University of Virginia Library

JOHN THOMAS GRAVES

John Thomas Graves, was born in Bedford County,
Virginia, on November 5th, 1858, being a son of Major
William F. and Mary Jane (Johnson) Graves. As a
boy he attended the old
field schools of Bedford
County, and in 1876 began
his business career
by opening a country
store at Chamblissburg,
Virginia. This he followed
for three years,
when he purchased a
farm and the Joppa
Mills, operating both
for a period of eight
years. In 1887 he removed
to Roanoke,
where he accepted a
position with the Nelson
Hardware Company.
Later he was with the
firm of Fairfax & Bell
in a similar capacity.

In 1904 he organized the Graves-Humphreys Hardware
Company at No. 311 South Jefferson Street and
No. 7 Church Avenue, Southwest, where both a wholesale
and retail business is conducted. This is one of
the largest and most important mercantile establishments
in the city, a large stock of shelf and heavy hardware
being carried at all times.

In 1881 Mr. Graves married Ida F. Wright, daughter
of Stephen W. and Margaret Wright of Roanoke
County. To this union the following surviving children
were born: Herbert Earl, Bessie Davis, Lena
Elsie, Guy, Margaret and Elizabeth.

He is a member of the Masonic Fraternity and of
Calvary Baptist Church. As a citizen and business
man he stands high in the estimation of the general
public. He is a member of the Roanoke Chamber of
Commerce and of the Retail Merchants' Association.