Person Page - 1

     Richard Wallace Gurley was born on 20 February 1923 at Greenville, North Carolina.¹ He began military service after 1944 World War II. He was educated after 1948 at University of Houston, Houston, Texas. He was an employee of American Standard Plumbing Company after 1948. He was a in attendence My Dad and I visited with Clara Lee in 1999, she and her sister, Lila, both came to Russell & Mozelle Gurley's home for lunch. Elizabeth Gurley, Russell's sister was also there. When I asked who was driving, Lila responded, "Clara Lee, she's the oldest" She was 98 years old at the time. with Clara Lee Stevens in 1999 at Russell & Mozelle Gurley's home, Smithfield, North Carolina. Richard Wallace Gurley died on 1 May 2003 at age 80.

     John Rufus Gurley was born on 28 December 1884 at Wayne County, North Carolina, he was named after his grandfathers, John Gurley and Rufus Woodard.¹ He began military service on 8 May 1911 when he joined the United States Army.³ He ended military service on 7 May 1914; discharged. He married Allie Leona Adams, daughter of Henry Isaac Adams and Annie Ollie Davis, on 18 June 1922 at Marfa, Texas.⁴ John Rufus Gurley was appointed Police Chief of an 18 member force on 6 July 1927 at Wilson, North Carolina, he served until his death in 1939. Under Gurley, in 1927 a criminal records division was started. Carl Fulgham, detective took the first set of fingerprints of inmates in the city and county jail.⁵ He The Wilson Police Department was moved in 1927 to the basement of the County Courthouse after the "Round House" burned it remained in Courthouse until 1940.

The Wilson police force entered the modern era under John Gurley. In 1927, the Records Division was started - Carl Fulghum, detective took the first set of fingerprints of inmates in the city-county jail.

The fist Police Training Program was started in Wilson in 1935. between 1927 and 1939.⁶ The obituary of John Rufus Gurley on 22 February 1939.⁷ He died on 22 February 1939 at Wilson, North Carolina, at age 54; of uremic poisoning, influenza.^8,2 He was buried on 23 February 1939 at Gurley Family Cemetery, around Pikeville, North Carolina.^9,2

     Francis Velda Gurley was born on 19 April 1928 at Wilson, North Carolina. She died on 2 December 1998 at age 70.

     Annie Evelyn Gurley was born on 3 December 1924 at Wilson, NC. She began military service circa 1943 She served in the Army Nurse Corps and achieved the rank of 2nd Lt. in the U.S. Army.¹ She died on 23 December 2018 at age 94.¹ She was buried after 23 December 2018 at Restland Memorial Park, Dallas, Dallas County, Texas.¹

     Needham Dallas Gurley was born on 12 June 1855 at North Carolina.^2,3 He Needham Dallas and William Henry Gurley bought the land family land around Buck's Swamp in Wayne Co. together, according to Flossie Gurley, they were as close as any brothers could be. The Gurley homestead in Buck's Swamp was built in 1865. (Visit with Russell Gurley in 1999) circa 1865. He married Evelyn Woodard, daughter of Rufus Woodard and Mary Massey, on 3 March 1882 at Johnston County, North Carolina.^4,1 Needham Dallas Gurley was a farmer between 1885 and 1935 at Wayne County, North Carolina.¹ He was noted in the will of Absilla Wiggs as one of the heirs to her estate on 13 July 1888 at Wayne County, North Carolina; Her estate was divided between her sons. Richard W. Gurley was left $1. John T. Gurley was left 72 acres of land that was the homestead and all personal property including the farming equipment. Hardy E. Gurley was left a bed and a table. Needham D. Gurley was also left $1 as was William H. Gurley.⁵ Needham Dallas Gurley was recorded as voting he was listed as 47 years old in 1902 at Buck Swamp Township, Wayne County, North Carolina.⁶ He as administrator of his brother's estate, certified the inventory of William Henry Gurley estate on 25 February 1926 at Wayne County, North Carolina; his estate was inventoried by W.E. Gurley, his son and N.D. Gurley his brother. His personal property was valued at $556 and included farming equipment, hogs, mules, meat, lard, fodder, corn, and furniture. He had $768 of cash and receivables on hand.⁷ Needham Dallas Gurley died on 30 April 1935 at Bucks Swamp Township, Wayne County, North Carolina, at age 79.⁸ He was buried on 1 May 1935 at Gurley Family Cemetery, Wayne County, North Carolina.^8,9,10,11

     John Gurley LDS File submitted by Alice Best, lists John Gurley as John Richard Gurley.² He was born on 2 January 1812 at Wayne County, North Carolina.^3,4,5,6 He and Lewis Gurley Jr. were neighbors based on the census in 1840 at Fork River District, Wayne County, North Carolina.⁷ John Gurley married Absilla Wiggs, daughter of Henry Wiggs, on 2 December 1849 at Wayne County, North Carolina.^8,9,10 John Gurley died on 26 March 1879 at Wayne County, North Carolina, at age 67.^11,5,6

