Gurney, Francis, 1738-1815

Francis Gurney was born in 1738 in Berks County, Pennsylvania. At the age of 18 he enlisted in the Provincial Army. Gurney served during the French and Indian War, participating in the Canadian campaign. After the war, Gurney returned to Philadelphia where he began his career as a merchant. During the American Revolution, he served as a captain with the Grenadier Company, 3rd Regiment, Philadelphia Militia, and was later promoted to lieutenant colonel; he also served on the Pennsylvania Board of War during the war. He resigned his commission on October 22, 1777 after a failure to receive an expected promotion. Gurney served throughout the remainder of the war and its aftermath in civilian offices. In addition to his other civic and military duties, Gurney served on the Board of Trustees of Dickinson College from 1798 until his death in 1815.

From the description of Letters of Francis Gurney, 1777-1824. (Huntington Library, Art Collections & Botanical Gardens). WorldCat record id: 731212854

Francis Gurney was a member of the Pennsylvania Legislature in the both the House and the Senate from 1789-1795, a Trustee of Dickinson College until his death and a lottery ticket vendor for lotteries operating to secure funds for several national and local institutions, including Dickinson College.

From the description of Memorandum book, 1790-1972. (Historical Society of Pennsylvania). WorldCat record id: 122524252