james robinson graves (april 10, 1820 – june 26, 1893) was an american baptist preacher, publisher, evangelist, debater, author, and editor. he is most noted as the original founder of what is now the southwestern family of companies. graves was born in chester, vermont, the son of z. c. graves, and died in memphis, tennessee. his remains are interred in elmwood cemetery in memphis.