Arthur C. Graves, the station agent of the Boston & Maine Railroad in Henniker, was born in Andover, N.H., November 7, 1857, son of John and Ann (Clifford) Graves. He is a descendant of John Graves, who came in 1792 from Kingston, N.H., and settled on the Graves homestead in Andover. Jesse Graves, son of John and grandfather of Arthur C., occupied the farm, and died at the age of fifty-four years. The father, who was born in Andover, and succeeded to the property, was engaged in cultivating and improving the farm during the active period of his life, and died at the age of sixty-two years. His wife, Ann, was a native of Hebron, Grafton County. Their son, Wilton P. Graves, is the present proprietor of the homestead.
Arthur C. Graves began his education in New London, N.H., and later attended Tilton Seminary and Proctor Academy, where he was fitted for college. He returned to the farm, however; and, with the exception of two years spent in Massachusetts, he remained there until he was twenty-six years old. In 1884 he entered the railroad service at East Andover, learned telegraphy, and for a time was assistant operator at East Andover and Potter Place. He has been station agent at Henniker 1885, and now superintends the business of several trains per day. He is also express agent, and has an assistant. In politics he is a Democrat, although he supported Palmer and Buckner in the last national campaign. He has been a delegate to party conventions, and has served as Town Treasurer, Supervisor, and a Trustee of the Free Library Association for two years. He is well versed in scientific subjects and in those of general interest.
On September 6, 1885, Mr. Graves was united in marriage with Ida J. Prince, of Salisbury, N.H. She was born in Orange, N.H., daughter of David S. Prince, who is now a well-known resident of Salisbury. She was a schoolmate of her husband, and previous to her marriage was engaged in teaching. Mr. Graves is connected with the Masonic fraternity and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows; and for two years he was Master of Bear Hill Grange, of Henniker. Mrs. Graves attends the Congregational church.