     Absilla Wiggs was also known as Apsolia.⁵ Absilla Wiggs was also known as Apsilla.⁶ Absilla Wiggs was also known as Absiley.^7,8 She was born on 20 July 1820 at Wayne County, North Carolina.^9,10,8 She married John Gurley, son of Lewis Gurley Jr. and Grace Wiggs, on 2 December 1849 at Wayne County, North Carolina.^11,12,13 Absilla Wiggs was enumerated with Lewis Gurley Jr. on the census of 23 August 1850 at The North Side of Neuse River, Wayne County, North Carolina, as Apsily Gurley Absiley was a 26 year old woman. She had married John Gurley in the past year and could read and write.¹⁴ Absilla Wiggs left a will that was executed on 13 July 1888 at Wayne County, North Carolina, Her estate was divided between her sons. Richard W. Gurley was left $1. John T. Gurley was left 72 acres of land that was the homestead and all personal property including the farming equipment. Hardy E. Gurley was left a bed and a table. Needham D. Gurley was also left $1 as was William H. Gurley.¹⁵ She died on 15 November 1893 at Wayne County, North Carolina, at age 73.^16,8

     William Henry Gurley Needham Dallas and William Henry Gurley bought the land family land around Buck's Swamp in Wayne Co. together. According to Flossie Gurley, they were as close as any brothers could be. The Gurley homestead in Buck's Swamp was built in 1865. (Visit with Russell Gurley in 1999.) He was born on 15 August 1857 at Wayne County, North Carolina.^2,3 He married Vera Van Smith on 20 April 1887 at Wayne County, North Carolina.^4,5 William Henry Gurley was listed in the will of Absilla Wiggs as an heir to her estate on 13 July 1888 at Wayne County, North Carolina; Her estate was divided between her sons. Richard W. Gurley was left $1. John T. Gurley was left 72 acres of land that was the homestead and all personal property including the farming equipment. Hardy E. Gurley was left a bed and a table. Needham D. Gurley was also left $1 as was William H. Gurley.⁶ William Henry Gurley was recorded as voting he was listed as 45 years old on 11 October 1902 at Buck Swamp Township, Wayne County, North Carolina.⁷ He died on 19 February 1926 at Wayne County, North Carolina, at age 68.^8,9 He was buried on 20 February 1926 at Smith Family Cemetary, Wayne County, North Carolina, According to his estate records, burial expenses were $200 paid to Seymour. Tobe Edgerton made a tombstone for $27.50.^10,11 He estate was inventoried on 25 February 1926 at Wayne County, North Carolina, his estate was inventoried by W.E. Gurley, his son and N.D. Gurley his brother. His personal property was valued at $556 and included farming equipment, hogs, mules, meat, lard, fodder, corn, and furniture. He had $768 of cash and receivables on hand.¹²

     Walter Dallas Gurley was born on 8 May 1891 at Bucks Swamp Township, Wayne Co., NC.¹ He began military service circa 1917 at World War 1 served as Medic 1917-1919.² He was (an unknown value) circa 1934 at Goldsboro, NC Police Sargent joined the force in 1934.³ He died on 27 June 1979 at Goldsboro, NC, at age 88.⁴ He was buried after 27 June 1979 at Willow Dale Cemetery, Goldsboro, NC.³

     Aldon Richard Gurley was born on 13 November 1899 at Wayne County, North Carolina.^1,2 He married Clara Lee Stevens afer 1919. Aldon Richard Gurley died on 27 February 1969 at his home, Wayne County, North Carolina, at age 69.³ He was buried after 27 February 1969 at Falling Creek Baptist Churchyard, Wayne County, North Carolina.⁴

     Andrew Daniel Gurley was born on 28 May 1885 at Bucks Swamp Township, Wayne County, North Carolina.¹ He married Lizzie Eestelle Deans circa 1915. Andrew Daniel Gurley died on 15 March 1958 at Bucks Swamp Township, Wayne County, North Carolina, at age 72.^2,3

     Sallie Viola Gurley was born in 1889 at Bucks Swamp Township, Wayne Co., NC.¹ She married George P. Pipkin after 1897.² Sallie Viola Gurley died on 23 October 1968 at Wayne County, North Carolina.¹ She was buried after 23 October 1968 at Gurley Family Cemetery, Wayne County, North Carolina.³

     Evelyn Woodard was born on 9 December 1857.¹ She was possibly noted in HH of Rufus Woodard as Sarah with Mother, Mary. in 1860.² She married Needham Dallas Gurley, son of John Gurley and Absilla Wiggs, on 3 March 1882 at Johnston County, North Carolina.^3,4 Evelyn Woodard died on 1 May 1931 at Wayne County, North Carolina, at age 73.^5,6 She was buried after 1 May 1931 at Wayne Co, NC. Gurley Family Cemetery.

