I’d like to take the time to document another of the glass plate negatives for everyone, and for a number of people on genealogical platforms. This one is for James Gilbert Graham and family. Based on the photo, and the size of the children, I’d place the date this family photo was taken between 1905 and 1910.

Interestingly, the building at 244 Liberty Street still stands, though it has had a third story added! Like the New York State motto, Excelsior (“ever upward”)! I’m already anticipating what the reader comments will be about this. Google Earth is outstanding at providing current photos and it’s easily discernible, this solid brick building has stood the test of time. Newburgh is blessed with some outstanding architecture which we need to preserve and protect.

The Graham family was one of the movers and shakers of the early days of our country and community. James’s father, the Hon. James G. Graham, was a well-known judge, whose Scottish ancestors migrated to Ireland before to North America in 1725. James Gilbert’s great-grandfather, Dr. James G. Graham, served in the Revolutionary war, protecting settlements on the west side of the Shawangunk Mountains from Indian and Tory attacks. After the war was won, he then served eight years in the state senate.

For a more comprehensive and detailed history of this family, you can go over to “Newburgh: Her Institutions, Industries and Leading Citizens”, originally published in 1891, and beautifully restored and republished in 1992 by Patricia A. Favata, for which we are grateful. This is a go to tome for anyone doing research for the Newburgh area.

James Gilbert Graham was born on December 21, 1864, in the Town of Shawangunk, a year before his father relocated their family to Newburgh. James did his family proud by graduating from the Newburgh Academy as the salutatorian of the Class of 1882.

Continuing the family tradition, he served in the family law firm. James married Mary Davenport and their union produced three children, Catherine Bruce Graham in 1897; James Gilbert Graham, Jr. in 1899; and Louise Post Graham in 1901, who, from the records I looked at, left us at birth.

This family photo, which I hope finds its way to their descendants, reveals a well to do family attired in very fashionable clothing, proudly having their photo taken. When I took a closer look, young Catherine is leaning against the front lawn fence, her legs crossed, and her right elbow coquettishly resting on the fence post. Perhaps some family members can share some stories of her life as it must have been interesting.