Earl was born in Valier (Perry Twp.), Jefferson Co., PA, the son of Alexander Gourley and Margaret Ann Henry. He married Orpha A. Swartz on December 3, 1897 in Cloe (Bell Twp.), Jefferson Co., PA.

Earl and Orpha were the parents of two children:
1. Paul Moody Gourley
2. Laurence Henry Gourley


Note: Earl's gravestone was apparently erected some time after his death as both years are incorrect. He was born in 1874 and died in 1907.

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The following obituary appeared in "The Star" (Reynoldsville, PA) on Wednesday, May 22, 1907, page 5, column 5:

TUBERCULOSIS OF BRAIN.
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E. A. Gourley Died at His Home Last Night--Funeral Friday Afternoon.

Earl A. Gourley, blacksmith, died at his home on Grant street at 8:30 last night, May 21, 1907. Tuberculosis of the brain was cause of death. The last week in March Mr. Gourley went to the DuBois hospital to have an operation performed for a swelling on his neck, and the operation revealed the fact that tuberculosis was the cause of trouble. It finally reached his brain and soon ended his earthly career. Funeral service will be held in the M. E. church at this place at 1:30 p. m. Friday and interment will be made in the Falls Creek cemetery.

Earl A. Gourley was the youngest son of second family of Alexander Gourley, deceased. He was born at Valier, Jefferson county, thirty-three years ago. November 30 [sic***], 1897, he was united in marriage to Miss Orpha Swartz, whom with two sons, survive him. He is also survived by his mother, four or five brothers and several sisters. He was a half brother of Ex-Sheriff D. G. Gourley of Brookville.

Five years ago deceased moved to Falls Creek and went into the blacksmith business with a brother, W. G. Gourley. In the fall of 1905 they decided to open a branch shop in Reynoldsville and E. A. took charge of it. The partnership was dissolved several months ago and early in this year E. A. bought a property on Grant street and had a new shop built on rear of lot, preparing to carry on his work.

During Mr. Gourley's residence in Falls Creek he joined the Methodist Episcopal church and the Protected Home Circle, carrying $1,000 life insurance in the latter. When he moved to Reynoldsville he brought his letter to the M. E. church and was earnest and active in church work. A member of the Epworth League, member of the Brotherhood of St. Paul, teacher in Sunday school, and was faithful in his attendance at prayer meeting and the other church services.

Mr. Gourley was an upright and respected citizen. During his year and a half residence in Reynoldsville he and his estimable wife made many warm friends here.


***Note: Earl and Orpha were married December 3, 1897. This date of marriage was legibly recorded with their marriage license.