BIO: George Graybill, York County, PA

Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Abby Bowman

Copyright 2004.  All rights reserved.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/york/
_______________________________________________ 

History of York County, Pennsylvania.  John Gibson, historical editor.
Chicago: F. A. Battey Publishing Co., 1886.
_______________________________________________ 

Part II, Biographical Sketches, York Borough, Pg 20

GEORGE GRAYBILL is a native of York County, born in 1846, and son of Samuel and 
Christianna (Zeigler) Graybill, both natives of the county.  His father was a 
farmer and horticulturist of West Manchester.  He died August, 1882.  Mother 
died about 1856; four children were born to them, our subject being the 
youngest.  He was reared on a farm and nursery until fourteen years of age.  He 
received a good education in the common schools and the York County Academy.  At 
the age of fifteen, he commenced to learn the milling trade, at which he was 
employed until 1862, when he enlisted in Company A, One Hundred and Sixty-sixth 
Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, as corporal, and was with regiment 
until it was mustered out July, 1863.  He was a participant in the following 
engagements:  siege of Suffolk, Carrsville, Franklin, Black Water River and 
several minor engagements.  He then went to a military school for a few months 
in Philadelphia, and in August, 1864, he re-enlisted in the Two Hundredth 
Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry as private, and was promoted to first sergeant, 
serving with this regiment until May 1865, taking part in various engagements, 
Petersburg, Fort Steadman, Hatches Run, Jerusalem Plank Road, Fort Hell, capture 
of Petersburg and the surrender of Gen. Lee.  In April 18, 1865, he was 
commissioned second lieutenant of the Third United States colored troops, and 
served until November, 1865.  Upon his return he went to Reading and graduated 
from the People's Business College.  Returning to York, he was engaged as a 
clerk, until 1870, when he engaged in the fire and life insurance business, at 
which he has since been engaged.  He represents nine fire, two life, and one 
plate glass company -- all good companies representing $28,000,000 capital.  Mr. 
Graybill is an active business man and does a large business.  He has served on 
the town council.  He has been an officer in various militia organizations and 
is now State treasurer and member of the executive committee of the State 
Volunteer Fire Association, and president of the Fireman's Union of York.