The first official record of the family in the country was at Hartford, Conn., in 1645, when the family was located there. Thomas owned three separate pieces of real estate there, one described as being the one "whereon his house standeth". The family at Hartford and Wethersfield occupied a prominent position and took active part in political and religious matters. They served on juries, acted as surveyors and fence viewers, ran boundary lines between towns, and generally filled those places that stalwart, intelligent and respected citizens usually are called upon to fill. The exception was that Thomas exempted from "training, watching and warding" because he was over sixty, which was the age limit for that kind of service.
A schism had arisen in the church at Hartford and Wethersfield, and the dissenters, from the views entertained by the majority, concluded to break away from their homes and found settlement where their views would prevail.They left their houses and lands in Hartford and Wethersfield unsold and settled approximately 50 miles to the north in Hatfield, Mass., in October 1661.
Thomas Graves was now an aged yet honored member of this community,and from this time forward lived with the family of his son Isaac. He was then past his 76th birthday. He remained, with his wife, in Isaac's family home until his death in November 1662. After his death, his son Isaac administered upon his estate in Massachusetts, while his son Nathaniel performed the same service upon his estate in Connecticut.
His wife, Sarah, survived him for four years, and Isaac administered upon her estate. A very curious inventory of her effects is spread upon the probate records of Northampton. All of the children of Thomas were born in England, and were all of mature age when they came to this country, the youngest of the sons being about 16 years old.
Children of Thomas & Sarah Graves:
Isaac Graves ( - 1677)
John Graves ( - 1677)
Samuel Graves ( - bef 1661)
Nathaniel Graves ( - 1682)
Elizabeth Graves