Gurley Notebook, Part 1

Johnston County, NC Courthouse

Chapman, Blanche. Wills & Administrations of Southampton County, Virginia 1749-1800, Baltimore, MD: Genealogical Publishing Co., In. 1980

• Edwards, Elizabeth of Nottoway Parish. Leg. - son Micah; son Joseph; daughter Patty; son William; daughter Ann; daughter Patience; son Benjamin; daughter Martha Edwards. Exs., sons Thomas & William Edwards. D. Dec. 31, 1761, R Jan. 14, 1762. Wit: George Gurley, Jr., Mary Gurley, Mary Peden, p. 418
• Gurley, Nicholas of the Parish of Nottoway. Leg. - son Benjamin; son Nicholas; son William; wife Ann. Exs., friends George Gurley, Jr. & Joseph Cobb. D. April 23, 1761. R. March 11, 1762. Wit: George Gurley, Sr., Mary Gurley Jr., Thomas Edwards, p. 439.
• Gurley, Benjamin. Estate appraised by John Drake, Nathan Vasser & Thomas Edwards. R. May 13, 1762 p. 465.
• Gurley, Nicholas. Estate appraised by John Drake, Nathan Vasser & Thomas Edwards. R. May 13, 1762, p. 467.
• Edwards, Elizabeth. Estate appraised by Henry Thomas, William Thomas & Benjamin Williams. R. May 13, 1762, p. 475.
• Edwards, Benjamin. Leg. - to all my sisters and brothers; to mother; brother William; brother Thomas; brother John. Exs: brothers Thomas & John Edwards. D. George Gurley, Jr., Mary Gurley, Mary Peden, p. 489.
• Gurley, Benjamin. Account estate audited by Micajah Edwards & Joseph Cobb. R. May 13, 1762, p. 490.
• Edwards, Benjamin. Estate appraised by George Gurley, Jr. Robert Newsum & Will Thomas. R. June 13, 1762, p. 491. 
• Wright, James. Leg. - wife Martha; son John (under age); daughter Mary Wright. Extx: wife Martha Wright. D. Dec. 25, 1761. R. Aug. 12, 1762. Wit: Simon Woodward, Elizabeth Gurley, Mary Woodward, p. 412
• Gurley, Nicholas. Account estate audited by Henry Thomas & M. Edwareds. Signed Nicholas Gurley, Jr. R. Sept. 8, 1763, p. 53. 
• Gurley, George, Sr. of St. Luke Parish. Leg. - loving wife; son George; son John; daughter Mary West; daughter Fathey Sellers; grandson George Edwards; residue of estate to George Gurley, Jr. & Ann Edwards. Ex: son George Gurley. D. Aug. 12, 1768 R. Jan. 10, 1771. Wit: William Thomas, Jesse Braswell, James Peding, p. 362.
• Vasser, Lydia. Parish of St. Luke. Leg. - son Jesse land purchased of Nicholas Gurley, when of age; daughter Anne; daughter Mary; daughter Elizabeth; daughter Margaret. Ex: son-in-law Robert Carr. D. Oct. 10, 1773. May 9, 1776. Wit: George Gurley, Abraham Mitchell, William Edwards, p. 150. 
• Jackson, Sarah. Parish of St. Luke. Leg. - grandson Nathan Jackson, estate in the hands of James Peden; daughter Mary Gurley. Ex: friend William Edwards. D. June 9, 1777. R. Feb. 12, 1778. Wit: William Edwards, Martha Gurley, p. 196.
• Edwards, Thomas of the parish of St. Luke. Leg. - son Jordan hunting gun and brandy, which he had of Joseph Washington as his substitute in the service; son Newit, long guny, brandy and 200 pounds in the hands of Thomas Taylor, being what he was to receive of him as his substitute in the service; son Benjamin; daughter Mary; daughter Ann; wife Ann; daughter Lucy; daugher Elizabeth Edwards. Exs: Wife Ann, son Benjamin Edwards. Trustees friends William Thomas & George Gurley. D. March 26, 1781. R. July 12, 1781. Wit: Thomas Newsum, James Atkinson, Martha Gurley, p. 331.
• Edwards, William. Leg. - wife Sally, children Charlotte and George; provision for child in esse. Ex: my uncle George Gurley. D. March 5, 1681[1781? everything on this page is 1781] R. Dec. 13, 1781. Wit: George Edwards, George Gurley, Thomas Edwards, p. 352.
• Martin, James. Leg. - wife Amey; son Kinchen; daughter Lucy Gurley. Exs: wife & son-in-law George Gurley. D. Oct. 18, 1791. R. Dec. 8, 1791. Wit: George Gurley, Thomas Newsum, Jr., John Newsum, p. 460.
• Thomas, William of Parish of St. Luke. Leg. - son Henry the land adjoining my land called Sarah Carter's; son William twenty one; son John when twenty one; daughter Lucy; my sister Elizabeth; son John land known as Betty Edwards'; granddaughter Charlotte Pretlow; son George Gurley Thomas when twenty one. Exs: son Henry Thomas & George Gurley Jr. D. Dec. 29, 1794 R. Feb. 12, 1795. Wit: William Newsum, John Gurley, John T. Blow, Sr., p. 670.

