Judge Eschol Graham

Judge Eschol Graham

JUDGE ESCHOL GRAHAM 

The history of Telfair County is complete without a chapter on the life and activities of Eschol Wayne Graham, generally known as Eschol Graham, who served as Judge of the Superior Courts of the Oconee Judicial Circuit, which includes Telfair County, for more than 34 years after having practiced law for 21 years in Telfair County.

Judge Graham was born September 18 1873 in Telfair County. June 26, 1906 Judge Graham married Eva Mae Smith, daughter of Thomas Jefferson Smith, generally known as Captain Tom Smith because of his part in the Civil War. Judge Graham and Eva Mae Smith had one son, Duncan Smith Graham now a retired Lawyer in Vidalia, Georgia. Eva Mae Smith Graham died in 1914. August 22, 1917 Judge Graham married Frankie Williams of Eatonton, Georgia, who for a number of years had taught in the McRae-Helena Schools (at the time operated by or in conjunction with South Georgia College).

Frankie Williams Graham survived Judge Graham and died at the age of 101 in Orange, Texas In 1976 where she was then living with their only daughter, Elizabeth Graham Campbell. Mrs. Campbell still resides in Orange.

Judge Graham received his early education in the schools of Telfair County. Upon his graduation from these schools, he entered North Georgia Agricultural College at Dahlonega and later transferred to the University of Georgia Law School, from which he graduated in June, 1899.

Judge Graham began the practice of law in McRae in association with his cousin, E.D. Graham, who was a distinguished lawyer, Judge, and scholar and who, himself, served eight years as District Attorney (then called "Solicitor General") and eight years as Judge of the Oconee Judicial Circuit. Judge Graham served as Mayor of the City of McRae for the years 1901-1902 and as a member of the Georgia House of Representatives for the 1905-1906 Term. August 3, 1909 he was appointed Judge of the City Court of McRae by Governor Joseph E. Brown, which office he held until his resignation October 1, 1912.

Judge Graham was an active member of the Methodist Church, serving as Chairman of the Board of Trustees and teacher of the Mens Bible Class for a number of years. Judge Graham served as a Trustee of Andrew College of Cuthbert, Georgia and as a Trustee of the Eleventh District A & M School both while the school was an A & M school and after the school became Middle Georgia College.

Judge Graham was elected Judge of the Superior Courts of the Oconee Judicial Circuit in 1920 and began his first term January 1, 1921. He was reelected to successive terms of four years each eight times. Because of ill health, he retired April 20, 1955, after more than 34 years continuous service on. the bench making him, at the time of his retirement, the oldest Superior Court Judge in point of service in the State of Georgia. Following his retirement, Governor Marvin Griffin appointed him Judge Emeritus of the Superior Courts in which capacity he served until his death September 4, 1955.

Judge Graham, like most other professional and business people of Telfair County, was also a farmer and maintained and conducted substantial farms and farming operations in Wheeler and Telfair Counties. As illustration of the character, ability, and achievements of Judge Graham, the following is quoted from the memorial to him inscribed in the minutes of each of the seven Superior Courts over which he presided for more than 34 years: "This was a man who was a profound scholar with a vast knowledge of the law, its scope, intent and application; a man who possessed great strength of character, honesty, and was fearless - physically, morally and politically. "  One who was not swayed by philosophies and ideologies, but who conducted his courts justly and honestly and never allowed personalities play a part in determining the rights of litigants before him.

"Neither wealth, poverty nor adverse public opinion could influence him in the administration of the law and justice according to his convictions. He could not tolerate what he considered an injustice. "

"He was inflexibly against all of the evils and harmful practices that affected adversely the lives of the people of his State and community and waged unceasing warfare against them in all his public utterances."

Duncan Campbell Graham, the father of Judge Graham, was also active and influential in the public and community life of Telfair County. After two years service in the Confederate Army, he returned to Telfair County, married Josephine McDuffie, and served as Justice of the Peace, County Commissioner, and County Treasurer. He was in office as such treasurer at the time of his death in 1903.

Duncan Campbell and Josephine Graham had five children. Of these, the youngest, Eva Graham Drew, was also active and well known in the public life of the State of Georgia, as well as Telfair County. After having worked in the offices of her brother Eschol, she served as a secretary to Senator William J. Harris for several years in his Washington, D.C. office; then as a receptionist-secretary for Governor Tallmadge for a number of years during his terms of office as Commissioner of Agriculture and several of his terms as Governor; then concluded her public service as Clerk of the Telfair County Commissioner during the terms of F.A. Smith and Walter Dyal as County Commissioner. Eva Graham Drew is still in life in McRae at the age of 98.

by Duncan Graham

              

  "Not sure of what date this was printed"