The following information was assembled from numerous sources and cannot be used directly as proof of Qualifying Service or Lineage.
It is considered a research aid and is intended to assist in locating sources that can be used as proof.
State of Service: NC
Qualifying Service: Patriotic Service
Ralph Gorrell was born in 1735 at Letterkenny, County Donegal, Ireland. He immigrated to Boston in 1750. After arriving in the New World, he made his way to what is present-day Guilford County, North Carolina. He lived near Alamance Presbyterian Church, becoming an active member. He married Mary Kerr (1745-1816) and together, they had 16 children.
Ralph served as a member of the North Carolina Provincial Congress at Halifax in April and December of 1776. During the Revolutionary War, Ralph served as Commissary of the Guilford County Militia, raised troops, and helped guard against Indian attacks.
After the war, Ralph remained in politics. He served on the North Carolina House of Commons in 1784 and in the State Senate in 1777, 1778, 1795 and 1796. He voted "yes" for North Carolina to ratify the Constitution.
Ralph purchased hundreds of acres of land on both sides of Buffalo Creek in Guilford County, which made him one of the largest landowners.
In 1808, Ralph sold 42 acres, on which the current town of Greensboro was laid out.
Ralph died April 16, 1816 and was laid to rest at the Alamance Presbyterian Church Cemetery.
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