Robert Graham was born 20 August 1818, or so his headstone tell us. And the census records throughout his life consistently report that he was born in Mississippi. But, without any actual documentation, can we pin down Robert's birthplace to a specific county in Mississippi?
The first census where we can identify Robert Graham is 1840, in Scott County, Mississippi. In fact, there are 2 men named Robert Graham listed on that census. Careful, study of both men through the census records, tells us that 1 of them was probably born in North Carolina sometime between 1816 and 1818. This Robert is also referred to as Robert Graham Sr. on some of the tax rolls, while Robert Graham born in Mississippi on 20 August 1818 is referred to as Robert Graham Jr.
One of these men's father is Robert Graham b. before 1775 in North Carolina m. Christian Keahey d. 1825 in Hinds County, Mississippi (at least Hinds County is where his probate records are located). and the other Robert Graham's father is Anthony Graham.
Both the elder Robert and Anthony Graham came from North Carolina to Mississippi on or before 1820. While we don't know the exact arrival years, we can assume that Robert came before Anthony, as only Robert Graham appears on the 1816 Wayne County, Mississippi Territorial census. By 1820, both Robert and Anthony are listed on the 1820 Wayne County, Mississippi Territorial census.
Since Robert Graham born in 1818 in Mississippi and both potential fathers were living in Wayne County, MS on or before 1820, it is probable that our Robert was born in Wayne, County, MS. Even more important this also suggests that our Robert Graham was the son of the elder Robert Graham and Christian Keahey.
Robert Graham and Christian Keahey are known to have had a son named Robert. In fact, we know from Robert Graham's 1827 probate records and Christian's 1836 deed of gift that Robert was their youngest child. A son born between 1816 and 1818, when they were already living in Mississippi. According to the census records, their next oldest son, George Jackson Graham, was born 12 April 1816. He was also born in Mississippi -- presumably, he too was born Wayne County, Mississippi.
The other Robert Graham, born between 1816 and 1818, was born in North Carolina. Since Anthony Graham was not listed in Mississippi in 1816, we can assume he left North Carolina after the birth his son Robert Graham.
Again, while not definitive proof, the analysis of the census information suggests that Robert Graham b. 20 Aug. 1818 in Mississippi was the youngest son of Robert Graham and Christian Keahey.
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