"Graves, Rev. Absalom, a minister of Boone Co., Ky, distinguished for his zeal, piety, and great success, was born in Culpepper Co., Va., Nov. 28, 1768. He received a liberal education. In his twentieth year he professed religion, and united with the Baptist church at the Rapidan [VA] meetinghouse. In 1797 he removed to Boone Co., Ky., and united with the Bullittsburg church. He held some civil offices, the duties of which he discharged with wisdom and fidelity. He was licensed to preach in 1810, ordained in 1812, and became the stated preacher at Bullittsburg and some other churches, laboring extensively as an evangelist. He was among the first in Kentucky to espouse the cause of foreign missions, and was a zealous co-laborer of Luther Rice in this work. He compiled a hymn-book, known as "Graves's Hymns," that became popular. He died Aug. 17, 1826."

[From William Cathcart, editor, The Baptist Encyclopedia, 1881; reprint, 1988, p. 465. Scanned and formatted by Jim Duvall.]

Go to Circular Letter written by Absalom Graves in 1825, the first historical account of the Northbend Baptist Association.

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