     Lewis Gurley was born on 6 March 1755 at Johnston Co., North Carolina.² He is referred to in some histories as Captain Lewis Gurley. He is listed in the Roster of North Carolina Soldiers in the American Revolution on p.339 this is proven by pay voucher from the comptroller's office voucher no. 1291 serving in the Militia in the Newbern District. Lewis Gurly (sp) is shown getting voucher no. 1171 serving in the militia in the Newbern District.

He witnessed his father, John Gurley processioning his own property between 7 April 1772 and 18 April 1772 at Johnston County, North Carolina; as a processioner in Johnston County. A processioner walked the land in his assigned area to determine boundries. It is interesting to note that John Gurley along with Benjamin Craford processioned John Gurley's own land and it was witnessed by his sons, Lewis and Edward.³ Lewis Gurley was paid £9 in the form of a Specie certificate issued by William Skinner, Treaurer of the Edenton District. A specie certificate was a voucher for either pay to military or to purchase supplies for the militia and continental troops. They were redeamable to pay for taxes or land entry fees between 1779 and 1784 at North Carolina.⁴ He began military service on 25 May 1779 at Johnston County, North Carolina, was appointed Ensign.^5,6 He married Edith Gurley circa 1780; Although there is no documented proof of marriage, many researchers feel that "this Edith Gurley has to be the widow of Lewis Gurley Sr (Francis Howell)" due to all the other Gurleys wives on the census records are known by given name only but noe of the war wed to an Editih.⁷ Lewis Gurley always wrote his name as witness on deeds and other legal documents. Clearly he was more educated that many of the other citizens of Wayne County and was a signer of and a witness to many legal documents. in 1780. He was involved in a land transfer he was a witness to the deeds of William Raeford and Lazarus Crawford on 28 April 1780 at Wayne County, North Carolina.⁸ He was involved in Lewis Gurley's service in the American Revolutionay War is noted in Jeremiah Gurley's pension file. in 1781 at Johnston County, North Carolia.^9,10 He witnessed the land transfer of John Gurley and Lazarus Gurley on 17 May 1781 at Johnston County, North Carolina;
John GURLEY and wife Elizabeth (transfered) to Lazarus GURLEY, 40£, 100 Acres in Johnston County on the NS of Neuse River and on the SS of Mocasson Swamp, it being part of a patent to John GURLEY the 15 Nov. 1762, beg a pine Edwards GURLEYS corner runs thence N35º W110p to a stake: S35º W146p to a Black jack: S35º E110p to a pine John GURLEYS right cor: a wright line to the beg… including the plantation thereon….

