ALEXANDER C. McGRAW
Prudence is the rule of all virtues. It is the path which leads to every degree of prosperity. In its exercise it is the channel whence self-respect flows, and in its course secures the respect of others. The man who possesses it is able to resist temptation and encounter dangers with spirit and resolution, courageously bears up against disappointments, manfully and unflinchingly speaks the truth, even before kings and princes.
The private, public and business life of Alexander C. McGraw, the subject of this sketch, demonstrates to those who are familiar with him that in a great degree prudence and precision have been the governing influences controlling his action. Alexander C. McGraw was born at Little Britain, Orange county, New York, September 26th, 1809. The farm owned by his father was a portion of the old Clinton estate, known as the "Highlands of the Hudson." It is reported "that Orange county, New York, and Sussex county, New Jersey, produce more applejack than any other two counties in the United States, making, in 1888, 120,000 gallons, from which the government derived a revenue of $100,000."
Mr. McGraw, after improving the educational facilities afforded by the schools of his native town, removed with his father to Michigan, landing at Detroit in the spring of 1830. Here the family remained a short time, while he and his father traveled about the territory in search of a permanent location, and finally fixed upon one in the vicinity of Pontiac, Oakland county, to which they removed and commenced to improve. Mr. McGraw, however, having some knowledge of the shoe business, and not liking farming, opened a shop in the village of Pontiac the first year of the cholera, and such was the fear of it and its spread, that to prevent it reaching Pontiac the militia of the county were called out to guard all approaches from Detroit and prevent the panic-stricken residents of the latter from entering Pontiac. Mr. McGraw, being one of the militia, soon grew tired of this guard duty and decided to remove to Detroit. He accordingly packed his goods, and after securing a store on Jefferson avenue, between Bates and Randolph, moved his goods and began the business which he has been continuously engaged in since 1832.
Mr. McGraw occupied this store about nine months and removed to the Dequindre store, on the opposite side of Jefferson avenue. Here he remained until January 1st, 1842, when he was burned out, and moved back to the store first occupied. March 1st, 1842, he moved from this to the store corner of Jefferson and Woodward avenues, known as the "Smart block." Six years thereafter he moved to the corner opposite, known as the "Campau Store," which he occupied until January 1st, 1864, when he moved to the Porter block, corner of Larned street and Woodward avenue, which he occupied six years and four months, until May 1st, 1870, when he moved and occupied what is known as the "Cooper block," from which he is at this date (April 23d, 1890) moving to the new block built expressly for the firm, on the corner of Griswold and Woodbridge streets, where he is now putting in machinery and appliances making it the most perfect shoe factory in the Western States.
During the long period of 58 years in which Mr. McGraw has thus continuously done business in Detroit, he has had several partners, but the style of the firm has always been either "A. C. McGraw" or "A. C. McGraw & Company." Stephen Smith was interested with him at one time. In 1853 Mr. Samuel G. Caskey first became a partner. His relation continues, and, to quote Mr. McGraw, "Mr. Caskey is still the wheel horse of the concern." The firm of A. C. McGraw & Company of to-day is composed of A. C. McGraw, Samuel G. Caskey, Augustus C. and Wm. A. McGraw (his sons), and Theodore S. McGraw, a nephew, the firm name continuing as heretofore, being "A. C. McGraw & Co., Manufacturers and Wholesale Dealers in Boots and Shoes." Mr. McGraw has continued longer, and is the oldest man actively engaged in continuous business of one kind in Detroit.
The character of Mr. McGraw is that of one possessing a desire to recognize his obligation to God, himself, his family and his fellow men without sacrificing one to the other designedly. He is inclined to Presbyterianism in religious matters. In politics" he is an ardent Republican, though never seeking or ever holding a public politica position.
Mr. McGraw has been one of the trustees of Harper's Hospital from the time of its establishment (March 20, 1863), up to the present writing (April, 1890). He was one of the trustees named in the deed of Walter Harper, February 3d, 1859, also in that of Nancy Martin dated March 10th, 1859, by which they conveyed certain real estate for the founding of a hospital at Detroit. He has given generously for its support since its establishment, and is a subscriber to the endowment fund of $10,000. He is also one of the managers of the Ladies' Protestant Orphan Association. Mr. McGraw has always been a promoter of other benevolent and educational enterprises calculated to elevate society and benefit humanity. Although not tied down to the details, he still looks after the business of the firm, and can be found at his office between the hours of ten and twelve, and two and four each day.
