GRAVES, SAMUEL L., JR. - That Springfield is growing rapidly is proven beyond any reasonable doubt in a number of ways, but one that is conclusive is the locating there of men who are interested in building and allied trades. One of the foremost painters, paperers and decorators of Springfield is a comparatively recent addition to the city's population, having come there in 1907, since which time he has built up a large business by the quality of his work and his artistic taste. Samuel L. Graves Jr. is a native of Girard, Macoupin County, Ill., born September 2, 1867, son of Samuel L. and Pauline (Coots) Graves, natives of Kentucky, the former born in 1835 and the latter in 1846. The father came to Macoupin County more than fifty years ago, first settling on a farm, which he still owns, but for the past score of years has been connected with the New West Coal Company, at Girard, being one of the stockholders and foreman. During the Civil War he was a soldier and a non-commissioned officer. He occupies an enviable position in Girard.

Samuel L. Graves Jr. was educated in the public schools of Girard, graduated from the high school there, and spent his boyhood days on his father's farm. After leaving school he learned the painter's and decorator's trade, but later was clerk for the Carr & Bowensox Clothing Company for two years. He then decided to return to his trade and worked at it in Girard until 1890, when he moved to Decatur, and after a period of working for others, embarked in business on his own account, becoming one of the leading decorators of that city. In 1907 he was induced to move his business to the Capital City, and has had no cause to regret the change.

Mr. Graves was married at Virden, Ill., May 30, 1895, to Vieland Graves, a young lady bearing the same name as himself, but as far as known not related to him. She was born in Kentucky in 1873 and died in 1898, and the two children she bore her husband are also deceased. Her father is dead, but her mother lives in Springfield. Mr. Graves is a Methodist and a Republican. His work is artistic and skillful, he employs a force of competent men to assist him, and his contracts are faithfully carried out. Immersed in business, he finds little time to devote to public matters, but is in favor of good government and improvements, and gives them his support.