Dodge Family History: George Earl Graham: 1892-1966

Recently, I've had the thought that I should go back through the blogs that I have published over the years and see what I have done and how much information on my family I have found. In going through my blog posts, there are a number of posts that I have neglected to publish. In the research I have done over the years, I have found an incredible amount of information on the spouses of my great-grandpa Jim Dodge's siblings as well as the spouses of my grandpa Dodge's cousins. This post will be the first to focus on the spouses: George Earl Graham. He married my great-great aunt, Ann Hazel Dodge, in Buena Vista, Colorado in July of 1915.

George Earl Graham was born in Wilcox, Nebraska, to George Allen Graham (1866-1935) and Rose Eva Shaddock (1873-1937). His parents married in Nebraska around 1889. George Allen & Rose had a total of seven children, five living to adulthood. Their five children that lived to adulthood are as follows:

Wayne Lester Graham (1890-1965)

George Earl Graham (1896-1966)

Marie Charlotte Graham (1895-1971)

Lula Mae Graham (1900-1986)

Elwood Graham (1908-1960)

By 1900, George Earl and his family were living in Kokomo, Summit, County, Colorado. They moved to Buena Vista during the 1900's and are listed in the 1910 Census there. When George Earl Graham married Ann Hazel Dodge in 1915, his marriage record incorrectly lists his name as Earl George Graham. When George Earl registered for the World War I Draft in June of 1917, he claimed his wife and newborn daughter, Virginia, as exemptions from the draft. In the 1920 Census, George Earl is working at a local grocery store. During the early 1920's George Earl and Ann move to Salida, Colorado. By 1926, they moved and were living in Colorado Springs, where they spent most of their lives together. By this time, George Earl was working for the State Highway Department.

In the 1940 Census, George Earl Graham is listed twice; first with his wife in Colorado Springs, and second in Leadville, Colorado. He was living and working in Leadville with the Colorado Highway Department as a Surveyor. When he registered for the World War II Draft in April of 1942, he listed his residential address in Colorado Springs, even though he was still living and working in Leadville. By August of 1942, George Earl and Ann moved to Utah and lived in Salt Lake City during World War II. He worked for Utah Construction Company in Garfield, Utah.

According to The Deseret News, (https://www.deseretnews.com/article/600155105/Memories-of-a-company-town.html) Garfield was a company town located west of Magna, Utah (Magna is 15 miles west of Salt Lake City). Following World War II, George Earl and Ann left Utah and moved to Northern California. In 1949, they lived in the town of Susanville. By 1955, they were living in the town of Broderick, just outside of Sacramento. By 1958, George Earl & Ann had returned to Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Ann passed away in Colorado Springs in January of 1961. George Earl Graham passed away in April of 1966. From The Colorado Springs Free Press, April 27, 1966: 'George E. Graham, 73, of 3000 N. Cascade Ave., was reported in serious condition at Penrose Hospital Tuesday after he shot himself in the head at home, according to the sheriff's office. A hospital spokesman said that Graham was conscious and has not undergone surgery. He was in the intensive care section. Graham was found by his daughter, Mrs. Virgins DeMark, of 214 Del Notre, shortly before 12 noon Tuesday. Detective Sgt. Frank T. Ripley and Deputy William J. Kennedy said that the bullet entered the roof of his mouth and probably lodged between his right eye. Graham, who was conscious in bed, said he shot himself Monday night, according to officials. A .22 caliber rifle was found near Graham. Graham had been in ill health for several years. He was taken to the Hospital by E & E Ambulance.'

He passed away on April 29, 1966. The Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph from May 1, 1966 reads: ‘George E. Graham, 3000 N. Cascade Ave., died Friday at a local hospital. He was born June 15, 1892 at Wilcox, Neb., and had resided here for 40 years. He was a retired Civil Engineer and a member of the Protestant church. Survivors include a daughter, Mrs. Don DeMark, Colorado Springs; two sisters, Mrs. Lula Thanhoff, Salida, and Mrs. Marie Doyle, Sacramento, Calif.; plus several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday at the Nolan Drawing Room with burial in the family plot in Evergreen Cemetery.’

The Colorado Springs Free Press from May 1, 1966 reads: Services for George E. Graham, 73, of 3000 N. Cascade Ave., will be at 2 p.m. Monday at the Nolan Drawing Room. Burial will be at the Evergreen Cemetery. Mr. Graham died Friday at a local hospital. He was born at Wilcox, Neb., June 15, 1892. Mr. Graham came here 40 years ago and was a retired civil engineer. He was married at Buena Vista July 22, 1915. His wife died in Colorado Springs Jan. 6, 1961. Mr. Graham attended schools in Colorado and was a Protestant. Survivors include a daughter, Mrs. Don DeMark, of Colorado Springs; two sisters, Mrs. Lulu Thanhoff of Salida and Mrs. Marie Doyle of Sacramento, Calif., and several nieces and nephews.’