July 3d, 1833, he married Miss Eliza French, who was born in Otsego county, New York, in 1809. She died of cholera in August, 1834, leaving no children. In March, 1836, he married Miss Susannah W. Walker, a sister of C. I. and E. C. Walker of this city. Her death occurred in 1842. She left two sons, Dr. Theodore McGraw, who is justly distinguished as a medical practitioner and surgeon, and Edward Walker McGraw, who is a prominent member of the San Francisco bar. October, 1843, he married Miss Susan L. Metcalf. She was a native of the State of New York, and born at Goshen, Orange county, in 1814. They have had one daughter and two sons. The daughter was the wife of Mr. A. H. Muir, agent Merchants' Despatch. She died recently. The sons, Augustus C. and William A., are associated and members of the firm of A. C. McGraw & Co. A niece and adopted daughter of Mr. McGraw is the wife of Mr. Wm. E. Quinby, publisher of the Detroit Free Press.
Prudence is the rule of all virtues. It is the path which leads to every degree of prosperity. In its exercise it is the channel whence self-respect flows, and in its course secures the respect of others. The man who possesses it is able to resist temptation and encounter dangers with spirit and resolution, courageously bears up against disappointments, manfully and unflinchingly speaks the truth, even before kings and princes.
The private, public and business life of Alexander C. McGraw, the subject of this sketch, demonstrates to those who are familiar with him that in a great degree prudence and precision have been the governing influences controlling his action. Alexander C. McGraw was born at Little Britain, Orange county, New York, September 26th, 1809. The farm owned by his father was a portion of the old Clinton estate, known as the "Highlands of the Hudson." It is reported "that Orange county, New York, and Sussex county, New Jersey, produce more applejack than any other two counties in the United States, making, in 1888, 120,000 gallons, from which the government derived a revenue of $100,000."
Mr. McGraw, after improving the educational facilities afforded by the schools of his native town, removed with his father to Michigan, landing at Detroit in the spring of 1830. Here the family remained a short time, while he and his father traveled about the territory in search of a permanent location, and finally fixed upon one in the vicinity of Pontiac, Oakland county, to which they removed and commenced to improve. Mr. McGraw, however, having some knowledge of the shoe business, and not liking farming, opened a shop in the village of Pontiac the first year of the cholera, and such was the fear of it and its spread, that to prevent it reaching Pontiac the militia of the county were called out to guard all approaches from Detroit and prevent the panic-stricken residents of the latter from entering Pontiac. Mr. McGraw, being one of the militia, soon grew tired of this guard duty and decided to remove to Detroit. He accordingly packed his goods, and after securing a store on Jefferson avenue, between Bates and Randolph, moved his goods and began the business which he has been continuously engaged in since 1832.
Mr. McGraw occupied this store about nine months and removed to the Dequindre store, on the opposite side of Jefferson avenue. Here he remained until January 1st, 1842, when he was burned out, and moved back to the store first occupied. March 1st, 1842, he moved from this to the store corner of Jefferson and Woodward avenues, known as the "Smart block." Six years thereafter he moved to the corner opposite, known as the "Campau Store," which he occupied until January 1st, 1864, when he moved to the Porter block, corner of Larned street and Woodward avenue, which he occupied six years and four months, until May 1st, 1870, when he moved and occupied what is known as the "Cooper block," from which he is at this date (April 23d, 1890) moving to the new block built expressly for the firm, on the corner of Griswold and Woodbridge streets, where he is now putting in machinery and appliances making it the most perfect shoe factory in the Western States.
During the long period of 58 years in which Mr. McGraw has thus continuously done business in Detroit, he has had several partners, but the style of the firm has always been either "A. C. McGraw" or "A. C. McGraw & Company." Stephen Smith was interested with him at one time. In 1853 Mr. Samuel G. Caskey first became a partner. His relation continues, and, to quote Mr. McGraw, "Mr. Caskey is still the wheel horse of the concern." The firm of A. C. McGraw & Company of to-day is composed of A. C. McGraw, Samuel G. Caskey, Augustus C. and Wm. A. McGraw (his sons), and Theodore S. McGraw, a nephew, the firm name continuing as heretofore, being "A. C. McGraw & Co., Manufacturers and Wholesale Dealers in Boots and Shoes." Mr. McGraw has continued longer, and is the oldest man actively engaged in continuous business of one kind in Detroit.
The character of Mr. McGraw is that of one possessing a desire to recognize his obligation to God, himself, his family and his fellow men without sacrificing one to the other designedly. He is inclined to Presbyterianism in religious matters. In politics" he is an ardent Republican, though never seeking or ever holding a public politica position.
Mr. McGraw has been one of the trustees of Harper's Hospital from the time of its establishment (March 20, 1863), up to the present writing (April, 1890). He was one of the trustees named in the deed of Walter Harper, February 3d, 1859, also in that of Nancy Martin dated March 10th, 1859, by which they conveyed certain real estate for the founding of a hospital at Detroit. He has given generously for its support since its establishment, and is a subscriber to the endowment fund of $10,000. He is also one of the managers of the Ladies' Protestant Orphan Association. Mr. McGraw has always been a promoter of other benevolent and educational enterprises calculated to elevate society and benefit humanity. Although not tied down to the details, he still looks after the business of the firm, and can be found at his office between the hours of ten and twelve, and two and four each day.
July 3d, 1833, he married Miss Eliza French, who was born in Otsego county, New York, in 1809. She died of cholera in August, 1834, leaving no children. In March, 1836, he married Miss Susannah W. Walker, a sister of C. I. and E. C. Walker of this city. Her death occurred in 1842. She left two sons, Dr. Theodore McGraw, who is justly distinguished as a medical practitioner and surgeon, and Edward Walker McGraw, who is a prominent member of the San Francisco bar. October, 1843, he married Miss Susan L. Metcalf. She was a native of the State of New York, and born at Goshen, Orange county, in 1814. They have had one daughter and two sons. The daughter was the wife of Mr. A. H. Muir, agent Merchants' Despatch. She died recently. The sons, Augustus C. and William A., are associated and members of the firm of A. C. McGraw & Co. A niece and adopted daughter of Mr. McGraw is the wife of Mr. Wm. E. Quinby, publisher of the Detroit Free Press.
ALEXANDER C. McGRAW
Prudence is the rule of all virtues. It is the path which leads to every degree of prosperity. In its exercise it is the channel whence self-respect flows, and in its course secures the respect of others. The man who possesses it is able to resist temptation and encounter dangers with spirit and resolution, courageously bears up against disappointments, manfully and unflinchingly speaks the truth, even before kings and princes.
The private, public and business life of Alexander C. McGraw, the subject of this sketch, demonstrates to those who are familiar with him that in a great degree prudence and precision have been the governing influences controlling his action. Alexander C. McGraw was born at Little Britain, Orange county, New York, September 26th, 1809. The farm owned by his father was a portion of the old Clinton estate, known as the "Highlands of the Hudson." It is reported "that Orange county, New York, and Sussex county, New Jersey, produce more applejack than any other two counties in the United States, making, in 1888, 120,000 gallons, from which the government derived a revenue of $100,000."
Mr. McGraw, after improving the educational facilities afforded by the schools of his native town, removed with his father to Michigan, landing at Detroit in the spring of 1830. Here the family remained a short time, while he and his father traveled about the territory in search of a permanent location, and finally fixed upon one in the vicinity of Pontiac, Oakland county, to which they removed and commenced to improve. Mr. McGraw, however, having some knowledge of the shoe business, and not liking farming, opened a shop in the village of Pontiac the first year of the cholera, and such was the fear of it and its spread, that to prevent it reaching Pontiac the militia of the county were called out to guard all approaches from Detroit and prevent the panic-stricken residents of the latter from entering Pontiac. Mr. McGraw, being one of the militia, soon grew tired of this guard duty and decided to remove to Detroit. He accordingly packed his goods, and after securing a store on Jefferson avenue, between Bates and Randolph, moved his goods and began the business which he has been continuously engaged in since 1832.