Wit. Jeremiah GURLEY, Lewis GURLEY, A. PEARCE. John GURLEY, Elizabeth (+) GURLEY. May Ct. 1781 proved by Arthur BARCCUM, Wm. WARD, CC.
(K:232, Item 607, p.100, Abstracts v3.¹¹)
Lewis Gurley was involved in a land transfer when he purchased from Phillip Raiford 300 acres on the south side of Mocoson Swamp on 5 November 1782 at Johnston County, North Carolina.¹² He witnessed the land transfer of Joel Gurley on 8 November 1783 at Wayne County, North Carolina; November 8, 1783 Item 315, p.378. Hardy Pender, Wayne Co. (planter) to Joel Gurley, Johnston Co. (planter) for 100 pound specie – 100 acres in Wayne Co. between Nuce and Little River, being part of a patent granted to John Tiner, 28 April 1768.
Bb: James Tiner, James Wise
Signed Hardy Pender January Court 1785
Witnessed Jno C. Pender; Lewis Gurley.¹³ Lewis Gurley was involved in a land transfer when he putchased 300 acres of land from Henry Oliver that joined Hamilton on both sides of Mocoson Swamp on 18 February 1784 at Wayne County, North Carolina.¹⁴ He served signed a petition to build a new Court House on 28 February 1784 at Wayne County, North Carolina.¹⁵ He was involved in a land transfer when he purchased 100 acres of land from Daniel Hedgpeth located on the south side of Hollands branch joining Arthur Coor, Arthur Daughtry and Daniel Hedgpeth. on 4 January 1785 at Wayne County, North Carolina.¹⁶ He wasa will witness to the will of Joseph Smith. on 11 January 1785 at Wayne County, North Carolina.¹⁷ He and Lazarus Gurley were involved in a land transfer when Lewis purchased two tracts of land. One for 100 acres on the south side of Mocoson Swamp that was the land their father, John Gurley deeded to Lazarus. The other for 300 acres also on the south side of Mocoson Swamp joining John Gurley's old line, Nathan Gurley and Cappses Meadow. Witnesses included their brother, Jeremiah Gurley on 17 January 1785 at Johnston County, North Carolina.¹⁸ Lewis Gurley was also known as Lewis Gurley Esquire.¹⁹ He and Edwards Gurley were involved in a land transfer when Lewis sold two tracts to Edwards totaling 250 acres on 30 August 1785 at Johnston County, North Carolina.²⁰ Lewis Gurley waslisted on the in 1786 tax list of at District 6 (today Fork Township), Wayne County, North Carolina, his household's taxable property included had 200 acres 1 free poll, two black polls and one stud horse.²¹ He was deeded land when he claimed 143 acres adjoining Arthur Dawtry, Joseph Seehorn and his own lines on 26 January 1786 at on the south side of the Bever Dam swamp, Wayne County, North Carolina.²² He was involved in a land transfer sold to Arthur 100 acres on Holland Branch that he purchased on Jan 5, 1785 from Daniel Hedgepeth on 20 March 1786 at Wayne County, North Carolina.²³ He was involved in a land transfer when he purchased 100 acres on the south side of Little River from Benjamin Tiner on 17 July 1786 at Wayne County, North Carolina.²⁴ He wasgranted land when he received a grant from the state of North Carolina for 143 acres on the run of the Beaverdam Swamp on 27 October 1786 at Wayne County, North Carolina.²⁵ He served at various times as a judge in the county court held at the between 13 January 1788 and January 1794 at Court House, Waynesbourough, Wayne County, North Carolina. As a County Justice he posted bail for individuals in the county, served on committees to oversee estate liquidations and settle accounts, elect and appoint the County Sherrif (In 1793, he voted for Joseph Everitt who was elected).^26,27 He was involved in a land transfer when he sold the land he was granted on Oct 27, 1786 to Arthur Daughtry. Witnesses included Joel Gurley on 26 April 1788 at Wayne County, North Carolina.²⁸ He served as a special juror in a lawsuit between Thomas Coor and Ruith Sasser in January 1789 at Court House, Waynesbourough, Wayne County, North Carolina.²⁹ He was involved in a land transfer when he sold land to Arthur Doughtry circa April 1789 at Wayne County, North Carolina.³⁰ He was involved in a land transfer he sold 300 acres that he purchased on November 5, 1782 and 200 additional acres including th land he purchased from Lazarus Gurley (Jan 17, 1785) to Levin Vinson on 10 October 1789 at Johnston County, North Carolina.³¹ He was involved in a land transfer When he purchased 8- acres from Etheldred Boyete of Wayne Co. located on the west side of Little River and the west side of Beaverdam Swamp on 14 October 1789 at Wayne County, North Carolina.³² He was involved in a land transfer when he bought land from Benjamin Tyner circa July 1791 at Wayne County, North Carolina.³³ He was involved in a land transfer when he sold 200 acres between Neuse and Little Rivers and between Mocoson Swamp and Beaverdam joining Edwards Gurley's land to Zachariah Price on 5 August 1793 at Johnston County, North Carolina.³⁴ He was involved in a land transfer when he purchased two town lots, number 8 and 43 from John HaFellow of New Hanover County. Waynesborough is today Waynesborough Park on 117 Bypass. on 15 October 1793 at Waynesbourgh, Wayne County, North Carolina.³⁵ He deed of sale for property he purchased from John Fellow in October 1793 at Court House, Waynesborough, Wayne County, North Carolina.³⁶ He was involved in a land transfer when he began a 8 year accumulation of 159 acres of land that originally was from the estate of John Bridgers Sr. The land was purchased from John Bridgers Sr. sons: George, John, David, and Benjamin in 39 3/4 acre tracts. The most important witnesse to the these deeds is son, Lewis Gurley Jr. on 23 December 1797 at Wayne County, North Carolina.³⁷ He waslisted on the in 1798 tax list of at Captain Fredrick Jernigan's District, Wayne County, North Carolina, his household's taxable property included with 380 acres and 1 white poll tax for himself.³⁸ He waslisted on the in 1803 tax list of at Captain Coors District, Wayne County, North Carolina, he paid tax on 603 acres of land and one poll tax for himself indicating that he is still under 50 years old.³⁹ He served was involved in a law suit with Phillip Raiford on 15 July 1803 at Waynesbourough, North Carolina.⁴⁰ He was involved in a land transfer when a deed was entered between David Bridgers and Lewis Gurley, witnessed by Lewis Gurley Jun. on 25 January 1805 at Wayne County, North Carolina.⁴¹ He was involved in a land transfer when he sold approximately 538 acres to John Musgrave at the Johnston County/ Wayne County line area in the Beaverdam Swamp region to John Musgrove for $1200 dollars. This transaction was witnessed by his brother, Joel Gurley. on 19 April 1808 at Wayne County, North Carolina.⁴² He died between 1810 and 1819 at Wayne County, North Carolina.⁴³ He waslisted on the in 1819 tax list of at Captain Willie Atkinsons District, Johnston County, North Carolina, his household's taxable property included no taxable land and no free poll.⁴⁴ He died before 1820. M; There is no will or death record for Lewis Gurley.

