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Rankin — William

Posted August 7, 2011

Two different lines from my family tree lived in Alamance Co. Dr. William Rankin Gorley/Goley was the son of Margaret Gorley/Goley (daughter of William Gorley/Goley and Mary "Polly" Euliss). Dr. Rankin had a son Dr. Willard Coe Goley, and one of Willard's son's was Dr. Alexander Fairly Goley. Dr. William Ruffin Goley was the son of Carson Haywood Goley who was the son of Ruffin Gorley (the brother of Margaret Gorley/Goley - son of William Gorley/Goley and Mary "Polly" Euliss). In an article on William Ruffin Goley it mentions that he was of Irish descent. The Gourley/Gorley/Goley family "legend" said the family was of French descent. Two different articles said William Rankin Goley came to Alamance Co. from Virginia. Records show he was born in North Carolina and went to medical School in Baltimore, Md. No mention of Virginia. So, does anyone in Alamance Co. know anything about either or both of these two lines? My family would love to know if we are of Irish descent or French, if any of the family tales are true and if William Rankin really did come to Alamance Co. from Virginia. If anyone has any information about the above, the Gorley/Goley family would love to hear it. Thanks...

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