Nelson Graves

Nelson Zwinglius Graves Jr. (August 10, 1880 – March 31, 1918) was an American cricketer who played 34 first-class matches as a member of the Philadelphian cricket team.

Early life and education Graves was born August 10, 1880, in Philadelphia, to Nelson Z. Graves and Ida Johnson Graves. He and his family resided in an estate in the Germantown neighborhood of Philadelphia at Manheim Street and Wissahickon Avenue. He was a member of the Germantown Cricket Club and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania.

Cricket career Graves began his first-class career at the age of 14 for the Gentlemen of Philadelphia on September 14, 1894. This match was played on the Germantown Cricket Club ground against a team of Players of United States of America. Graves scored no runs in the two-day match which ended in a draw.

Four years later, Graves again played with the Philadelphians, this time against Sir Pelham Warner's touring side. This time he was one of the opening batsmen, though his performance in the loss still left something to be desired.

He joined the Philadelphian cricket team in England in 1903. His second highest first-class score came a month earlier against Nottinghamshire with a 62 not out. His highest recorded scores came during non-first class matches. One came during a match against Scotland on the same tour. This match saw Graves reach a score of 107. In 1898 he hit 128 against Canada.

Business career Graves worked in his father's paint varnish business, N. Z. Graves Inc., as a director, head of purchasing, and management of all factories. He was a director of the Cape May Hotel Company, the Greater Cape May Real Estate Company, the Realty Corporation of Cape May, and the Wildwood Harbor Company. He also served as secretary for the Tecopa Consolidated Mining Company. and was interred at West Laurel Hill Cemetery in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania.

Personal life He was married and had four children.