Graves, Benjamin Franklin, b. 1817.

Papers of Benjamin F. Graves, Battle Creek, Calhoun County, Michigan, circuit court judge and Republican state Supreme Court justice, his wife, Ann Lapham Graves, Battle Creek educator and civic leader, their son, Henry B. Graves, Detroit lawyer, and their daughter, Lydia Bowen.

From the description of Benjamin F. Graves papers, 1815-1949. (University of Michigan). WorldCat record id: 154302267

Benjamin F. Graves was born in Rochester, New York on October 18, 1817. In 1837, he commenced the study of law and in 1841 he was admitted to the New York Bar. In 1843, he moved to Battle Creek, Michigan, where he practiced law. In 1857, he was appointed judge of the fifth circuit to fill a vacancy (and also serving for a short time as a member of the Supreme Court under the old system). When his term as appointed judge expired, Graves won election to continue as circuit court judge. He resigned in 1866 because of illness, but in 1867, he won election as Justice of the Supreme Court. He was reelected in 1875 then stepped down in 1884 at the completion of his term

Ann Lapham Graves was a Battle Creek, Michigan educator and civic leader.

Henry B. Graves, the son of Benjamin F. Graves and Ann Lapham Graves, attended the University of Michigan, 1878-1882, later becoming a Detroit attorney.

From the guide to the Benjamin F. Graves papers, 1815-1950, 1848-1903, (Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan)