Administrative Information

Access Restrictions

Collection is open to research.

Use Restrictions

There are no restrictions.

Preferred Citation

Joseph J. Graham Journal, Accession # 2001.9, Special Collections, Kegley Library, Wytheville Community College, Wytheville, VA

Acquisition Information

Donated by Ruth Ann Chitwood in 2001 as part of the W. Randolph Chitwood Collection.

Biographical Information

The son of Mary Crockett and John Graham, Joseph J. Graham was born in Wythe County on 16 July 1811. He taught in county schools and worked in the iron industry with his uncle David Graham during his youth. He later migrated to Tennessee where on 16 July 1846 he enlisted as a private in Captain Evan's Company, Tennessee Cavalry, Co. G, Mounted Troops. This regiment was also known as the "Claiborne Blues." Graham became ill at Victoria, Texas where he was left to recuperate; he later rejoined his regiment. He fought in the siege of Vera Cruz, Mexico in March 1847 and was mustered out at New Orleans on 31 May 1847 after receiving a discharge through a surgeons certificate of disability in April 1847.

Graham returned home to Wythe County after the Mexican War and worked as a civil engineer and surveyor. He worked on the Raleigh-Grayson Turnpike and served three times in the Virginia House of Delegates (1857-1858, 1859-1861, 1863-1865) and one time in the Virginia Senate (1869-1871). He never married. Graham died on 9 April 1877 and is buried in Boiling Spring Cemetery in Wythe County, Virginia.

Scope and Content

A leather bound book, this journal has the following inscribed inside the front cover, "Joseph J. Graham's book, Tampico, Feb. 1st 1847." The book contains an essay on the American Revolution and the Battle of Bunker Hill written in 1848; a list of officers at the bombardment of Vera Cruz on 10 March 1847; notes on the origins of the Mexican War; memoir of the siege of Vera Cruz; a chronicle of the march by General Patterson's division from Matamoras in December 1846-January 1847; account of battles in the Mexican War; account of battle fought by Americans; notes on Napoleon Bonaparte; list of officers and divisions in the American forces fighting in the Mexican War; copy of recommendation for Graham from James H. Sawyers to President James K. Polk; copy of recommendation for Graham from James Vaughan to President James K. Polk; copy of letter from General Robert Patterson to Graham; notes on the Graham family; account records of Graham ca. 1850s; list of members of the House of Delegates (VA); and other miscellaneous notes on the Mexican War officers and commands.