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Gurley, Henry. Gurley Family Virginia to North Carolina, New York, NY: Henry Gurley, 2004.

Collection of the Gurley Family from Virginia to Johnston County, North Carolina. Very fuzzy copy - looks like copied from carbon copy not original typescriopt. I've moved some of the content around to make it clearer, my comments are in brackets.

Some of the Genealogical Notes Collected by the Late Albert E. Gurley. Preface:

In the late 1800s, A.E. Gurley of Willmantic, Conn., who had previously published a book on the genealogy of the Gurleys in the Northern states, made a trip through Virginia, the Carolinas and as far south as Cadiztown [Gaddistown], Ga., collecting data on the Gurleys in the southern states for a second volume. There is evidence that, as late as 1911, he was still sending out questionnaires to various Gurleys over the country, asking for information on their ancestry.

Unfortunately, Mr. Gurley died before he could publish his second volume. . . . 

Some of this data is in the handwriting of A.E. Gurley and some of it is typed . . . the writer will condense many of these documents . . . At times, the writer will splice in between ( )s some of the data he has collected. Mr. Gurley evidently started his quest in Southampton Co., Va.

Nicholas Gurley, one of the first settlers of Southampton County, Virginia: 

Nichols Gurley, of Nottoway, Southampton county, Va., married Ann (--?--). Mr. Nicholas Gurley died (according to his will in 1762, this being the year his will was probated, but his property it seems was not inventoried until July 30, 1763. His widow, Mrs. Ann Gurley, died ___. Children of Nicholas Gurley & Ann his wife:

• Benjamin 
• William
• Nicholas

Will of Nicholas Gurley of Southampton County, Virginia:

In the name of God, Amen. I, Nicholas Gurley, of the county of Southampton & Parish of Nottaway, being of sound and disposing mind and memory, thanks be given to almighty God for the same. 

I make and constitute this my last will and testament in form and manner following:

I give & bequeatah to my son Benjamin Gurley the land and Plantation whereon he now lives with the appurtences to him & his heirs forever, but if my sd. son Benjami should die without heir lawfully begotten of his own body,

I then give and bequeath the sd. land unto my son, Nicholas Gurley & his heirs forever. 

I also give and bequeath unto my sd. son, Benjamin, my young gray mare, bridle and saddle, provided he surrender when damanded unto my estate the foal wherewith the mare now goes if brought forth alive; also gun, a small iron pot and feather bed & furniture, all which things are now actually in his possession & also my coopers tools.

Further more my will and desire is that if my sd. son, Benjamin should have heirs lawfully begotten as aforesaid, that then in such case all the remainder of my lands to be equally divided between my two sons, William & Nicholas & their heirs forever, but if my sd. son, Benjamin, should die without heirs lawfully begotten of his body then my desire  is that my son, Nicholas, have no right, title nor interest in the division of the sd. Dividend of land last mentioned but be the sole property of my son William, and his heirs forever. 

(after bequests of articles of personal property to his sons William & Nicholas, the will continues:)

Lastly, my will and desire is that the remainder of my estate that shall be left after payment of my debts and legacies be & remain in my wife Ann's hands during her life or widowhood for the support of herself and children but if she should marry to be equally divided between my two sons, William and Nicholas & my said wife, Ann.

Also I do appoint my trusty friends, George Gurley in [Jr.?] and Joseph Cobb whole and  and sole Executors of this my last will and testament, ratifying and confirming this and none other to be my last will and testament. 

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this 23 day of April & year of our Lord 1761. Nicholas {His X Mark} Gurley. 

Signed, sealed, delivered, published & declared as & for my last will & testament in presence of George Gurley, Sen., Thomas Edwards (by his X), Mary Gurley, Jun. (by her X).

At a court held  for the County of Southampton, the 11th day of March 1762. This will was presented in Court by George Gurley Jr. & Joseph Cobb, the executors therein named, proved by the oaths of George Gurley, Sen. and Thomas Edwards, two of the witnesses thereto & ordered to be recorded, & on the motion of the said Executors who made oath according to law, certificate was granted them for obtaining probate thereof giving security. Test: R. Kello, CC

(The testator's fears that his son Benjamin, might died without heirs appear to have been well founded for Southampton Will Book 1, p. 465, under date of March 11, 1762, records an inventory and appraisement of estate of Benjamin Gurley, dec'd., as have contained £31, 12s & 7 1/2d of personal property only. 

William & Nicholas appear to have moved to Johnston County, NC, but Nicholas disappears from records there after 1782. Two deeds in Johnston County, NC in 1782 & 1786, indicate that Ann, wife of Nicholas, may have also moved to Johnston Co.)