     Grace Wiggs Her name is often seen as Grace, Gracy, and Gracie. Spelling of Gracy from family bible page photocopied.² She was born in 1787 at Wayne County, North Carolina; Grace Wiggs was 56 years of age in 1843 when her mother, Cherry Wiggs applied for a Revolutionary War pension for her deceased husband, John Wiggs.^3,4 She married Lewis Gurley Jr., son of Lewis Gurley, circa 1809 at Wayne County, North Carolina.^5,6,4,7,2,8 Grace Wiggs died after 1850 at Johnston Co., N.C.⁵

     John Gurley was born circa 1727; It is not know where John Gurley was born. His birth date has been listed in other family information as April 2, 1736. However, based on his discharge from the Johnston County militia in 1777 and the birth of his first child it appears John Gurley was born in 1727 or before. The law at this time stated a man could only serve in the militia until he was 50.² He was born on 2 April 1736 at Southampton County, Virginia; This date does not fit unless, he changed his age to enter the military. The Military Honor Roll of Johnston County indicates that John Gurley was discharged from the County milita on August 15, 1777 due to age. According to the Laws of North Carolina - 1777 v.24, p.3 a man was discharged at 50 years of age.³ He married Elizabeth Edwards after 1743; The marriage of John and Elizabeth is proved by the Will of John Gurley and John Gurley's handwritten record of his family's birth and death dates. There is no marriage record of John and Elizabeth nor is there any record indicating that Elizabeth was an Edwards. It was not cutomary for men to marry earlier than 15 so the date is estimated based on the birth of thier first child.^4,5

John Gurley witnessed the will of William Edwards on 30 September 1750 at Southampton County, Virginia.⁶ John Gurley witnessed the death of William Edwards before 11 February 1751 at Southampton County, Virginia.⁷ John Gurley served on 8 August 1751 at Southampton County, Virginia.⁸ He served appointed as overseer of the highway in the room of Henry Thomas who was discharged. on 8 August 1751 at Southampton, Virginia.⁹ He was some sort of suit was dismissed against John Gurley and others by the Grand Jury on 12 December 1751 at Southampton, Virginia.¹⁰ He moved to at Johnston County, North Carolina, in after 1751. He was evidently John Gurley's wife Keziah was involved in an adultorous relationship with a Stephen Miller Willis and he was indited by the Grand Jury in this matter on 20 February 1752 at Southhampton County, Virginia.¹¹ He registered a land entry with county officals for 400 acres on both sides of Mogason [Mockison] Swamp, including the falls on 3 April 1752 at Johnston Couunty, North Carolina, The entry is listed as John Gurley Jr. which indicates that an older John Gurley is living in the same area.¹² He served was discharged from his role as overseer of the highway (this is the last mention of John Gurley in Southampton County, Virginia) on 18 August 1752 at Southhampton County, Virginia.¹³ He wascalled to serve his county in several positions. John Gurley's long standing community service in Johnston County was first noted in October 1761 when he was appointed Constable in the "Mockason and Little River" areas of Johnston County, North Carolina. in 1761 at Johnston County, North Carolina.¹⁴ Heposted security bonds for members of his family and the communty The first appearence of John Gurley in public documents was as a bondsman in Johnston Co. He apparently posted bond to make sure that nothing was sold off or taken away from William Gurley's estate. The bond was in effect for the time it took the County to probate the will of William Gurley. This bond was posted for the "Widow Mary Gurley, the adminitrix of William's estate." It is not know what relationship John Gurley was with either Mary or William Gurley. after January 1761 at Johnston County, North Carolina.¹⁵ He wasgranted livestock brand's (known as a mark) John Gurley and his family were in the business of raising livestock, most likely hogs and pigs. John Gurley and two of his sons, Joel who was 14 and William who was 12 recorded their respective livestock marks with Johnston County, North Carolina.



