Gurley Collection

Summary

Title: Gurley Collection 

Accession Number: 2012-02

Creator: Lottie Louise (LeGett) Gurley (1911-2003)

Extent: 5 boxes containing 171 files (12230 pages) 

Language: English

Abstract: 

The Gurley Collection contains family history research compiled by Lottie Gurley over several decades. Lottie LeGett Gurley did extensive research for the Genealogical Forum of Oregon, including transcribing thousands of county and local records.  As a member of the Forum's research committee, she focused significant effort on reviewing Donation Land Claim records and abstracting DLC applications. This work resulted in the publication of a multi-volume book, Genealogical Material in Oregon Donation Land Claims (the first volume was published in 1957).  These boxes contain many of her transcripts of county records, diaries of Oregon Trail pioneers, and multiple other resources about Oregon history, primarily in Box 5.

The collection also contains Lottie’s and her husband’s family histories. Both families were early settlers of the United States, with ancestors who fought in the War of 1812, the American Revolution, and the Civil War. It appears that Mr. Gurley was related to Scottish and English and, possibly, French royalty. Their ancestors, who lived in the original American colonies migrated to the South and Indiana, Nebraska, Missouri, and other states, then headed west on the Oregon Trail. The primary names In these boxes are Gurley, Legett, Ikerd, Mack, Bostick, and Terres.

All these boxes also include research Lottie compiled for other families who sought her assistance or the Forum's help tracing their family histories.