Mr. McGraw occupied this store about nine months and removed to the Dequindre store, on the opposite side of Jefferson avenue. Here he remained until January 1st, 1842, when he was burned out, and moved back to the store first occupied. March 1st, 1842, he moved from this to the store corner of Jefferson and Woodward avenues, known as the "Smart block." Six years thereafter he moved to the corner opposite, known as the "Campau Store," which he occupied until January 1st, 1864, when he moved to the Porter block, corner of Larned street and Woodward avenue, which he occupied six years and four months, until May 1st, 1870, when he moved and occupied what is known as the "Cooper block," from which he is at this date (April 23d, 1890) moving to the new block built expressly for the firm, on the corner of Griswold and Woodbridge streets, where he is now putting in machinery and appliances making it the most perfect shoe factory in the Western States.
During the long period of 58 years in which Mr. McGraw has thus continuously done business in Detroit, he has had several partners, but the style of the firm has always been either "A. C. McGraw" or "A. C. McGraw & Company." Stephen Smith was interested with him at one time. In 1853 Mr. Samuel G. Caskey first became a partner. His relation continues, and, to quote Mr. McGraw, "Mr. Caskey is still the wheel horse of the concern." The firm of A. C. McGraw & Company of to-day is composed of A. C. McGraw, Samuel G. Caskey, Augustus C. and Wm. A. McGraw (his sons), and Theodore S. McGraw, a nephew, the firm name continuing as heretofore, being "A. C. McGraw & Co., Manufacturers and Wholesale Dealers in Boots and Shoes." Mr. McGraw has continued longer, and is the oldest man actively engaged in continuous business of one kind in Detroit.
The character of Mr. McGraw is that of one possessing a desire to recognize his obligation to God, himself, his family and his fellow men without sacrificing one to the other designedly. He is inclined to Presbyterianism in religious matters. In politics" he is an ardent Republican, though never seeking or ever holding a public politica position.
Mr. McGraw has been one of the trustees of Harper's Hospital from the time of its establishment (March 20, 1863), up to the present writing (April, 1890). He was one of the trustees named in the deed of Walter Harper, February 3d, 1859, also in that of Nancy Martin dated March 10th, 1859, by which they conveyed certain real estate for the founding of a hospital at Detroit. He has given generously for its support since its establishment, and is a subscriber to the endowment fund of $10,000. He is also one of the managers of the Ladies' Protestant Orphan Association. Mr. McGraw has always been a promoter of other benevolent and educational enterprises calculated to elevate society and benefit humanity. Although not tied down to the details, he still looks after the business of the firm, and can be found at his office between the hours of ten and twelve, and two and four each day.
July 3d, 1833, he married Miss Eliza French, who was born in Otsego county, New York, in 1809. She died of cholera in August, 1834, leaving no children. In March, 1836, he married Miss Susannah W. Walker, a sister of C. I. and E. C. Walker of this city. Her death occurred in 1842. She left two sons, Dr. Theodore McGraw, who is justly distinguished as a medical practitioner and surgeon, and Edward Walker McGraw, who is a prominent member of the San Francisco bar. October, 1843, he married Miss Susan L. Metcalf. She was a native of the State of New York, and born at Goshen, Orange county, in 1814. They have had one daughter and two sons. The daughter was the wife of Mr. A. H. Muir, agent Merchants' Despatch. She died recently. The sons, Augustus C. and William A., are associated and members of the firm of A. C. McGraw & Co. A niece and adopted daughter of Mr. McGraw is the wife of Mr. Wm. E. Quinby, publisher of the Detroit Free Press.
Prudence is the rule of all virtues. It is the path which leads to every degree of prosperity. In its exercise it is the channel whence self-respect flows, and in its course secures the respect of others. The man who possesses it is able to resist temptation and encounter dangers with spirit and resolution, courageously bears up against disappointments, manfully and unflinchingly speaks the truth, even before kings and princes.
The private, public and business life of Alexander C. McGraw, the subject of this sketch, demonstrates to those who are familiar with him that in a great degree prudence and precision have been the governing influences controlling his action. Alexander C. McGraw was born at Little Britain, Orange county, New York, September 26th, 1809. The farm owned by his father was a portion of the old Clinton estate, known as the "Highlands of the Hudson." It is reported "that Orange county, New York, and Sussex county, New Jersey, produce more applejack than any other two counties in the United States, making, in 1888, 120,000 gallons, from which the government derived a revenue of $100,000."