John Gurley's mark was a crop and a slit in each ear and a nick under each. Joel Gurley's mark was a crop on the right ear and a ____ in each. William Gurley's mark was a swallow for in ye right ear and an under Keell in each.
in October 1761 at the Courthouse, Johnston County, North Carolina.¹⁶ He wasa juror in the petit Court in 1762 at Johnston County, North Carolina.¹⁷ He wasgranted land containing 100 acres on 15 November 1762 at Johnston County, North Carolina.¹⁸ He wasappointed by the Courts as overseer of the road from the County line to the Little Creek on the Little River with Jos. Gurley, Alexander Pool, Wm Gurley and John Gurley Junr. working on the road as well. in 1763 at Johnston County, North Carolina.¹⁹ He and Nathan Gurley were involved in a land transfer Nathan and his wife, Ann transfered 640 Acres to John Gurley for £10 on 16 December 1769 at Johnston County, North Carolina.²⁰ John Gurley served as a processioner in Johnston County. A processioner walked the land in his assigned area to determine boundries. It is interesting to note that John Gurley along with Benjamin Craford processioned John Gurley's own land and it was witnessed by his sons, Lewis and Edward. between 7 April 1772 and 18 April 1772 at Johnston County, North Carolina.²¹ He and George Edwards were involved in a land transfer on 23 February 1773 at Johnston County, North Carolina, when John Gurley and Elizabeth sold to their nephew, George Edwards, 640 acres. This George Edwards wed Sarah Holt daughter of Charles and Joannah Revelle Holt of Southampton Co. VA and sister to James Holt of Southampton Co. VA. George Edwards is also the son of Ann Gurley Edwards of Southampton Co. VA, daughter of George Gurley of Southampton and sister to John. George would have been John's nephew.²² John Gurley ended military service on 15 August 1777 at Johnston County, North Carolina, when he was discharged from the Johnston County, North Carolina Militia due to being over 50 years of age.²³ He and Edwards Gurley were involved in a land transfer when John and wife, Elizabeth gave to Edwards 100 acres of land on the north side of Mocoson Swamp, it being part of a patent to John Gurley Nov 15, 1762. It is the land where Edwards Gurley lives. on 1 August 1779 at Johnston County, North Carolina.²⁴ John Gurley and Lazarus Gurley were involved in a land transfer
John GURLEY and wife Elizabeth (transfered) to Lazarus GURLEY, 40£, 100 Acres in Johnston County on the NS of Neuse River and on the SS of Mocasson Swamp, it being part of a patent to John GURLEY the 15 Nov. 1762, beg a pine Edwards GURLEYS corner runs thence N35º W110p to a stake: S35º W146p to a Black jack: S35º E110p to a pine John GURLEYS right cor: a wright line to the beg… including the plantation thereon….

Wit. Jeremiah GURLEY, Lewis GURLEY, A. PEARCE. John GURLEY, Elizabeth (+) GURLEY. May Ct. 1781 proved by Arthur BARCCUM, Wm. WARD, CC.
(K:232, Item 607, p.100, Abstracts v3)
on 17 May 1781 at Johnston County, North Carolina.²⁵ John Gurley wasgranted land on 21 October 1782 at 300 Acres at the head of the Beaverdam Swamp.²⁶ He waslisted on the in 1784 tax list of at Captain Joseph Boon's Company, Johnston County, North Carolina, his household's taxable property included 450 Acres and one free poll (John.)²⁷ He died on 5 July 1794 at Johnston County, North Carolina; Date can not be correct, will was written in November of 1794.²⁸ He wrote his will on 6 November 1794 at Johnston County, North Carolia.²⁹ He died between 6 November 1794 and May 1795 at Johnston County, North Carolina.³⁰ He will was proved in in May 1795 at Johnston County, North Carolina, by the oaths in court by Arthur Crawford and West Vinson. His son, Jeremiah was named executor of the estate.³¹

     Elizabeth Edwards was born in 1726. She married John Gurley, son of George Gurley Senior, after 1743; The marriage of John and Elizabeth is proved by the Will of John Gurley and John Gurley's handwritten record of his family's birth and death dates. There is no marriage record of John and Elizabeth nor is there any record indicating that Elizabeth was an Edwards. It was not cutomary for men to marry earlier than 15 so the date is estimated based on the birth of thier first child.^2,3

Elizabeth Edwards was a witness to the will of James Wright along with other witnesses Simon Woodward and Mary Woodward dated on 25 December 1761 at Southampton County, Virginia.^4,5 She witnessed the land transfer of John Gurley and George Edwards on 23 February 1773 at Johnston County, North Carolina; when John Gurley and Elizabeth sold to their nephew, George Edwards, 640 acres. This George Edwards wed Sarah Holt daughter of Charles and Joannah Revelle Holt of Southampton Co. VA and sister to James Holt of Southampton Co. VA. George Edwards is also the son of Ann Gurley Edwards of Southampton Co. VA, daughter of George Gurley of Southampton and sister to John. George would have been John's nephew.⁶ Elizabeth Edwards witnessed the land transfer of John Gurley and Edwards Gurley on 1 August 1779 at Johnston County, North Carolina; when John and wife, Elizabeth gave to Edwards 100 acres of land on the north side of Mocoson Swamp, it being part of a patent to John Gurley Nov 15, 1762. It is the land where Edwards Gurley lives.⁷ Elizabeth Edwards witnessed the land transfer of John Gurley and Lazarus Gurley on 17 May 1781 at Johnston County, North Carolina;
John GURLEY and wife Elizabeth (transfered) to Lazarus GURLEY, 40£, 100 Acres in Johnston County on the NS of Neuse River and on the SS of Mocasson Swamp, it being part of a patent to John GURLEY the 15 Nov. 1762, beg a pine Edwards GURLEYS corner runs thence N35º W110p to a stake: S35º W146p to a Black jack: S35º E110p to a pine John GURLEYS right cor: a wright line to the beg… including the plantation thereon….

