Gurley, Ralph Randolph, 1797-1872

Person

Staff Only

Dates

Existence: 1797 - 1872

Biographical Statement

Ralph Randolph Gurley was a clergyman and abolitionist who served as an agent and administrator for the American Colonization Society. Born in Lebanon, Connecticut, Gurley attended Yale College. After receiving his B.A. from the college in 1818, Gurley moved to Washington DC, where he served as chaplain of the House of Representatives for the 21st, 22nd, 30th, and 31st Congresses. From 1822 until his death, Gurley served as an agent and then administrator (secretary, then vice president, and finally director for life) for the American Colonization Society. He also served as editor of the Society's journal The African Repository and Colonial Journal for 25 years.

Citation:

Author: Christopher Harter

Citation:

"Ralph Randolph Gurley." Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica Online Academic Edition. Encyclopædia Britannica, 2011. Web. 16 Aug. 2011. http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/1354363/Ralph-Randolph-Gurley>.

Found in 1 Collection or Record:

Ralph Randolph Gurley letter

Collection — Container: 1 item (small collections)

Identifier: 2475

Scope and Contents Letter dated February 4, 1842, from abolitionist and American Colonization Society (ACS) official Robert Randolph Gurley to fellow abolitionist and ACS member Benjamin Coates. The letter concerns Gurley's efforts to secure financial support for the Society, mainly from abolitionist societies in Pennsylvania and New York. Brief reference is made of Thomas Buchanan, the second governor of Liberia, who had died five months previously, as well as Joseph Jenkins Roberts, who succeeded Buchanan as...

Dates: Created: 1842 February 4; Other: Date acquired: 08/16/2011

Found in: Amistad Research Center / Ralph Randolph Gurley letter