James McGRAW, son of Patrick and Johanna (GENAN) McGRAW, was born in County Clare, Ireland 1855.

Patrick and Johanna (GENAN) McGRAW were natives of Ireland. They grew to maturity in that country, where they married and there two of their children were born. After emigrating to America, the father worked by the day on railroads in Pittsburgh until about 1865, when he removed with his family to Sangamon County, Illinois. There he followed agricultural pursuits until he went to Ringgold county, Iowa, near Beaconsfield. He became the owner of a farm in the northeastern part of that county and continued to cultivate his land until his demise, which occurred in 1888 when he had reached an advanced age. He ws a successful farmer and a public-spirited citizen. His political belife was that of the democratic party and both he and his wife were communicants of the Catholic church. She also lived to an old age. There were six brothers and one sister in the family: John, who lives in Fillmore county, Nebraska; Michael, a resident of Creston [Union County], Iowa, who owns a large amount of real estate in Ringgold county; Patrick, who is living in North Platte, Nebraska; Bridget, who is now Sister Mary Amelia, a Sister of Charity of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; James, of this review; Thomas, who is living in Canada; and Martin, a resident of Des Moines [Iowa]. Patrick and Johanna were buried in St. Edwards Cemetery in Afton, Union County, Iowa.
James McGRAW attended the public schools in the acquirement of an education. After growing to mature years he was for five years employed as a brakeman on the Chicago, Burlington, & Quincy Railroad and his brothers have also followed railroading. The greater part of his active life, however, has been devoted to agricultural pursuits. [James McGRAW] met and married [September 10, 1889 before the Reverand Father T. J. MULLEN] to Matilda "Mattie" GROGAN, whose parents were Patrick and Frances (BRIDER) GROGAN. [In the GROGAN family] were two brothers: Dennis, of Ringgold county, who married Alta HOLLENSTEIN [HAUNSTEIN?]; and John, a farmer who resides with his mother and sister Bridget in Ringgold county; and sisters: Mrs. W. B. [Jane] TRAINOR, of Grand River township, this [Decatur] county; Mrs. Michael [Kate] McGRAW, of Creston, Iowa; Mary, Bridget, abd Elizabeth, who reside with their mother in Ringgold county. [Upon being widowed, Frances (BRIDER) GROGAN resided in Ringgold county until her death.] [Patrick and Frances GROGAN were] buried in St. Mary's Cemetery, east of Leon [Decatur County, Iowa].

The McGRAWS started their married life in Decatur County, living on the old James McCONNELL place on Sand creek in Richland twonship, this [Decatur] county. On selling that proptery he purchased the HAGGERTY place farther northeast in that [Richland] township but at length disposed of that place and in 1902 bought his present famr of two hundred and twenty acres adjoining the town of Westerville [now a ghost town, and where the McGRAWS would spend the remainder of their lives.] The land is in a high state of cultivation and the improvements are excellent. He carries on general farming and stock- raising and, as he is at once practical and progressive, his labors yield him a good financial return.

Mr. and Mrs. James McGRAW have three children: Marie, Raymond and Gladys, all at home.

Mr. McGRAW is a democrat and has served as school treasurer for fifteen years, proving very efficient in the discharge of his duties. He and his family belong to St. Mary's Catholic church of Grand River and do all in their power to promote the spread of its influence. His ability has gained him the respect of his fellow citizens and his admirable qualities of character have enabled him to win and retain many warm friends.

NOTE: James' biography states that he was born in 1855, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The McGRAW family entry in Reflections of Grand River, Iowa states he was born in 1856, County Clare, Ireland. "The History of the Catholic Church", Decatur County, Iowa, states that James was born in 1854, Ireland. Matilda "Mattie" (GROGAN) McGRAW was born in Decatur County, Iowa, in 1864. James and Mattie (GROGAN) McGRAW both passed away in Westerville, James on June 16, 1928; Mattie in January of 1937. They were interred at St. Mary's Cemetery located east of Leon, Decatur County, Iowa.

Of James and Mattie's children, Marie married L. E. O'HAIR of Osceola, Clarke County, Iowa; Raymond resided in Grand River, Decatur County, Iowa; and Gladys married Dennis GROGAN.

Johannah (GENAN) McGRAW was born in 1819, and died September 17, 1901. Patrick McGRAW was born in 1808, and died February 25, 1888.

Michael McGRAW as born May 20, 1851, and died July 12, 1936, with interment at Calvary Cemetery, Creston, Union County, Iowa. Thomas McGRAW died at the age of 58 years on December 8, 1917, with interment at St. Edwards Cemetery, Afton, Union County, Iowa.

Dennis GROGAN was born October 1, 1873, and died June 12, 1917, with interment at St. Edwards Cemetery, Afton, Union County, Iowa.

SOURCES:
HOWELL, J. M. & CONOMAN, Heman. History of Decatur County, Iowa, and Its People Vol. II. Pp. 372-373. S.J. Clarke Pub. Co. Chicago. 1915.

"The McGRAW Family" Reflections of Grand River, Iowa; 1881-1981 P. 254. 1981

HARKIN, Rev. Edward J. A Historyof the Catholic Church, Decatur County, Iowa 1956

WPA Graves Survey

Transcription and note by Sharon R. Becker, February of 2009