(first few lines are missing)...of life, much of it spent in Appanoose county and Centerville. Death followed failing health of several years' duration, gradually becoming more complicated in recent months, and drifting into unconsciousness only a few hours before the end. For many years Mark Graham was one of the most familiar figures on the streets of Centerville, numbering his friends by the hundred, and always having the same cheerful demeanor toward all, with his hearty greeting and showing of personal interest.
Mark P. Graham was born April 18, 1860, in Pike county, Ill., the son of Maxie (Maximillian) and Amanda (Avis Jenkins-)Graham. They moved from Hancock county, Ill., to Appanoose county in 1879, locating on a farm southwest of Centerville, now owned by Alva Graham. Mark was married to Alice Fox Sept. 21, 1882. They lived in and about Numa and on a farm west of Centerville, later the Sol Silknitter farm, until they moved to Centerville about thirty years ago. Here he engaged in the feed yard business and for many years in the days of the horse and buggy his feed yard was one of the busiest places in the city, a congregating place for hundreds who came from surrounding country. In time he sold the feed yard, later engaged in the feed store and milling business with H. M. Crawford, and for a time served the city as its chief of police. In 1823 (sic) he disposed of his interest in the feed business and since that time had sought to regain his health, giving personal attention to some property interests he had acquired in the city.
Two children were born to them, H. G. Graham and Mrs. Frank Kelly, who survive, together with three grandchildren, Violet and Martha Graham, and Mark Stephen Kelly. Four brothers and one sister of the older Graham family survive, they being Alva M. and Joe of Centerville, Charles of Chico, Calif., Dora of Avery, Iowa, and Mrs. T. S. Phillips of Trenton, Mo. A brother, Dr. G. G. Graham, and three sisters are deceased, Mrs. George F. Streepy, and two who died in youth, Pearl and Tola.
Mark Graham was well known to the community, but his most marked activities and his keenest interest were always in his church. He was converted as a boy in Illinois. He had four many years been a member of the official board of the Methodist church here, and in the days of his prime no church cause ever had to wait for his support. He was one of the most active in looking after the business interests of the church, supported it liberally with his own means, and had a constant interest in promoting the cause for which the church stands. It was one of his regrets in later years that he had to absent himself from so many of the church services, the last time he attended being the forepart of this year. He was a friend of the pastors for years back, and carried the hospitality that won him frends into his home where he delighted to have his friends. He has been patient as his health failed him, always having a smile for all and a word of cheer for family and others who called.
Funeral services will be held at the Methodist church Saturday at two o'clock, with burial in Oakland cemetery, this city.
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