George McMillan Griest (1828 - 1853)

Born 24 Aug 1828 in Warrington twp., York Co., Pennsylvania

Ancestors

Died 1 Aug 1853 at age 24 in Leesburg, Loudon Co., Virginia

Biography

7-301. George McMillan Griest, b. 8-24-1828, d. 8-1-1853, of Cyrus Griest & Mary Ann Cook. Page 360, Vol. 10 Friends Intelligencer states, "DIED, ---In Leesburg, Louden County, Va., on the 1st inst., of bilious dysentery, George M. Griest, son of Cyrus and Mary Ann Griest, of Adams Co., Pa., age 24 years, 11 months and 7 days. The deceased left his parental home on the morning of the 28th of 7th month, apparently in good health and bright anticipations of the future. But alas! death, with his stern, relentless hand has interposed, and instead of meeting with him on his return around the happy, social hearth, we met around his bier, to take a last look and a long farewell to one so dearly loved. He was taken sick on First day the 31st, and died on Second day evening the 1st, at 20 minutes past six o'clock. His remains were brought home to Adams Co., Pa. on the 3rd, and interred on the 4th at Friends' Meeting House, at Menallen, attended by a large circle of friends and acquaintances.

It is at all times painful to record the ravages of death, but much more so when the victims are chosen from the number of those who bid fair to be a blessing and an ornament to society. Such was the case of the deceased, a young man of amiable disposition, of high order of intellectual endowments and of most unquestionable piety. The manner of his address soon familiarized all to him, and his kind, friendly intercourse drew out the sympathies of many who now morn his loss, and who have a full assurance that he met his end with the hope of enjoying everlasting blessedness in a better world above.

The morning before his death he seemed perfectly conscious of his situation, told his attendants he was sinking, and when the doctor told him he could do no more for him, his answer was, "I have always tried to do right and am not afraid to die."

To those who survive, it is a loss; but for him "to die was gain." To his family this fact must be consoling; they can rest assured that their son and brother was fully prepared for his departure, and that he now enjoys the presence of that God whom he served whilst on earth. May all profit by this afflicting dispensation of an old dark and misterious providence to man.

August 1, 1853 -- Geo. Griest died with cholera in Leesburg, Va., his body brought home and buried at Menallen Meeting house.

Sources

• The Griest Family, Page 103 Samuel Benjamin Cross Privately Printed Westhampton Beach, N.Y. 1966

Diary of William B. Wilson (family friend) Kept January 1, 1829 through December 31, 1871 Resident of Bendersville, Menallen Twp, Adams Co., Pennsylvania. Page 83