This spring a new book was released detailing the lives of two of our own. Darrell V. McGraw, Jr., and Warren McGraw. Written by Darrell V's wife Jorea Marple, an educator who has lived most of her life on the public stage as well. The book starts with their raising in McGraws and follows them as they enter the political scene in West Virginia and become rising stars and then eventually part of the establishment in the Judicial, Legislative and Executive branches of state government.
Jorea has graciously allowed us to share a portion of this book with you here today. It was released this spring and a big promotional tour had been planned to get the word out, but like with our reunion, the Covid-19 outbreak was an unforeseen detour. While this kickoff was delayed, you can still get a copy if you wish to do so. It is on sale at select bookstores in the Charleston area and you can also get a copy from Amazon by clicking the following link:
After the excerpt, we have a little more about the family as well as a couple of stories that were shared with us for the Virtual Reunion.
Thank You, Jorea!
Reproduced by permission from Jorea Marple,
McGraw Brothers: Of One Blood Are All People (Jorea Marple, 2020), 244-246.
Copyright Jorea Marple, 2018
The "McGraw Brothers" Family
While the book focuses on Warren and Darrell's careers, there are in fact 4 McGraw brothers who were born to Darrell V. McGraw, Sr., and Julia (Zekany) McGraw. Tim and Mark round out the quartet. Darrell V, Sr., is the son of William Hereford "Fud" McGraw, who was the son of William Harrison "Pole" and Pauline (McGinnis) McGraw. "Pole" was the son of John & Mahala.
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| 3 of the McGraw Brothers (L-R: Tim, Darrell, Warren) at our 2015 Reunion. |
In the 1970's Julia worked with Darrell to produce the first of our family histories. Compiling family lore with research from other family members like Dwight and Herbert McGraw (from the H.G. "Dad" line) the ubiquitous multi-colored covered booklets were distributed for years.
We had 2 different people submit memories about the family. The first is from Patty Byars:
"My best memories of the McGraw family are when Darrell, Sr., and his wife Julia were at Sabine Grade School. Darrell was the principal and Julia was my 2nd grade teacher.
One day a friend of mine was swinging on the restroom bars, that went across the the top of the dividers that separated the stalls. She went so high her knee broke the back of the commode. Of course, everyone ran out of the restroom. When I wouldn't tell on the person that broke the commode, Julia gave all the girls 2 slaps with a paddle. I got to talk to Julia one day in the nineties and she still remembered that day.
Julia also sent me a copy of the booklet that has the family history in it. It's a green booklet. I was in West Virginia last year and attended the McGraw Reunion. I'll look forward to seeing it on my computer Sunday."
Our second story comes from Herk McGraw, who is first cousin to the McGraw Brothers:
Following our move to St. Albans, about 14 miles west of Charleston, I would spend most of the summers, between '43 and '49, with Grandma and Grandpa McGraw. Darrell V., Warren, and I had many days of “frolic” and “devilment.” (snicker, snicker) On this day Darrell V., Warren and I were in a big discussion as to whether chickens could really fly - other than jumping off the ground a foot or two and gliding a few yards.
Wellll, this called for an experiment. Sooo, we ran to the chicken yard, grabbed a couple of hens, and headed across the creek and up the hill on the other side of the road to Uncle Pate's house. When we reached the spot as far as we dared go we pitched the two hens in the air. Instead of flying they just glided to the ground with a big thump. We never knew if those hens ever laid eggs again. Luckily neither Grandpa nor Grandma saw it or if they did they ignored it. I'm figuring they didn't see it. We never knew if those hens laid eggs again.
That's my story and I am sticking to it.
Herk McGraw
LAST MINUTE ADDITION:
We found a pic of all 4 brothers that was shared a few years ago by Portia (McGraw) Mullins, daughter of Mark McGraw. This picture was taken in 1999 at their mother Julia's 85th Birthday Party.
Julia died on February 11, 2004, at the age of 90.
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