BIO:  Henry L. SMYSER, York County, PA

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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, York Borough, Pg 47

Dr. Henry L. Smyser was born in York, December 8, 1825, and is a son of Michael 
and Eliza (Lanius) Smyser.  He is descended from German stock.  His father was 
born in York in 1799, was a tanner, and died in 1874.  Here also his mother was 
born in 1802, and died in 1882.  Dr. Smyser is a representative of one of the 
first families of York County.  Having received a common school education, he, 
in 1844, began the study of medicine under Dr. J. W. Kerr, and in 1847 graduated 
from the University of Pennsylvania at Philadelphia, and afterward located in 
Jackson Township, York County, and there remained one year.  In 1849 he went to 
California, remained two years, and then returned to his native county.  In 1855 
he went to Europe and entered the Russian Army as contract surgeon, and was 
appointed to the rank of major.  At the end of the war he returned to York 
County, and for distinguished services he received from the Emperor Alexander II 
the decoration of St. Stanislaus and also a medal commemorative of the war.  He 
enlisted in the war of the Rebellion in 1862, and here also was a contract 
surgeon.  He did faithful and efficient service at the hospital in York.  In 
1860 he was married to Emma E. Rieman, of York, daughter of John Rieman.  Two 
children, Ella N. and John R., are the result of this union.  Dr. and Mrs. 
Smyser are members of the Lutheran Church.