son, Andrew, father of the subject of this mention, grew to manhood in Pennsylvania, and farmed there until his death, which occurred in 1878. His wife survived him eight years, dying in 1886. Their family comprised three sons and one daughter, Andrew of this county and this sketch being the only one now living. The father was prominent and influential in the public affairs of Westmoreland county, being for a number of years clerk of the court and auditor, and he also conducted a newspaper called "The Republican and Westmoreland Democrat," which was Democratic in politics. He was a public-spirited man and always ready to promote meritorious undertakings. He built the county court house in 1854 and 1855, and it was a structure creditable alike to his public spirit and his integrity.

The son, Andrew Graham the second, was reared to the age of twenty-four in his native county, and obtained his education in its public schools. While yet a youth he began farming. He also worked as a printer up to 1858, then resumed farming, and continued his operations in this line until October, 1861, when he enlisted in the Union army as a member of Company E, Eleventh Pennsylvania Infantry, the regiment being soon at the seat of war and in time becoming a part of the Army of the Potomac. Mr. Graham took part in many notable battles, among them those of Cedar Mountain, Thoroughfare Gap, Second Bull Run, Chantilly, South Mountain, Antietam and Fredericksburg. In the last named he was wounded and disabled for further service, being badly shot in the leg. On June 30, 1863, he was discharged on account of his disability, having risen by merit to the rank of sergeant in his company. He returned to his Pennsylvania home, but in September, 1864, he again enlisted, joining Company I, Two Hundred and Eleventh Pennsylvania Infantry. This regiment joined General Grant's army and fought at Fort Steadman and Petersburg. Here also Mr. Graham was wounded, being shot in the head. He was sent to City Point Hospital, where he remained some weeks, and was discharged on June 2, 1865.

Returning once more to his Pennsylvania farm, Mr. Graham remained on it until 1878, then came to Cass county, Iowa, and bought the tract of land on which he is living, and which he has wholly transformed from its condition of virgin prairie to one of the attractive and productive farms of the progressive and highly improved county. In addition to general farming, he devotes his time largely to feeding cattle and hogs for the market.

Andrew H. Graham was married, in 1863, to Rose B. Marker, a sister of Robert B. Marker (a sketch of whom will be found on another page of this work). Mrs. Graham was born in Westmoreland county, Pa. They became the parents of eleven children: Andrew L., who is living in Texas; George M., a resident of Montana; Florence, the wife of H. J. Clark, of Des Moines; Robert F., of this county; Irving R., of Canada; Harry M., also of Canada; Margaret, wife of F. C. Switzer; and Amy, Gertrude, Geneva and Helen, living at home. In political faith Mr. Graham is a Democrat, and he is one of the leaders of his party in the township, where he has served as trustee, treasurer, and in other public offices of importance. His fraternal relations are with the Grand Army of the Republic, of which he has long been a member.

From "Compendium and History of Cass County, Iowa." Chicago: Henry and Taylor & Co., 1906, pp. 343-345.