Captain Graham - Forgotten?
I am not a dog owner but I am very interested in local history and I'm now finding my latest line of research is drawing these two subjects closely together. I live in Dursley in Gloucester shire, England, and I'm currently doing research into one of the town's well known personalities from former times and wondered whether any of your members could help with further information.
Although largely now forgotten locally, Captain George Augustus Graham was at
one time a very important and influential gentleman of the town. He was an old
Army Officer and served in the 107th Bengal Infantry. After coming to Dursely,
he bought the estate called Oaklands in 1865 and renamed it Rednock, from which
the current secondary school gets its name. He went on to become a J.P.,
chairman of the Dursley Bench of magistrates, chairman of the first parish
council and also took an active part in the church and local sporting
organisations.
However it is his interest in the Irish Wolfhound and his breeding programme
which has kindled my interest in finding out more about the man who played
such a large part in the town and subsequently canine circles
I'm sure all readers of this will know of his early work in reviving the breed, and I know that he is still acknowledged within Irish Wolfhound circles as a major forerunner in the work he did. Although 1 do have an interest in that, and would like to find out more, what I'm now trying to do is find out more about him as a person, and particularly about his life and times while he lived in Dursley where very little is known of him.
He died at his home. Rednock House, in 1909 after a long illness and is buried at St. Marks Church in the town. His funeral procession was an impressive one – as it passed by businesses closed their premises and private houses closed their windows in recognition of him. Many wreaths were laid and clan tartan featured at the ceremony, in acknowledgement of his Scottish ancestry.
Nearly 100 years on though, his grave lies broken and forgotten as can be seen in my recent pictures. Apart form my historical research, I was wondering whether there would be any interest in the Irish Wolfhound community in doing anything about getting it repaired and renovated? If so, I have no problem in being a point of co-ordination and would welcome any thoughts on the matter.
Before anything could be done though, it would need to be with permission of his next of kin. Does anyone have any knowledge of who they are and where they might be living?
In conclusion, although it is a long time ago now, I would very much appreciate it if anyone who has any photographs, memorabilia or other information on Captain Graham could contact me at 7 Jubilee Road, Dursley or via my local history website at www.dursleyglos.org.uk
When I have finished my research, I intend to write it up in an article which I will be glad to share with the Irish Wolfhound Club.
Many thanks,
Andy Brown