Burnett - Gilley Connection, Family History Book

Genealogical research can utilize many forms of evidence; some of these include census records, birth/marriage/death certificates, wills and probate documents.  One method that is sometimes overlooked is family histories penned by a family member.  There is mention of our family in one such family history book written by a descendant of Alfred and Julia Burnett.  The book is titled “History of the Gilley Family” and was written by Valma D. Fischer, a GG grandchild of Alfred and Julia through their daughter Sidnah.  This is a self published book dated January, 1981 and there are multiple copies in the hands of Gilley and Burnett descendants.  There is also a copy located at the Southwest Louisiana Genealogical and Historical Library in Lake Charles, LA.

What makes this book so intriguing is the Gilley and Burnett families are closely tied together by marriage.  Three of Alfred and Julia’s children and one grandchild married children of George and Pheriba Gilley.

Sherrod married Mary Gilley.
Sidnah married Isaac Gilley.
Elizabeth married Thomas Gilley.
Granddaughter Sophia married George Gilley.

Why so many marriages between these two families?  The answer is location, location, location.  It is believed the George Gilley homeplace was located near what is now today called Camp Pearl.  Camp Pearl is about 10 miles north of where Alfred Burnett operated a ferry across the Calcasieu River.  It stands to reason the families would be in contact, with the ferry being the means of transportation of the Gilley family to and from Lake Charles.

Below is an excerpt from the book.  The handwritten notes are updates which were made after publication by the author.

History of the Gilley Family, p. 95, by Valma Fischer, 1981, self published