JOHN GOURLEY, a retired agriculturist, having his residence in the borough of Claysville, comes of stalwart Scotch-Irish ancestry, noted for their indomitable perseverance, sound judgment and characteristic probity. His grandfather, Robert Gourley, a native of the Emerald Isle, at an early day came to the United States, where he married, and reared a family consisting of the following named children: Thomas, James, Robert, Mary (Mrs. James Jones), Nancy (Mrs. Thomas Dunn) and Mrs. Dunlap. Of these, Robert was born near Greensburg, Penn., in 1800, where and in Donegal township, this county, his boyhood was passed. He lived on a farm in the latter township, which property came to be known as the "Gourley homestead." Here he was married to Margaret Roney, who bore him the following named nine children: Alexander, Susanna and Robert (all deceased), Ann Eliza, John, Thomas, Sarah J. (wife of Rev. N.L. Laferty), Catherine (Mrs. James Feather) and James. The father successfully carried on farming operations in Donegal township until 1859, in which year he moved to Warren county, Ill., where he died July 29, 1883, and the mother in February, 1884. They were members of the Presbyterian Church, and in his political predilections Mr. Gourley was a wide-awake Democrat. John Gourley, the subject proper of this biographical sketch, was born January 17, 1834, in Donegal township, Washington Co., Penn., and there received his education as well as early lessons in farm work. At the age of eighteen years he went to Warren county, Ill., where he followed farming until 1862, and then removed to Donegal township, this county, and has here since resided. He lived on his farm until 1865, when he removed with his family to Claysville, where he has since resided, and where he owns one of the most handsome residences of the village. On March 13, 1860, he was married to Mary J., daughter of John Marshall, a member of one of the oldest families in Buffalo township, and the children by this union were Adele (wife of George M. Gray) and Mary (now deceased). The family are members and strong supporters of the Presbyterian Church at Claysville, and are much respected and esteemed. Politically Mr. Gourley was a Democrat till 1880, since when he has voted the Prohibition ticket, and he is recognized as a progressive, honorable and loyal citizen.

Text taken from page 770 of: Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893). Transcribed April 1997 by Jack McNatt of Valrico, FL as part of the Beers Project. Published April 1997 on the Washington County, PA USGenWeb pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.

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