Levi S. Graybill was born into the family of Daniel Graybill who moved to Ohio from Harrisburg, Pa. in 1859. Before the Civil War Levi S. Graybill worked as a carpenter and studied law with Martin Welker in Wooster, Ohio. In June 1861 he enlisted in the 4th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and fought in Virginia and West Virginia. In Sept. 1863, Graybill was discharged from service in the rank of Sergeant of Co. E. His discharge certificate qualified him as "not fit of Invalid Corps," due to a "disease contracted in Service." In Jan. 1864 he was appointed captain in the 22nd United States Colored Infantry. The regiment fought in Virginia, participating in the occupation of Richmond in Apr. 1865; it also took part in the funeral of President Lincoln and was in the pursuit of the assassins. In May the Regiment was moved to Texas and was on duty along the Rio Grande till Oct. 1865. At the end of the war Graybill tendered his resignation. However, his petition was declined, and he remained in Texas until discharged in Nov. 1865. In 1870, Graybill married Frances S. Haynes. In the early 1880's the family moved to Florida and whence to Sunnyvale, Calif. Later the family name was changed to "Grabill."
From the description of Papers of Levi S. Graybill, 1861-1908 (bulk 1861-1866). (Huntington Library, Art Collections & Botanical Gardens). WorldCat record id: 122510167
