Gilbert C. Grafton

Gilbert Collins Grafton (October 6, 1860 – February 5, 1919) was a United States Army Lieutenant Colonel and Major in the North Dakota National Guard since its territorial days. Since 1924, he has been the namesake of Camp Grafton.

Early life and career Grafton was born in Bowden, England on October 6, 1860. He emigrated to America and became a Naturalized Citizen. In his early career, Grafton worked for the U.S. postal service. He remained a lifetime member of the National Association of Letter Carriers.

Military service In 1885 at the age of 25, Grafton enlisted in Company B, 1st Infantry of the North Dakota National Guard. He attained the rank of Sergeant by 1887, and 1st Sergeant in 1888.

In 1892, he was commissioned as a Captain and later led the company during the Spanish–American War beginning in April 1898. He later attained the ranks of Regimental Sergeant Major by 1899 and Major by 1911.

Grafton was commissioned as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1911. In 1915, he was stationed at the Mobilization Camp in San Antonio and was attached to the 28th U.S. Infantry as an instructor. Grafton was noted for maintaining a strict training regimen for the troops under his supervision.

He was first discharged from federal service in 1917 at Fort Snelling, and resumed his status in the North Dakota National Guard.

Death Grafton died of disease at Camp Hospital No. 24 in France on February 5, 1919, aged 58. He is interred at St. Mihiel American Cemetery and Memorial in France. The naming was made permanent by executive order of Governor Norman Brunsdale in 1952.