FRANK B. GRAVELY.
The subject of this sketch is a native of Henry county, Virginia, born
April 29, 1840. His parents were born in the same county, Lewis
Gravely, born 1794, died 1884, and Martha (Dyer) Gravely, born 1800,
died 1878. At Martinsville, Henry county, April 6, 1866, he married
Sallie H., daughter of Overton R. and Sallie C. (Martin) Dillard, both
now deceased. She was born in Henry county, April 9, 1845, and died
at her husband's home in Danville on December 3, 1883. The children
of Mr. Gravely are six: Sallie M., Martha D., Frank, Annie D., James
B. and Lewis O. He has buried one son and one daughter, both of
whom died in infancy. Mr. Gravely entered the Confederate States
Army in April, 1861, serving in the "Danville Greys," which became
Company B, 18th Virginia regiment. He participated in the battle of
first Manassas, and was in the battle of Gaines Mills, June 27, 1862, where
he received a severe gunshot wound through the left hip, disabling him
for field service. As soon as able for light duty thereafter he was made
enrolling officer, and so served till close of the war. After that he
clerked for a time for Wm. Robinson, Danville, and in 1872 went into
business for himself in which he has since continued. The present name
and style of firm is: Frank B. Gravely & Co., dealers in groceries, hay,
fertilizers, etc., 223 Main street, Danville. Mr. Gravely was ten years,
1872-1882, a member of the city council, and for the past four years
he has been chairman of trustees of the public schools of Danville.
