John McGraw, obituary (1877-05-05).jpg

John McGraw, obituary (1877-05-05).jpg

A DISTINGUISHED PHILANTHROPIST and a good citizen died at Ithaca yesterday. John McGraw was respected for his business ability, but he made an enduring name for himself by acts of the most generous beneficence. He was extensively engaged in the lumber business in the west, and through it acquired a handsome fortune. He was a warm friend of the late Ezra Cornell and became deeply interested in the university which that gentleman founded. Mr. McGraw contributed $150,000 to build the central college and museum of that institution, and would, probably, have done still more for it had his life been spared; for his charities were only limited by his ability to give. His death may well be esteemed a great public loss. His age was sixty-two years. He leaves a wife and daughter.

1877-05-05