Southampton County, Va., Book of Wills pages 53 & 54(?) - An account current of the estate of Nicholas Gurley, deceased, July 30 1763. (An itemized list of expense of administration, showing a balance of £30, 9s, 0d left in hands of widow, as submitted by George Gurley, Jr., executor. Was certified to be correct by M. Edwards & Henry Thomas, and ordered to be recorded.) . . . 

(George Gurley Sr. Will - Southampton Co., Will Book 2, p. 362 dated Aug. 12, 1768 & proved Jan. 10, 1771 . . . bequeaths property to 1) his unnamed loving wife, 2) son, George Jr., 3) son John, 4) daughter W.Cary West, 6) daughter Fathey Sellers, 6) grandson, George Edwards. After bequests to above, specifies remainder of estate to be divided between "my son, George Gurley, Jun. & Ann Edwards." It appoints son, George, "whole executor."  Signed George Gurley by his mark, and witnessed by Wm. Thomas, Jesse Brasswell & James Peding.) 

(Virginia Land Office Book 15, p. 157, lists a land grant by [King] George 2nd, of 150 acres on south side of Nottaway River to George Gurley, of Isle of Wight Co., Virginia. [Southampton was created from Isle of Wight in 1748] dated Feb. 28, 1733, and page 159 of same book shows that, on same date, George 2nd, likewise granted 150 acres in same locality to Nicholas Gurley, which clearly indicates a very close connection between George & Nicholas. If they were no brothers, they must have been at least cousins.)

John Gurley of Southampton Co., VA, d. 1807 data - indicates he was married to Elizabeth W. Gilliam & had no surviving children.  Heirs include nephew John Edwards and nephew John Drake. 

[George Gurley Sr.'s descendants appear to have remained in Southampton Co., VA long after our line had moved to North Carolina.] 

( . . . on a sheet of The James Hotel stationery . . . bearing a date of Washington, DC, 189_ appears the following, state and county not named.)

• Mary Gurley - will book 2, p. 84
• Edwards Gurley - will book 2, p. 307
• John Gurley - will book 2, p. 309

Marriages, Index Book:

• Robert Gurley - Nancy Greene, p. 211 - md. Sep. 25, 1816 lived in Wayne Co., NC, Nancy his first wife, parents of John Green Gurley
• Daniel Gurley - Altara Jordan p. 391
• WIllis Gurley - Lydia Gurley p. 401
• Henry Gurley - Polly Janes p. 436
• Joseph Gurley - Elizabeth Thomas p. 441
• Monroe Gurley - Harriet Lynch p. 466
• Daniel Gurley - Edith Phillips p. 471
• Raiford Gurley - Cerry [Cherry?] Howell p. 520
• Jonathan Gurley - Rene Bailey p. 176
• Frederick Gurley - Patinee Finer p. 174
• Arthur Gurley - Polly Pudin p. 178
• Maurice Gurley - Elizabeth Gurley p. 209
• John G. Gurley - Francis E. Nichols p. 144
• R.P. Gurley 0 Mary L. King, Jan. 25, 1866

(On back of this letterhead the following was written:)

William G. Gurley father, William Gurley son was tried for stealing a horse the Judge told the jury to bring in guilty but the Jury brought in not guilty Feb. term of court 1897. William Gurley lives at Pine Level and his father lives also at Pine Level, NC at Johnston Co., NC. Samuel Gurley witnesses a dded in Johnston Co., NC, 1835[6?] . . . 

( . . . a close study of the many Gurley records in the two counties will convince anyone that the first Gurley settlers of Johnston Co., NC were descended from and/or closely related to the George and Nicholas Gurley of the 1733 land grants in Southampton. . . . )

William Gurley, one of the first Settlers of Johnston County, North Carolina - The first record to be found of any Gurley in the southern states is found on the land records of Johnston County (at Smithfield) NC and this deed is given in full in this history, page to which reference may be had, to a deed of land by William Gurley, dated April 20, 1705, (this date was a copyist's error, as Johnston County named after Gov. Johnston and not formed until 1745, with first deed book opened in 1748. It threw A.E. Gurley off a full generation in his calculations.) and whcih he had previously obtained by a land grant from the state of North Carolina, and by he reading of this deed it may reasonably be presumed that this William Gurley had a son, John, and that this son, John, had a son William that married Mary (--?--) about 1746. 

According to the date of the first William Gurley deeding land in 1705 there must have been in all probability one generation between the first and second William gurley that married Mary (--?--) about 1746 whose family record is given here below, ahd her will also. 

Where Wililam Gurley the first came from or any knowledge of his former history or ancestry up to the present time has not been found. (The writer hereof thinks that he was the son of Nicholas, of Southampton) "Tradition" says he came form th enorth part of Ireland, which may or may not be true, but there is no proof to substantiate this statement. Tradition is sometimes right, but I more often find it wrong. It is true that there were Gurleys living in the north part of Ireland at that date, and years before, and also there were Gurleys in England in those days. 

The first Gurley of which any record is known is Ingelram De Gurley, who accompanied "William the Lion" from Normandy, France to Scotland, in the year 1174 of whose history is given in Volume I of this work, and from him and his ancestors all the Gurleys, Gourleys and Gourlays of Scotland have descenced.