Mr. McGraw, after improving the educational facilities afforded by the schools of his native town, removed with his father to Michigan, landing at Detroit in the spring of 1830. Here the family remained a short time, while he and his father traveled about the territory in search of a permanent location, and finally fixed upon one in the vicinity of Pontiac, Oakland county, to which they removed and commenced to improve. Mr. McGraw, however, having some knowledge of the shoe business, and not liking farming, opened a shop in the village of Pontiac the first year of the cholera, and such was the fear of it and its spread, that to prevent it reaching Pontiac the militia of the county were called out to guard all approaches from Detroit and prevent the panic-stricken residents of the latter from entering Pontiac. Mr. McGraw, being one of the militia, soon grew tired of this guard duty and decided to remove to Detroit. He accordingly packed his goods, and after securing a store on Jefferson avenue, between Bates and Randolph, moved his goods and began the business which he has been continuously engaged in since 1832.
Mr. McGraw occupied this store about nine months and removed to the Dequindre store, on the opposite side of Jefferson avenue. Here he remained until January 1st, 1842, when he was burned out, and moved back to the store first occupied. March 1st, 1842, he moved from this to the store corner of Jefferson and Woodward avenues, known as the "Smart block." Six years thereafter he moved to the corner opposite, known as the "Campau Store," which he occupied until January 1st, 1864, when he moved to the Porter block, corner of Larned street and Woodward avenue, which he occupied six years and four months, until May 1st, 1870, when he moved and occupied what is known as the "Cooper block," from which he is at this date (April 23d, 1890) moving to the new block built expressly for the firm, on the corner of Griswold and Woodbridge streets, where he is now putting in machinery and appliances making it the most perfect shoe factory in the Western States.
During the long period of 58 years in which Mr. McGraw has thus continuously done business in Detroit, he has had several partners, but the style of the firm has always been either "A. C. McGraw" or "A. C. McGraw & Company." Stephen Smith was interested with him at one time. In 1853 Mr. Samuel G. Caskey first became a partner. His relation continues, and, to quote Mr. McGraw, "Mr. Caskey is still the wheel horse of the concern." The firm of A. C. McGraw & Company of to-day is composed of A. C. McGraw, Samuel G. Caskey, Augustus C. and Wm. A. McGraw (his sons), and Theodore S. McGraw, a nephew, the firm name continuing as heretofore, being "A. C. McGraw & Co., Manufacturers and Wholesale Dealers in Boots and Shoes." Mr. McGraw has continued longer, and is the oldest man actively engaged in continuous business of one kind in Detroit.
The character of Mr. McGraw is that of one possessing a desire to recognize his obligation to God, himself, his family and his fellow men without sacrificing one to the other designedly. He is inclined to Presbyterianism in religious matters. In politics" he is an ardent Republican, though never seeking or ever holding a public politica position.
Mr. McGraw has been one of the trustees of Harper's Hospital from the time of its establishment (March 20, 1863), up to the present writing (April, 1890). He was one of the trustees named in the deed of Walter Harper, February 3d, 1859, also in that of Nancy Martin dated March 10th, 1859, by which they conveyed certain real estate for the founding of a hospital at Detroit. He has given generously for its support since its establishment, and is a subscriber to the endowment fund of $10,000. He is also one of the managers of the Ladies' Protestant Orphan Association. Mr. McGraw has always been a promoter of other benevolent and educational enterprises calculated to elevate society and benefit humanity. Although not tied down to the details, he still looks after the business of the firm, and can be found at his office between the hours of ten and twelve, and two and four each day.
July 3d, 1833, he married Miss Eliza French, who was born in Otsego county, New York, in 1809. She died of cholera in August, 1834, leaving no children. In March, 1836, he married Miss Susannah W. Walker, a sister of C. I. and E. C. Walker of this city. Her death occurred in 1842. She left two sons, Dr. Theodore McGraw, who is justly distinguished as a medical practitioner and surgeon, and Edward Walker McGraw, who is a prominent member of the San Francisco bar. October, 1843, he married Miss Susan L. Metcalf. She was a native of the State of New York, and born at Goshen, Orange county, in 1814. They have had one daughter and two sons. The daughter was the wife of Mr. A. H. Muir, agent Merchants' Despatch. She died recently. The sons, Augustus C. and William A., are associated and members of the firm of A. C. McGraw & Co. A niece and adopted daughter of Mr. McGraw is the wife of Mr. Wm. E. Quinby, publisher of the Detroit Free Press.
Family Members
Siblings
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