John Richardt Graff

John Graff, a member of one of the oldest and most prominent families in this section of the State, died yesterday afternoon at 3 o’clock at his late residence, 319 North Beatty street, in his 80th year. He was the son of Elizabeth Lobingier and Henry Graff, and was born in Westmoreland county, January 14, 1820. He received his early education at the common schools of Westmoreland county, finally graduating at a private school in Blairsville. When quite young he commenced his business career as a clerk iun the office of his father in Philadelphia, his parent being the senior member of the firm of H. & P. Graff, engaged in the transportation business in the days of the old canals throughout the State. In 1845 his parents removed to Pittsburgh and in 1847 he followed them and was a traveling salesman for the firm of Graff, Lindsay & Co., iron merchants, which his father had established. In 1852 he organized the firm of Graff, Bennett & Co., and was the active head of the firm until 1887, when he retired. He had not engaged in any business since. His father was one of the pioneers in the iron business in this city and from 1845 to 1887 the name was closely identified with the leading manufacturing interests in Western Pennsylvania. For many years he made his home at the Seventh Avenue Hotel, but for the past 10 years he has resided in Beatty street. The cause of his death was advanced age. Until recently he had been in good health, but had not been out of the house for the past three weeks. He was only confined to his bed in his last illness for two days. He was unmarried and is survived by one brother, William, who lives in Colorado, and by several nephews and nieces, who reside in this city.

• Residence: 1850 - Pittsburgh, ward 4, Allegheny, Pennsylvania, USA
  • Reference: 1850 United States Federal Census - SmartCopy: Aug 5 2021, 20:14:12 UTC
• Reference: MyHeritage Family Trees - SmartCopy: Mar 18 2022, 9:39:38 UTC
• Reference: FamilySearch Family Tree - SmartCopy: Apr 10 2022, 19:25:03 UTC
• Reference: FamilySearch Family Tree - SmartCopy: Jan 25 2023, 19:26:49 UTC
• Reference: MyHeritage Family Trees - SmartCopy: Feb 2 2023, 12:09:18 UTC