Search for content in message boards

Henry Buford GRAVES: Death of Law Officer in Pageland, South Carolina

Henry Buford GRAVES: Death of Law Officer in Pageland, South Carolina

Posted: 25 Aug 2004 11:55PM GMT
Classification: Query
Edited: 22 Jan 2005 12:31AM GMT
Surnames: GRAVES
I am searching for details on the death of my great-uncle Henry Buford GRAVES. As noted in the quote below from the "Pageland Journal," he died in the line of duty of a law officer. Would there be any old police or court documents related to this event? Thanks for your help.

Death Notices From the Pageland Journal of Chesterfoield Co., SC, by James C. Pigg. Page 33:
"GRAVES, Henry B. - July 23, 1924 - Possibly never has Pageland been made to feel just as it was felt over the death of one, as over that of Henry B. Graves. He died from the effects of the wounds he received Sunday morning, July 13. These wounds were received in the discharge of his duty as an officer of the law."

Re: Henry Buford GRAVES: Death of Law Officer in Pageland, South Carolina

Posted: 28 Aug 2004 8:26AM GMT
Classification: Query
Edited: 22 Jan 2005 12:32AM GMT
Surnames: GRAVES
Rural Police Officer Henry B. Graves
Chesterfield County Rural Police Commission
South Carolina
End of Watch: Monday, July 14, 1924


Officer Graves was killed when he fell from a vehicle that had sped away from a checkpoint near the center of Pageland.

Officer Graves was assisting two Pageland officers at the checkpoint, which had been setup as a result of an earlier incident where a vehicle drove through town and the occupants were discharging a firearm.

A vehicle that had already gone through the checkpoint drove through again and stopped for a brief moment. The Pageland police chief and Officer Graves stepped on the running board but stepped back off once they recognized the occupants. As Officer Graves then stepped back onto the running board the driver of the vehicle sped away with his lights off at a high rate of speed. Officer Graves was able to hold on for about three blocks before he was either assaulted and pushed or fell from the vehicle.

The three occupants of the vehicle were arrested and charged with murder but were found not guilty at trial.

Officer Graves was survived by his wife and eight children.

Information Source: The Officer Down Memorial Site.

Rachal Grizzle

per page

Find a board about a specific topic