Warner A. Graham

Warner Aiken Graham was born in Greensboro, Vermont, on January 9, 1884, the son of William and Inez Lorinda (Fayer) Graham.[1] He attended the schools of Greensboro, and graduated from Hardwick Academy in 1903.[1] In 1907, Graham received his LL.B. degree from Albany Law School and attained admission to the bar.[1]

Graham settled in Rockingham, where he began to practice law in partnership with Herbert D. Ryder.[1] A Republican, Graham served in local offices, including auditor for the village of Bellows Falls, and grand juror (municipal court prosecutor) for the town of Rockingham.[1] During the governorship of Allen M. Fletcher, Graham served as his Secretary of Civil and Military Affairs (chief assistant).[1] In 1914, Graham was elected to the Vermont House of Representatives, and he served one term.[2][3]

From 1916 to 1923, Graham was probate judge for the district that included Rockingham.[4][5] While serving on the probate court, his most notable matter was adjudicating the estate of Hetty Green.[6]

In 1923, Graham was appointed a judge of the Vermont Superior Court.[5] He advanced through seniority to become the court's chief judge in 1929, and he served until 1931.[5] He was succeeded on the superior court by Deane C. Davis.[7]

In 1931, Graham was appointed as an associate justice of the Vermont Supreme Court, filling the vacancy caused by the resignation of Julius A. Willcox,[8] and he served until his death.[5]

Graham died at the hospital in Rockingham on January 28, 1934.[5] He had been ill with appendicitis, and died as the result of post-surgical complications including gangrene and peritonitis.[5][9] He was buried at Oak Hill Cemetery in Bellows Falls.[9][10]

In 1915, Graham married Blanche S. Woodfall (1885-1969) of Bellows Falls.[5] They were the parents of a son, Gordon (1921-1943).[11] Gordon Graham died while serving in the United States Army during World War II, perishing as a result of the sinking of the SS Dorchester.[11]