Father and sons assisted in the technical expertise and financial development of this family business.

In a political cartoon, George was surrounded by tools, patterns and drawings, with the Iron Works smoking in the background.

After his end of term in Congress, Vail was appointed on February 3, 1858, by President James Buchanan, as consul to Glasgow, Scotland, then served until August 10, 1861.

When Vail returned to the United States and settled in Morristown, New Jersey where he engaged in literary pursuits.

Vail died in Morristown, New Jersey, on May 23, 1875, and was interred there in the First Presbyterian Church Cemetery.