Pennsylvania lawyer and army officer.

Officer in Seven Years’ War. Studied law with James Smith, a prominent York County lawyer who later served in the Continental Congress. Admitted to bar (1771). Commissioned captain, major, then lieutenant- colonel in Pennsylvania battalions (1776). Severely wounded at Paoli and disabled from field service (September 1777). Subsequently served in quartermaster’s department at York. Practiced law in York County. Elected to Pennsylvania General Assembly (1783). Delegate to ratification convention (1787); presidential elector.

Son of William Grier of Mount Pleasant township, Pennsylvania. Scots-Irish.