| ID: | I4388 | | Sex: | M | | Birth: | 18 JAN 1807 | Fairfield, SC | | | Death: | 19 JUN 1886 | Clinton, DeWitt Co., IL | | | Burial: | 21 JUN 1886 | Woodlawn Cemetery, Clinton, De Witt Co., IL | | | Parents: | McGraw, Charles, Unknown, Jane |
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1882 History
JOHN J. McGRAW
Perhaps no name is more familiar among the pioneers of De Witt County, than that of Judge McGraw. A teacher in early times; an officer in some capacity almost constantly; associated with every thing calculated to promote his county's interests, his figurm prominently upon the pages of the county's history. He was born in Fairfield district, South Carolina, January 18th, 1807. His parents were Charles and Jane McGraw. Both parents were of Irish descent; his mother was born in Ireland. When John was about ten years of age his parents moved to Alabama; a few years after he went to Louisiana to take charge of a plantation as superintendent, which he did before attaining majority. In 1827 he went to Monroe County, Kentucky, where on the 3lst day of January, 1830, he was married to Jemima Lane. The same year in company with others they came to De Witt County, reaching here May 4th. Judge McGraw followed the pursuits of farming and teaching for many years. When De Witt County was organized in 1839, he was chosen Clerk of the County Commimioner's Court, a position he held for eighteen consecutive years. During the same time he was Master of Chancery under appointment of Judge Treat;. nor was this all, he was also School Commissioner. His fitness to fill these positions received universal recognition. In addition to these offices Mr. McGraw was Police Magistrate of the City of Clinton six years, and Assistant Assessor under the Revenue Laws for four years. Was elected Judge of the County Court in 1877, which position he resigned April 12tb, 1881. In all the places of profit or trust the Judge has held, he has exercised commendable judgment and given eminent satisfaction. Politically he is a Republican. His wife died November 25th, 1877. She was a woman of worth, a helpmeet in pioneer times that did honor to the name. By her the Judge had five children, two of whom, Leander S. and Nellie C. are living, and three are dead, as follows: Mary Elmira, who died in childhood ; Jane, died May 8th, 1876, and Melvina, his oldest daughter, died September 12th, 1881. Judge McGraw is spoken of so frequently in connection with the county's history and in chapter on Pioneers as to render further account here unnecessary.
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