William Gurley of Johnston & Anson Counties, NC married Mary (--?--) ca. 1746

Children: 

1. William b. Jan. 8, 1748 (He is probably the William Gurley who was appointed Captain of 8th Regiment NC Line, by General Assembly of NC on 11/28/1776, and who is mentenioned several times in NC Colonial recors. His will, probated in Anson Co., NC in 1804, will book 2, p. 47 mentions his wife Millindey and 8 children.)
2. Jacob b. Nov. 5, 1750 md. Susan Wise (Jacob is said to have been stronger physically, than any other two men in Anson Co., NC, where he died in 1820. His will there mentions 12 children.) [see below]
3. Isom b. 1752 md. Sally Smith (An affidavit in his Rev. War pension file in Washington, says he was b. Jan. 13, 1759, in Johnston Co., NC & volunteered for 3 months service in Revolution - served 1 month & 3 days under Col. William Caswell, Captain John Whitley & Captain Matthew Colours guarding Wilmington and was discharged; that in 1778-1779 he again entered service as volunteer from Johnston County & served 4 months & 20 days under above mentioned Caswell, Whitley & Colours, was sent to Savannah River and Augusta, was in Battle of Savannah and several other engagements; discharged at Savannah; that after war lived in Johnston & Anson NC, Buncombe Co., NC, Pendleton [page cut off] . . . officers in his first enlistment. They were Col. Samuel Smith and Capt. Hardy Bryan. His application for pension, filed April 17, 1832, was denied because he had lacked one week of having served the minimum of six months. While his correct name was Isham, it has been spelled Isum, Isom, Isam, Ishum, and Ishem in public records. Court house at Pickens Co., Alabama destroyed by fire with all records of US census shows hi there in 1830, but not in 1840. He died after 1732 [1832?].  In Johnston Co., in 1789, he was administrator of estate of a Sarah Gurley who genealogists and county offiicals say was obviously his wife, Sally Smith. He had children born after 1789; so evidently married again, but name of wife not known.)
4. Rebeckah b. 1755 md. (--?--) Austin. (A family in Johnston County deed book 1, p 62 from Wm. Gurley to Alexander Pool, dated 1764, witnessed by a John Austin, who was probably Rebeckah's husband.)
5. Lydia b. 1757 md. (--?--) Pool. (The above deed indicates that she md. Alexander Pool.)
6. [Mary b. ca. 1758 md. (--?--) Burwick implied in will of Mary Gurley below, left off list.] (Note that A.E. Gurley in listing children of William & Mary Gurley . . . did not list Mary Burwick who is mentioned in Mary's will as her daughter.)
7. John b. 1759 md. Elizabeth Edwards. (While there was an early Johnston Co. John Gurley who md. an Elizabeth Edwards, it is not this John. Mr. Just(?) R. Hall . . . is descended from a John Gurley & Elizabeth Edwards; has Bible records of their children showing that Robert, first child, was born 3/6/1744 & d. 11/28/1780.)
8. Patty (Martha) b. 1763, died unmarried. 

The above William Gurley was a Scotch Irish emigrant to America, and a descendant of an old Scotch family, long settled in the north of Ireland, and descended from Ingelram de Gurley of Scotland, who was from Normandy, France AD 1175. 

(If A.E. Gurley had thoroughly examined Johnston County records, he would have found a deed or deeds which showed that the above William Gurley was son of a William Sr., who was the William who had a wife, Anna. In the war of 1861-65 Federal troops captured Smithfield, NC and occupied the courthouse, which caused some of the records to be lost. Subsequently, according to Rev. James P. Smith, a genealogist at Smithfield, who is thoroughly familiar with the history of that locality, fire inspectors caused a large batch of unbound papers to be removed and destroyed as a fire hazard. Consequently, the existing records do not reveal what happened o William Sr. & [Anna?])

The Will of Mary Gurley - (She was the widow of above William Gurley (Jr.) will recorded in Johnston Co. will book 1, p. 62 and original will preserved in state archives, at Raleigh.)

In the name of God, Amen, I Mary Gurley of the state and county aforesaid (Johnston Co., NC) being weak in body but sound in mind (etc., etc.) (After leaving "one shilling" to each of first named 7 children, William, Jacob, Isom, Rebeckah Austin, Lydia Pool, Mary Burwick and John Gurley, it gives balance of estate to her daughter, Patty Gurley, and makes her sole executrix.)

I ordain this my own last will and testament, revoking all other wills as witness I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 7th day of May 1792, in presence of us, Needham Whitley, Patty X Gurley, Isom X Gurley, Mary Gurley, Seal. 

