Susannah Caroline Baker (1837 - 1873)

John was 26 years old when he married Susannah Baker. They were married by her father, Judge Samuel Baker. According to my grandfather, Jack Gourley, Samuel Baker was the first judge in Adams and Montgomey County, Iowa. John and Susannah had seven children. Shortly after the birth of Emma Neal Gourley, Susannah died. John then married Susannah's little sister, Laura, and they had three sons.

Laura Rachel Baker Gourley
(1835-1923)

This is a picture of Susannah's sister, John's second wife, Laura Rachel Baker Gourley. I don't have a picture of Susannah. But if there's one out there somewhere, I would love to see it. 

Hunter and Guide

My grandfather, Jack Gourley, compiled stories about his great grandfather. In the compilation was written, 
"He was an expert hunter and guide. One season he killed 18 wild cats, 40 deer and a large number of wolves. He received $70 for the pelts. He paid his first taxes on personal property with the scalp of a wolf and had 15 cents left. He bought 520 acres of land. It was one of the best farms in Adams County, Iowa... He later sold his farm in Iowa and went to Wyoming where he built the first two story log cabin in For Bridger. Fort Bridger has a museum that holds many items and stories about John Gourley. The care-taker gave me a card of John Gourley's when I visited. John was a professional guide and took people into the mountains to hunt. He had a large ranch with a lot of horses and pack animals so he could outfit several groups at a time. He was always known for "getting the game" and having successful guide trips."

This is a copy of the John Gourley's business card that my grandfather, Jack Gourley was given by the care-taker of the museum in Fort Bridger, Wyoming. 

John Gourley: My 3x Great Grandfather

When I was in sixth grade, my class was assigned a project to make a short book. We could write about anything we wanted. While others in my class wanted to make their own stories, I wanted to write about something real. That's when I decided to write about my family history. I went to my grandparents asking questions about my family. In learning about who my ancestors were and the stories they had to tell, I found myself feeling proud of who I was. I didn't realize this at the time, but I felt a sense of connection and love for my ancestors as I learned more and more about them. 

My learning started with my great-great-great-grandfather John Gourley. I know that I am not the only descendant of John Gourley. I would love nothing more than to help anyone that may be looking for information and stories about him and his life. Since he is the person that started my journey and interest of family history research, I am dedicating this blog to him and his family. I intend to share the stories and pictures that I have of him and his family. If you have and stories or pictures of him or his family I would be more than happy if you shared them with me.

John Gourley (1831 -1913)