The
Superintendent announces with deep regret the death of Herbert
Cornelius Graves, chief of the division of hydrography
and topography, on July 26, 1919, at Winsford, County Somerset,
England.
Captain Graves had been selected as a representative of the
Coast and Geodetic Survey to attend the meeting of the International
Conference of Hydrographic Experts in London, England, beginning
June 24, 1919, and after that the meeting of the International
Research Council to be held at Brussels, Belgium.
After the conclusion of the conference he was taken ill and
went to Winsford for a rest and for a few days appeared much
improved in health, and his death on the date mentioned was
sudden and unexpected.
Herbert Cornelius Graves was the son of William Purdy and Lucy
Malvina (Libby) Graves, and was born in Alexandria, Virginia
on August 17, 1869. His education was obtained in the public
schools and in the University of Virginia, from which he graduated
in 1889, with the degree of civil engineer. After about 2 years
of railroad, land, and city surveying he was city surveyor of
Alexandria for 4 years.
He was nautical expert in the Hydrographic Office of the United
States Navy at Cleveland, Ohio, until 1898, when he was appointed
through the civil service nautical expert in the Coast and Geodetic
Survey, entering upon that duty August 16, 1898, a position
which he held until July 1, 1916, when he was transferred to
the normal force as an assistant. On July 1, 1917, he was commissioned
a hydrographic and geodetic engineer by the President.
Captain Graves was married to Clara Edith Walter, of Washington,
D.C. on September 4, 1894, and leaves besides his widow, three
sons, three daughters, and one grandchild. Two of the sons enlisted
in the United States Army during the World War, and one served
with the Army in France.
As nautical expert Captain Graves had charge of the necessary
field and office revision and the publication of the coast pilot
volumes issued by the Coast and Geodetic Survey. The accuracy
and excellence of these volumes testify to his ability, faithfulness,
and diligence.
On October 15, 1915, Captain Graves was appointed chief of the
division of hydrography and topography, and since that date
has planned and directed the field work of the vessels of the
survey, as well as the wire-drag, topographic, tide, and current
work.
He was enthusiastic, efficient, and untiring in the performance
of his duties. His courteous treatment of those serving under
him, his loyalty to those under whom he served, and his uniform
kindliness compelled the love and friendship of all who knew
him.
C&GS BULLETIN, 7/1919