Inventory of the estate of Mary Gurley, Dec'd. Johnston CO., NC Book of Wills p. 156 

1 cow and calf, 1 feather bed, bedstead and furniture, 1 chest, 1 trunk, 1 table, 1 woman's saddle, 2 chairs, 2 spinning wheels, 1 loom and 6 pewters, 3 chairs, 2 baskets, 1 Bible, 1 pr. shoes, 1 candle stick, 1 Ban Iron, 1 iron pot, 1 skillet, 1 pr. fire tongs, Clothing, 1 looking glass, forks and knives, 2 quart bottles, 1 tickler, 1 in funnel. Martha Gurley (called Paty).  Note the above is without date, but according to the records before it and after it, it must have been in the year 1793.  

Copies of deeds, etc., taken from Land Records of Johnston Co., NC Book S, No. 1, p. 352 - This indenture made the second day of February in the year of our Lord, one thosuand seven hundred and ninety three, between Arthur Gurley of the State of NC and County of Johnston of the one part & William Worley of the state and county aforesaid of the other part. Witnesseth that the said Arthur Gurley for and in consideration of the sum of one hundred and thirty pounds current money of the state of NC. (Arthur Gurley conveys to William Worley) a certain plantation, tract or parcel of land situated and being in Johnston Co. aforesaid on the north side of Neuse River and on the north side of Mocosin Swamp (description by metes & bounds) containing by estimate one hundred and twenty five acres of land, be the same more or less, being the upper part of two hundred acres of land granted to William Gurley under the seal of his Excellency, Gabriel Johnston, Governor, bearing date the 20th day of April 1705. (Here's the copyist's error. It should have been not earlier than 1745.) [Gov. Gabriel Johnston appointed 1733, arrived in NC 1734.] and transferred by deed from William Gurley to John Gurley & descended by heirship from John Gurley to Frederick Gurley and transferred by deed from Frederick Gurley to Nathan Gurley and descended by heirship from Nathan Gurley to Arthur Gurley and transferred by deed from Arthur Gurley to said William Worley. 

Also one other certain tract or parcel of land situated in Johnston Co. (near Mocosin Swamp & described by metes and bounds) containing thirty seven acres of land be the same more or less, being the upper part of a patent for fourty nine acres of land granted to Arthur Gurley under the seal of his Excellency, Alexander Martin, Esq., Governor, bearing date the 18th day of Nov. AD 1790. To have and to hold (etc., etc.) (Signed) Arthur Gurley, Seal. Signed, sealed & delivered in presence of B. Stevens & Charles Ward. 

Johnston County, February Term, 1793 - Then was execution of this deed duly proved by the oath of Benjamin Stevens and ordered to be registered. R. Sanders, Clerk. 

The above deed refers back to William Gurley the first, April 20, 1705 [erroneously], and is the earliest date of any Gurley in any of the southern states and is given in full for reference. 

Book S, No. I, pages 231-233 (Johnston Co., NC) - Granted to William Gurley by patent bearing date the 9th of July 1776, and another. To all to whom these presents shall come greeting know ye that I, William Gurley, of Anson Co. in the state of NC for and in consideration of the sum of Twenty pounds, specie, to me in hand paid by James Lynch (conveys to James Lynch 2 tracts of land on north side of Neuse River and north side of Mogason Swamp, the 1st tract being 150 acres bordering on Pool's line (his son-in-law)) Granted to William Gurley by Patent bearing date the 9th day of July 1776.

And another tract or parcel of land containing five hundred and fifty acres be the same ore or less lying and being in our county of Johnston on the town side of Mogason Swamp. (Description by metes & bounds) a whole patent granted to William Gurley bearing date the third day of April 1760. Together  with all the privileges (etc., etc.) I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 5th day of March 1765 (1785 is correct date).  (Signed) William Gurley. Signed, sealed & delivered in presence of us, Needham Whitley & James Holt. (Deed proved in Aug. 1792 term of court on oath of Needham Whitley & ordered registered.)

(The writer cannot subscribe to A.E. Gurley's statement . . . that William Gurley who had wife, Mary was a "Scotch Irish Emigrant to America. He was the son of the William Gurley Sr. and his wife Anna, of the misdated 1705 (1745) land grant. The John Gurley, to whom he transferred a part of said grant, was a close relative whom this writer has not identified. Said William Sr. was probably son of Nicholas of the Southampton 1733 land grant who, in his 1768 Southampton will, mentioned a son, John, who was probably the John Gurley whose will was proved in Johnston Co., NC in 1795.  THe will of the first John proved in Johnston in 1760. Frederick & Nathan Gurley, mentioned in Arthur Gurley's deed, were sons of the first John Gurley, and said Arthur was oldest son of Nathan.)

Book T, No. 1, pages 45-47 (Johnston Co., NC) - John Gurley Jr. buys a parcel of land for ten pounds for every hundred acres of Alexander Martin. Dated 15th Nov. 1790. (Signed) Alexander Martin, Seal (John Gurley of the 1760 will did not mention a son, John, and while the John of the 1795 will is said to have had a son John, this son died in infancy.)

Book W, No. 1, pages 345-346 (Johnston Co. NC) - Jacob Gurley of Anson Co., NC, sells to William Davis of Johnston Co. a parcel of land for ten pounds under date of Nov. 6, 1795, and approved by the court Nov. term 1787. Jacob X Gurley (Seal).  

