BIO:  William C. Colvin, York County, PA

Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Kathy Francis

Copyright 2005.  All rights reserved.
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History of York County, Pennsylvania.  John Gibson, Historical Editor.
Chicago: F. A. Battey Publishing Co., 1886.
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Part II, Biographical Sketches, Lower Chanceford Township, Pg 123

WILLIAM C. COLVIN is a son of Gen. Robert Colvin, who commanded a company of 
soldiers that marched from the lower end of York County to the defense of 
Baltimore in 1814, of which company William Cowen, of Lower Chanceford, is the 
sole survivor.  Gen. Colvin married Margaret Gibson.  Their son, William, was 
born October 13, 1817, in Fawn Township; remained with his father until 1842, 
when he engaged in farming with Mr. Hughson, and afterward embarked in the 
mercantile business at McCall’s Ferry.  In 1849 he purchased seventy-five acres 
of land, the present site of Centreville, and subsequently built the fine hotel 
building and store-house now so well known in that section of the county.  Mr. 
Colvin is one of the prominent and influential men of the lower end.  He kept the 
hotel for many years, but discontinued and rented the stand a few years ago.  His 
hotel is known as one of the best stopping places for travelers in York County, 
and during the summer season is known as a resort for pleasure seekers from the 
towns and cities.  Mr. Colvin was married to Mary Ann Colt, daughter of Charles 
and Nancy (Stewart) Colt.  Her mother was a native of County Tyrone, Ireland, and 
her father of Chester County, Penn.  They have three daughters and one son; 
Hannah J., Helen A., Daisy and Cyrus H. Colvin, who owns and manages a livery and 
exchange stable in Lancaster City.