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George Gray

1725 – 1800

Politician in colonial Pennsylvania

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About George Gray

Lived 1725 – 1800. George Gray was an American politician.

George Gray (1725–1800) served as a member of the Pennsylvania Provincial Assembly and as its Speaker in 1783.

His father, also named George Gray, had purchased 199 acres of land on both sides of the Schuylkill River in what was then Blockley Township (present-day West Philadelphia) and Moyamensing (present-day South Philadelphia). The elder Gray founded Gray's Ferry Tavern and Inn on the western bank of the river and took over operation of Gray's Ferry. In 1740, the father retired, leaving the businesses to his sons, Robert and 15-year-old George.

In 1748, the younger George Gray became a lieutenant in Company Nine of the Associators, a volunteer militia.

In 1772, Gray was elected to the Colonial Assembly, and served through its transition to becoming the State Assembly in 1776. He was elected 34th Speaker of the Assembly on October 30, 1783. His term saw the establishment of Harrisburg, now the state capital.

He was on the Committee of Safety when appointed chairman of the Board of War.

In 1784, Gray was elected a member of the American Philosophical Society.

Gray was a signatory to ratification of the United States Constitution by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 1787.

Gray had a summer residence in Thornton, Pennsylvania, known as "Yellow House". It is part of the Thornton Village Historic District which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2006.

Personal life Gray married Martha Ibbetson (or Ibison) on November 25, 1752.

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Important facts

Born
1725, Germantown
Birth century
Died
1800
Occupation
Nationality
Also known as
George Gray IV, George Gray 4th

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped George Gray's

Frequently asked questions

Who was George Gray?

politician in colonial Pennsylvania

When was George Gray born?

George Gray was born in 1725 in Germantown.

When did George Gray die?

George Gray died in 1800.

What was George Gray's occupation?

George Gray was a politician.

What nationality was George Gray?

George Gray was American.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: George Gray

· Wikidata: Q5539869

· DBpedia: George Gray (Pennsylvania politician)

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). George Gray. https://biography.guide/george-gray-politician-1725/

MLA: "George Gray." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/george-gray-politician-1725/.

Chicago: "George Gray." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/george-gray-politician-1725/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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