Son of John Robert Cravens and Druscilla Ann Lanier.
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The Hancock Democrat, Greenfield, Indiana Thursday, July 6, 1939 - Page 8

UNCLE JOE CRAVENS.
NOTED STATE LEGISLATOR IS DEAD AT MADISON

Madison, Ind., June 30. - Joseph M. (Uncle Joe) Cravens, beloved Democratic leader of the Jeffersonian school, died in the peacefulness of his estate here last night in his eightieth year.

Seldom if ever in the history of a state rich in political lore has a man enjoyed the esteem and affection gained by Uncle Joe, who served his state in the general assemblies for nearly a quarter of a century.

But in recent months a failing heart had kept him confined to his native city, deep in the hills of southern Indiana. He was born in Madison February 9, 1859, and although he progresses rapidly in the political and business wotlds the lure if change never overshadowed his devotion to home.
Political leaders throughout the state, and many in the nation, mourned his death, but their grief was hardly comparable to that of the townspeople whom he considered his closest friends.

A large man with a brilliant sense of humor, he nevertheless had the ability to shift quickly to serious concentration, and it was at such times he became most effective in political debate. He first entered public life as a state representative in 1902. Later he was elected a state senator from Ohio, Switzerland, Jefferson and Clark counties - he used to say he represented southern Indiana - and with only two exceptions he served continuously in the house or senate for twenty-four years. In many of these years he was the acknowledged leader of his party, fighting the battles for the minority and endearing himself to friends and opponents.

And when the time came that Uncle Joe believed he should retire to private life he would make a farewell speech to the legislature. They were priceless: they caused many a tear-dimmed eye. But when the next session was called to order Uncle Joe would be there.

You see, hhis constituents would not let him retire. They knew his sincerity, his ability, and his willingness to serve "one more session" if the folk of his old home town wished it to be so.

Private funeral services will be held at the home Saturday at 4:30 p. m. with burial at Fairmount cemetery, North Madison.

(Obituary courtesy of contributor #47201639 Bunnygirl)