Wit. Jeremiah GURLEY, Lewis GURLEY, A. PEARCE. John GURLEY, Elizabeth (+) GURLEY. May Ct. 1781 proved by Arthur BARCCUM, Wm. WARD, CC.
(K:232, Item 607, p.100, Abstracts v3.⁸)
Elizabeth Edwards died after 1794.

     John Thomas Gurley was born on 15 June 1852 at Wayne County, North Carolina.^5,6 He was an heir to the estatel of Absilla Wiggs on 13 July 1888 at Wayne County, North Carolina; Her estate was divided between her sons. Richard W. Gurley was left $1. John T. Gurley was left 72 acres of land that was the homestead and all personal property including the farming equipment. Hardy E. Gurley was left a bed and a table. Needham D. Gurley was also left $1 as was William H. Gurley.⁷ John Thomas Gurley married Delane Brady in 1894.^8,9 John Thomas Gurley corresponded with Gurley researcher, Justus R. Moll in 1930.^10,11 He died on 1 May 1931 at Wayne County, North Carolina, at age 78.⁶ He was buried after 1 May 1931 at Oakland Cemetery, Smithfield, Johnston County, North Carolina.¹²

     Richard Washington Gurley was born on 3 November 1850 at Wayne County, North Carolina.^4,5,6,2 He married Polly Anne Cuddington on 9 December 1877 at Wayne County, North Carolina.^7,8,9 Richard Washington Gurley left a will that was executed on 18 June 1888 at Wayne County, North Carolina.¹⁰ He was an heir to the estate of Absilla Wiggs on 13 July 1888 at Wayne County, North Carolina; Her estate was divided between her sons. Richard W. Gurley was left $1. John T. Gurley was left 72 acres of land that was the homestead and all personal property including the farming equipment. Hardy E. Gurley was left a bed and a table. Needham D. Gurley was also left $1 as was William H. Gurley.¹¹ Richard Washington Gurley died on 25 December 1888 at Wayne County, North Carolina, at age 38.^5,12,13 He was buried after 25 December 1888 at Gurley Family Cemetery, Wayne County, North Carolina.^14,15

     Hardy Everitt Gurley was born on 11 July 1863 at Wayne County, North Carolina.^4,5,6 He married Mary Ann Radford after 1883.^7,5,8 Hardy Everitt Gurley was listed in the will of Absilla Wiggs as an heir to her estate on 13 July 1888 at Wayne County, North Carolina; Her estate was divided between her sons. Richard W. Gurley was left $1. John T. Gurley was left 72 acres of land that was the homestead and all personal property including the farming equipment. Hardy E. Gurley was left a bed and a table. Needham D. Gurley was also left $1 as was William H. Gurley.⁹ Hardy Everitt Gurley was recorded as voting on 18 October 1902 at Goldsboro, Wayne County, North Carolina.¹⁰ He Settled in the Durham area. (Russell Gurley visit 1999)
Moll Research listed residence as 901 W. Trenty Ave. Durham NC.

circa 1910.¹¹ He died on 29 December 1944 at age 81.⁵ He was buried after 29 December 1944 at Maplewood Cemetery, Durham, Durham County, North Carolina.⁸

     Vera Van Smith was born on 29 February 1868 at Wayne County, North Carolina.¹ She married William Henry Gurley, son of John Gurley and Absilla Wiggs, on 20 April 1887 at Wayne County, North Carolina.^1,2 Vera Van Smith died on 19 November 1904 at Wayne County, North Carolina, at age 36.¹

     George Gurley was also known as .³ He was born on 29 July 1762 at Johnston County, North Carolina.^2,3 He began military service after 1780 George is listed in the Roster of North Carolina Soldiers in the American Revolution on p.339 sol. no. 1226 serving in the Militia in the Newbern District.

