Dr. Robert J. Graves

On July l2th 1950, Dr. Robert J. Graves died suddenly at his home. Beech Hill. Dr. Graves was seventy-two years old and his death came after an extended illness.
....He was born in Boscawen, N.H., and was the son of Eli and Martha Graves. He graduated from Harvard University in 1900 and from its medical school in 1903. He also studied abroad and in World War I served as a major in the Army Medical Corps.
....A member of the American College of Surgeons and the New England Surgical Society, Dr. Graves was also chief surgeon for the Boston and Maine Railroad. In addition, he was medical director of the United Life and Accident Insurance Company.
....Bob, as he was known to all in Concord, was keenly interested in the life of his community. He was a past president of the Rotary Club, a past commander of the Concord post of the American Legion. He was a Mason, an Odd Fellow and was a member of the South Congregational Church. He is survived by his wife, Helen Graves; a son, John J. Graves, of Hopkinton; three daughters, Mrs. Katherine Larmon, of Hanover, Mrs. Jane G. Howard, of Concord, and Mrs. Robin Koch, of Katovah, New York.
....In the culture and breeding of irises Dr. Graves found recreation and enjoyment. He succeeded in interesting the city officials in Concord in public plantings of iris and much was accomplished toward the beautification of the city. He was active in the affairs of the American Iris Society having served as chairman of the Awards Committee, Vice-President and as a member of the Board of Directors.
....His efforts toward the creation of new and better flowers brought him great success. He began hybridizing in 1931 and his interest always centered around the whites and blues. His greatest success was the iris HELEN McGREGOR, a light ruffled blue, which brought to him the highest award given to an iris variety, the Dykes Medal.
....Other Graves introductions include AND THOU, H. M. 1942, ADMIRAL
NIMITZ, H.M. 1948; CLOUD CASTLE, H.M. 1944, A.M. 1949; CORPORAL
MARY, HM. 1949; FRANCONIA, H.M. 1942; JUNIOR MISS; KEARSARGE;
LADY BOSCAWEN, H.M. 1946, A.M. 1948; LADY LOUISE, H.M. 1947 and
SNOW CARNIVAL, H.M. 1942, A.M. 1944. His last two introductions HELEN
McKENZIE, a sparkling crystal white, and JANE PHILLIPS, a clear medium
blue, both received the Honorable Mention award in this year's voting.

BAIS Oct. 1950, p 61