Harriet Augusta Graves Pitcher

Stockton, IL September 17, 1924

Death of Harriet Augusta Graves Pitcher

Harriet Augusta Graves, daughter of Philander and Harriet Graves, born at West Martinsburg, N. Y., Jan 27, 1839, died at Stockton Sept 7, 1924 at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Mary Peters, Stockton, Ill, aged 85 years, 7 months, 11 days.

On June 15, 1857 she was united in marriage to Lester Delos Pitcher at Martinsburg, N. Y. To this union were born four children, namely: Richard Everett Pitcher, Mary Lavinia Peters, Grant Washburn Pitcher, one son dying in infancy.

Mrs. Pitcher with her husband came to the state of Illinois in 1860, locating one mile west of what was later founded as Pitcherville, Ill, a post office being established in 1868 named Pitcherville, Ill.

Mrs. Pitcher acted in the capacity of the postmistress at the Pitcherville for a period of many years until Stockton, Ill was founded and the post office at Pitcherville was discontinued. Mrs. Pitcher came to Stockton soon after and has made her home here most of the time since. She was of an unusual bright and cheerful disposition, scattering sunshine everywhere. Ever ready to help bear the burdens of those in trouble or grief with a pure Christian spirit. She was converted at the age of 16 and was then taken in full member of the Methodist church at Martinsburg, N. Y. She served as nurse for many years administering to the sick in many homes where her kindness is still remembered, for her keen sense of wit, her power of repartee which persisted even in her final illness; her unfailing courtesy, patience and love was manifested to those who so kindly administered to her every want for comfort. The welfare and comfort of her family and loved ones was uttermost in her mind. Her illness was of only a few months. She bore it in a Christian spirit, never a murmur or complaint, trusting in Him who doeth all things well. She is resting safe in the arms of Jesus.

Deceased leaves to mourn her loss, one sister Mrs. Mary Rose, Lowville, N. Y., one brother Adelbert C. Graves, formerly of Chicago. One brother Phylander Graves, passed away last August at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Charles G. Bird at Oak Park, Ill. There remain three children: Richard Everett Pitcher, Kansas City, Mo, Grant Washburn Pitcher, Artesian, S. D., Mary Lavinia Peters, Stockton, Ill; eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren, besides a vast number of friends which was so fully manifested by their constant attention and acts of kindness, also the profusion of beautiful flowers to cheer the sick which was greatly appreciated by her and family.

Submitted by Wendy Fjelstad