He waslisted on the in 1784 tax list of at Captain Joseph Boon's Company, Johnston County, North Carolina, his household's taxable property included.⁴ He witnessed the tax list of Edwards Gurley in 1784 at Johnston County, North Carolina; 450 Acres and one free poll along with his father and brother, George.⁵ George Gurley was a witness to the will of William Edwards on 16 September 1785 at Johnston County, North Carolina.⁶ He inherited livestock and land from the estate of his father, John Gurley circa 1795 at Johnston County, North Carolina.⁷ He waslisted on the in 1798 tax list of at Captain Fredrick Jernigan's District, Wayne County, North Carolina, his household's taxable property included with 312 acres and 1 white poll.⁸ He died circa 1805 at Wayne County, North Carolina.⁹ He and Anson Gurley George died intestate and on February 18, 1806, his widow, Sarah was appointed as administratrix to settle the estate.

By 1808 the estate had not been settled and William Cox, Joshua Hastings and Richard Musgrave were appointed to a committee to settle the estate and report to the Wayne County Court.

In 1810, the estate was still pending settlement and Joel Gurley, Isaac Wise, Richard Musgrave, Joshua Hastings and Arthur Daughtry were again appointed to lay off 100 acres for Anson Gurley, the son of George Gurley. between 1806 and 1810.¹⁰ George Gurley estate was inventoried in March 1806 at Wayne County, North Carolina, by his wife Sarah. His property gives some insight to the day to day needs in this part of the country during the early 1800's.

What was life like in the late 1700’s and early 1800’s in the Johnston County and Wayne County area?

A look at the inventory of the estate of farmer George Gurley who died in 1805 gives a vivid picture of family and home live in the late at the turn of the 19th Century. George Gurley’s estate consisted of livestock, household items, food stuff, farming tools, and

George Gurley was a farmer and a raiser of all kinds of livestock. His animal holdings at the time of his death consisted of three pigeons, one horse, three sows and 16 pigs, three cows and two yearlings, one heifer, three ewes and lambs, six head of sheep, 5 turkeys, several chickens, and one colt. A razor strap and a drawing knife were used for butchering. He had a large selection of tack including: one saddle, four bridle bits, one bridle, and a cart. His livestock not only provided the household with food, clothing, and transportation but, they were used as commerce as well.

Clothing was made in the home. The animal hides were used for clothing after the animals were butchered for meat. George Gurley provided for his family by making some of the family shoes, one set of shoe tools was bought at auction by his son Anson. He and Sarah had a loom (spelled lume in the estate inventory) to weave string into cloth, a spinning wheel and a “wooling” wheel. At the auction of his property, seed, cotton, wool, and flax were all sold.

The Gurley household had several food items on hand: three barrel’s of beer!, wheat, three barrel’s of pork and several sides of beef. To cook, prepare and serve food, the family used: a sifter, tumblers, two forks, 8 spoons, 2 pitchers, 3 bread trays, mugs, pots, 5 tin cups, 3 pewter plates, a skillet, and a frying pan. He also had a grinding stone used for the grain.

Farming to provide food for the family was a constant way of life. George used hand saws, three weeding hoes, four ploughs, a grubbing hoe, a shovel and several axes. At this time, tobacco farming did not seem to be the major source of income to the home. There was only one hogshead in the estate. In fact, large scale tobacco farming probably did not generate popularity in the area until the mid to late 1800’s..

George Gurley had at least eight guns on hand to capture wild animals and defend the household.

To light the house, Sarah and George Gurley used candles which they made using candle molds. The home was furnished with a cradle, a bed, and furniture.





Estate Inventory March 15th 1806

3 Tubs
1 Pale (Pail)
3 Piggons (Pigeons)
3 Bread Trays
1 ___ Sifter
1 Saddle
4 Bridle Bitts
1 Bridle
1 Cart
1 Collar and ___
1 Lume
5 Opened Barrells
1 Barrell Full of Beer
2 Barrells Full of Beer
4 Old Casks
1 Hogshead and Kage
Some Wheat
3 Guns
2 Guns
3 Guns
1 Trumpet and Candle Mole
1 Candle stick
2 ___ and Jug.¹⁰

     Albert Ray Gurley was born on 6 February 1888 at Wayne Co, North Carolina.¹ He died on 11 March 1888 at Wayne County, North Carolina.²

     Annie Pauline Gurley was born on 18 June 1889 at Wayne Co, North Carolina.¹ She died on 11 November 1914 at Wayne County, North Carolina, at age 25.¹

     William Emmitt Gurley also went by the name of Emmitt. He was born on 16 February 1891 at Wayne Co, North Carolina.¹ He as administrator of his father's estate, submitted an inventory of the estate of William Henry Gurley on 25 February 1926 at Wayne County, North Carolina; his estate was inventoried by W.E. Gurley, his son and N.D. Gurley his brother. His personal property was valued at $556 and included farming equipment, hogs, mules, meat, lard, fodder, corn, and furniture. He had $768 of cash and receivables on hand.² William Emmitt Gurley died on 10 June 1971 at age 80.³