Name: Gurley, Ralph Randolph (1797-1872)

Historical Note: 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.

Sources: "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>.

Note Author: Christopher Harter

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