Jane Graham Biography

Jane, the second daughter of Joseph Graham, died unmarried. She died a violent death some time prior to the war. It was never known whether she died by her own hand or whether she was killed. She was missing for some time, and a vigilant search was instituted, and the whole neighborhood was enlisted in the search. Her body was finally recovered, and showed evidences of a violent death. It was in a wild and unfrequented place; and whether she had gone there and died by her own hand was never known. Suspicion fastened on her kinsman and brother, James Graham, who was arrested and placed in jail. Finally the case was removed to Giles County for trial, a change of venue being had from Monroe County, where the public feeling was strong against him. He was defended by the late Senator Allen T. Caperton and other distinguished attorneys. The trial resulted in his acquittal of any crime, and the matter was not prosecuted further. This was a noted case in its day. This son, James Graham, was the third son of Joseph Graham, and lived to an old age before marrying, in 1877. He married Rebecca A. Vass, a daughter of Curtis Vass, and she still survives. He spent several years in the West, in Ohio and Indiana, Illinois, Missouri and Kentucky. He returned at the close of the Civil War, and remained in this country until his death in 1889, residing about one mile from the old Joseph Graham homestead.

 
Miller, James H., History of Summers County, West Virginia, p. 371.

Jordan Jones
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