[2.] Jacob Gurley, of Anson County, NC married Susan Wise.  Mr. Jacob Gurley d. 1820, aged 70 years. Mrs. Susan Gurley d. ___.  Children:

2a. Zilpha b. June 6, 1774
2b. John b. Mar. 8, 1776 md. Elizabeth Edwards (A.E. Gurley mistaken here . . . 2 Johns md. an Eliz/Edwards, for one such Eliz. Edwards, md. John of the 1795 will.) [this is confusing to me!]
2c. Jesse b. Sept. 8, 1778 md. (--?--) Celia Williams
2d. William b. Oct. 9, 1781
2e. Jacob b. Oct. 17, 1783
2f. Unity b. May 18, 1785 [md. Stephen Whitney, see below]
2g. Benjamin b. May 3, 1788
2h. Needom b. March 27, 1791 md. Mrs. Sarah Henison
2i. James b. Jan. 13, 1794
2j. David b. 1796
2k. Daniel b. May 27, 1798
2l. Josiah [no date given] 

Union County NC Land Records, Book 2 page 176 - Report of the estate of Josiah Gurley [21 above], Deceased. State of NC Union County, July Term 1849. Between Jesse Gurley, David Gurley, Needham Gurley, Stephen Whitney & wife, Unity, William Gurley, William Seglan & wife Susannah [sister or daughter?] and Benjamin Gurley, deceased. His heirs at law and next of kin of Josiah Gurley, deceased, whereupon the property of the said Josiah Gurley is divided among the above named heirs. [This reads like a list of siblings with the exception of Susannah, who could be a sister not listed above.  He may have named children after his siblings.]

[3.] Isom Gurley of Johnston & Anson Counties, NC married Sally Smith. (d. in Pickens Co., AL after 10/29/1835 . . . ) Mrs. Sally Gurley (believed to ahve been the Sarah Gurley who d. in Johnston Co. in 1789 . . . ) Children:

3a. William

3b. Jacob

3c. John b. ?, d. 1830 md. Jane Terrant, Dec. 25, 1783 (lived at Gaddistown, Ga., Jane was daughter of Capt. Manlove Tarrant, Revolution Army.)  Jane d. 1862

3d. Willis 

3e. James 

3f. Isom (Isham), d. 1861 [lived in Alabama & Missisippi] . . . (married 1. Sarah Gady/Gaddy & 2) Harriet Qu___)

3g. Lewis md. (--?--) Mr. Lewis Gurley resided about six miles northerly of Goldsboro, Johnston Co., NC and the place is known as the old Gurley homestead, he was a farmer and planter like his ancestors before him, the place is now (1898) owned and occupied by his grandson Lewis Dixon Gurley. 

3h. Henry

3i. Rebeckah

3j. Lydia

[John Gurley & wife Elizabeth - deed of gift to beloved son, Edwards Gurley 100 acres, including plantation where Edwards Gurley dwells, north side Neuse River & north side of Maukeson Swamp, being part of patent granted to John Gurley Nov. 15, 1762 - Johnston Co. Deed Book I / J(?) pp. 314-315.]

Book W, No. I pages 356-347 (Johnston Co., NC) - Joel Gurley of Wayne Co., NC sells to Davis Gurley of Johnston Co., NC a parcel of land and this is a part of the land patent of William Gurley of 1778. Amount of land sold in this deed is one hundred acres. Price fifty pounds. (Signed) Joel Gurley (Seal) (No witnesses listed). The above deed is dated Nov. 22, 1797.

[Lewis Gurley, Wayne Co. to Zecheriah Price of Johnston Co., NC a parcel for 50 pounds, Book T, No. I, pp. 148-149 Johnston Co., NC]

[Lazarus Gurley, Johnston Co. to Arthur Gurley of same, parcel for 30 pounds. Book V, No. I, pp. 110-111 Johnston Co., NC]

Book Z, No. 1, pages 114-115 (Johnston Co., NC) - Joseph Gurley of Chesterfield Co., SC and Charles Gurley of Johnston Co., NC, of the other part. Witness that the said Joseph Gurley & Charles Gurley sells to James Holt for the sum of 95 pounds a parcel of land in Johnston Co., NC 182 1/2 acres. Daed Dec. 14, 1798. (Signed) Joseph Gurley (Seal), (Signed) Charles Gurley (Seal) (No witnesses listed.) 

Book Z, No. 1, pages 114-115 (Johnston Co., NC) - Charles Gurley of Johnston Co., NC sells to James Holt of  said county a parcel of land for ninety pounds specie, said parcel or tract of land contains 182 1/2 acres, and was patented by Nicholas Gurley on the lower side of Mocasen Swamp between Joseph Gurley & Charles Gurley said to be in Pollen(?) line  This deed is dated Oct. 17, 1800. (Signed) Charles Gurley (Seal) (No witnesses listed). (The above Nicholas was undoubtedly the son of Nicholas of Southampton who had followed kinsmen to Johnston Co. He appears a few times in Johnston Co. records, but evidently again moved to other parts.) [or died?]

[Ralph Massey of Johnston Co., to Charles Gurley, land lying between Mockason Swamp & Beaver Dam Swamp, estimated 75 acres, March 18, 1797. Book Z, No. I, pp. 117-118, Johnston Co.]

[James Gurley of Montgomery Co., NC to Arthur Gurley of Johnston Co., NC 200 acres for 100 pounds, Dec. 16, 1796, Book A, No. 2, pp. 90-91 Johnston Co.]

[Robert Gurley of Johnston Co. to Arthur Gurley parcel for 5 pounds, no date, Book A, No. 2, p. 92 Johnston Co.]

[Charles Gurley of Johnston Co. to Robert Gurley of Johnston Co. 100 acres for 150 pounds, Dec. 20, 1811, Book G, No. 2, pp. 287-88 Johnston Co.]

[Lazarus Gurley of Johnston Co. to Lewis Gurley of Wayne Co., NC 2 tracts on Macason Swamp by land of John Gurley, £91, 1s, 2d specie, Jan. 17, 1785. Wit: Jeremiah Gurley, A. Pearce, James Holt. Book G, No. 2, pp. 508-509, Johnston Co., NC]

[Lewis Gurley of Johnston Co. to Levin Vinson 3 plantations/tracts adjoining John Gurley £175, Oct. 10, 1789, wit: Edwards Gurley & Archebald Murphie. Book G, No. 2(?) pp. 339-340]

Transcript Page 63 [Book G, No. 2] - Ann Gurley of Johnston Co., NC sells to Joseph Boon, a certain parcel of land. This deed is dated Nov. 18, 1782. Ann X Gurley, wit: Joseph Book Jun. & Arthur Gurley. 

Transcript Page 245 [Book G, No. 2] - Anne Gurley of Johnston Co., NC sells to Jesse Hays a parcel of land. March 21, 1786. Anne X Gurley, wit; John Hays & Arthur Gurley. (As spelling was loose in those days and the seller in the above two deeds apparently could not write, the said Ann & Anne were probably the same person and was probably Ann, the widow of Nicholas Gurley of Southampton, who had followed her sons William and Nicholas to Johnston Co. It must be remembered, however, that William of the 1705 (1745) land grand, had a wife named Anna.)

[Charles Gurley from Richard Brasswell, Dec. 20, 1811, no wit. Book H, p. 43, Johnston Co.]

[James Harmon & wife Sally of Johnston Co. to "beloved son" Hugh Swinton Gurley of Johnston Co. for tother divers and other good causes and consideration coveys 1 feather bed, bedstead & furniture, 1 young cow, 1 sow & pigs, all my wife's clothes suitable to cut up & make over.  (Signed) James Harmon (Seal), Sachhman [Sally?] (Seal). Wit: Etheldred Holt & Zacheriah Price, Nov. 20, 1811, Book H, No. 2, p. 66, Johnston Co. - Hugh Swinton Gurley most likely son of Sally (--?--) (Gurley) Harmon.  Was she a Swinton? Book H, NO. 2, p. 66, Johnston Co.]

[William Bulls of Johnston Co. to Jonathan Gurley of Johnston Co., June 28, 1811, Book I, No. 2 p. 150]

[Charles Gurley of Johnston Co., NC to Aaron Smith, April 4, 1817, Book I, No. 2, p. 262]

[Davis Gurley of Maury Co., TN t0 John Rese of Johnston Co., NC - land part of William Gurley's land by patent of 1778. Jan. 10, 18?? (cut off in photocopying), Book I, No. 2, p. 2]

There are also the following Record of Deeds, etc., on different books and pages:

• Jonathan Gurley of Johnston Co. gives mortgage to John S. Powell, July 2, 1833
• Jonathan Gurley & John S. Powell turns out cattle, etc. to secure a debt, Nov. 11, 1835
• Jonathan Gurley of Johnston Co. sells to Solomon Watson Dec. 6, 1834
• Davre(?) Gurley of Johnston Co. buys from Jesse Peacock, July 8, 1853. . . . 

Transcript Book 3, pages 210-211 (Johnston Co., NC) - Ann or Anne Gurley of Johnston Co., NC sells land to Joseph Boon. Deed dated 10/10/1786. Ann Gurley (by her X) Wit: Nicholas Thompson, Arthur Gurley. (Foregoing deed is another indication that this Ann or Anne Gurley was widow of Nicholas of Southampton and, if so, was very old. Nicholas Thompson was probably a grandson.) . . . 

Johnston County, NC Marriages:

• Frederick Gurley - Patinee Finer, Feb. 24, 1801
• Jonathan Gurley - Rene Bailey (Rane Bulls), Nov. .28, 1805
• Robert Gurley - Nancy Green, Sept. 25, 1816
• Willis Gurley - Lydia Gurley, Feb. 26, 1833
• Henry Gurley - Polly Jones, Oct. 27, 1835
• Joseph Gurley - Elizabeth Thomas Oct. 27, 1835
• Daniel Gurley - Altara Jordan, Aug. 21, 1837
• Daniel Gurley - Edith Phillips Feb. 10, 1838
• Monroe Gurley - Harriet Lynch Jan. 6, 1840
• Raiford Gurley - Cherry Howell, Apr. 2, 1841
• Susannh Gurley - Nathaniel Hood Nov. 13, 1782
• Elizabeth Gurley - Jeremiah Strickland Apr. 1, 1783
• Keziah Gurley - Henry Sharp, May 26, 1801 (John Gurley, 1760 will had wife named Keziah)
• Betsy Gurley - John Host(?) Feb. 27, 1805
• Elizabeth Gurley - Maurice Gurley, Oct. 26, 1812
• Nancy Gurley - Benjamin Hadley July 18, 1814
• Elizabeth Gurley - Peola Barber - Oct. 26, 1843
• Mary Jane Gurley - Duncan McPherson Dec. 26, 1846
• Mary H. Gurley - Henry S. Green May 25, 1847
• John G. Gurley - Frances E. Nichols July 21, 1855
• R.F. Gurley - Mary L. King Jan. 25, 1866 . . . 

Land Records of Anson Co., North Carolina - 2e. Jacob Gurley's grants

State of NC No. 1098 - (A grant of 50 acres Nov. 17, 1792 for £5, bordering Richardson's Creek) 

State of NC No. 1365 100 acres for 50s located on Little Water Branch, March 9, 1799

1. William Gurley's grants - No. 1441 March 9, 1799, 250 acres, 50s per 100 acres

No. 1447 - 250 acres, 50s per 100 acres

• Willis Gurley grant - No. 1578 150 acres, 30s per 100 acres, 12/24/1799 
• Jacob Gurley grant No. 1997 120 acres 50s per 100 acres 4/18/1800
• William Gurley grant Book H, p. 457 - 200 acres 40s per 100 acres 1/23/1799, 300 acres 40s per 100 acres on Rook River, 1/14/1799
• Willis Gurley grant Book H, p 458 200 acres Anson Co, 50s per 100 acres, 11/23/1801
• Thomas Clark to William Gurley of Anson Co., 30 acres for £12, May 24, 1788
• Middleton Poll of Montgomery Co., NC to William Gurley a planter of Anson Co., NC parcel £50 Aug. 6, 1787, wit: James & Willis Gurley. 
• Daniel Gurley grant No. 2663 100 acres in Anson Co., $10, May 27, 1822
• Gideon Green, Montgomery Co. t0 Jacob Gurley of Anson Co., Sept. 12, 1787 wit: Robin Williams & James Gurley, Book 2, p. 484
• William Gurley to Willis Gurley both of Anson Co., Oct. 15, 1799, wit: Drury Austin & John Gurley, Book H, p. 452 (Willis was William's son & Drury Austin his son-in-law.)
• Drury Austin to Willis Gurley, both of Anson Co. Oct. 15, 1799, wit: Wm. & John Gurley, Book H, p. 453
• Middleton Pool, Anson Co. to William Gurley a certain plantation & tract in Anson Co. £110 Feb. 28, 1782 no wit.
• Thomas Clark of Anson Co. to Jacob Gurley parcel on both sides of Richardson's Creek £10, May 24, 1788 wit: William Gurley Book 2, p. 483
• Jacob Gurley to Isaac Williams both of Anson Co., 100 acres £50 March 4, 1805 wit: Willis Gurley & Richard Williams
• Benjamin Thomas to Jackson Gurley both of Anson Co., land adjoining Willis Gurley, Aug. 29, 1829, wit: Willis Gurley

Book P to Q, pp. 26 to 3 - This is a Division of William Gurley's land, dec'd. Between the widow and the heirs of the dec'd. 1st laying off the widow's dower which is bounded and described by plan drawn by Willia Gurley. Also the following divisions are made (Divisions 1 - 7 alloted to Mary Gurley, WIllis Gurley, John Lanhorn, WIlliam Gurley, Drury Austin, 2 pieces, 140 acres; Benjamin Thomas, 130 acres; James Gurley 125 acres. The above division dates July 1815 in open court and ordered to be registered. From the plans which I have drawn from the record, I should think this plantation must have contained nearly fifteen hundred acres or more, of land. A.E. Gurley. 

• Jacob Gurley of Johnston Co. to son Josiah Gurley land in Anson Co., June 15, 1820, wit: Richard Austin & Benjamin Gurley, Book 1822-1824 p. 131
• Jacob Gurley to James Austin, Feb. 24, 1814 wit: Walch(?) Ausitn & Benjamin Gurley, Book 1822-1824, p. 156
• Jesse & William Gurley to David Gurley, exec. of Jacob Gurley, dec'd. of Anson Co., to David Gurley, Anson Co., Dec. 12, 1826, wit: William Cuth Gurley & B.A. Austin 

. . . to be continued