Gazlay Family History
 

Family HistoryFamily History - William H. Gazley


Key:1.“+” before a child’s name indicates the child has their own entry in the next generation.
 2.“born xxxx” indicates the child is under 18 years of age so the birth date is not shown.
This family history features William H. Gazley and six of his descendants down to the third generation.


First Generation
1. William H. Gazley,1 born ca. 1831 in Texas, the son of Dr. Thomas Jefferson Gazley and Elizabeth Boyce;1, 2, 3 died 1876 in Smithville, Bastrop County, Texas.4, 5, 6 William married, 5 August 1852 in Colorado County, Texas, Margaretta Ann Shepherd7 (born ca. 1835 in Pennsylvania, parents not determined2, 3).

William served as a captain in the civil war, 33rd Regiment, Texas Cavalry, known as Duff’s Partisan Rangers.8

William and his son Tom were murdered in the Spring of 1876 (sometime before 25 March). The circumstances are not known, but their killer was identified as Aaron Burleson. Aaron was himself killed the following September.4, 5, 6


Children of William H. Gazley and Margaretta Ann Shepherd:

 2i. Thomas Jefferson Gazley, born ca. 1856 in Texas;2, 3 died 1876 in Smithville, Bastrop County, Texas.4, 5, 6 Tom and his father William were murdered in the Spring of 1876, by Aaron Burleson, who was himself killed the following September.4, 5, 6
+3ii. Kate Gazley, born 6 May 1858 in Columbus, Colorado County, Texas; died 29 December 1943 in Dallas, Texas. Married Pierce Nagle.
 4iii. Margaretta Lee Gazley, born 1 May 1864 in Texas;3, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 died 20 December 1945 in Dallas, Texas.9 Margaret was a nurse, as indicated in several records. She apparently never married. Margaretta is buried in Hillcrest Memorial Park, Dallas, Dallas County, Texas.9
 5iv. Anna Gazley, born ca. 1869 in Texas.3
+6v. Henry Littleton Gazley, born 3 May 1873 in Texas; died 26 January 1944 in San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas. Married (1) Mabel Roosevelt Married (2) Ida _____ Married (3) Ruth L. ‘Ruie’ Oshea (née Kennedy) .

  1. U.S. Federal Census, 1850, Texas, Bastrop County, family of Thomas J. Gazely (50, NY, farmer); Eliza Gazely (50, Del.); Thomas J. Gazely (24, Ill., farm hand); William Gazely (19, Texas, farm hand); Edwin Gazely (14, Texas); Augustus F. Gazely (8, Texas).
  2. U.S. Federal Census, 1860, Texas, Colorado County, Page 50, family of W. H. Gazley (28, Texas, atty at law); M. A. Gazley (24, Pa.); T. J. Gazley (4, Texas); Kate Gazley (2, Texas); Susan A. Shephard (50, SC); Webb Shephard (17, Texas); Robert Shephard (14, Texas).
  3. U.S. Federal Census, 1870, Texas, Fayette County, Corporation La Grange, Page No. 18, family of Wm. H. Gazley (38, Texas, lawyer); Margaretta Ann Gazley (34, VA); Thos. J. Gazley (14, Texas); Kate Gazley (12, Texas); Margaretta Lee Gazley (5, Texas); Anna Gazley (1, Texas).
  4. The Galveston Daily News, 2 September 1876. Report of shooting of Aaron Burleson, who ‘killed Capt. Gazley and son last spring.’
  5. Austin Genealogical Society, Austin History Center Newspaper Index, July 26, 1871-Dec 21, 1877; Two articles: Letter says Aaron Burleson killed Tom Gazley-Bastrop 3/23/1876; Bastrop Co aroused over Burlesons murder of Gazley 3/25/1876.
  6. 1927 Smithville Times: History of Their Home City; Compiled jointly by Mrs. Arnold E. Adamcik and Mrs. E. Clay Williams. Available at Texas Gen Web. “The first tragedy was the shooting and killing of William Gazley and his son, Thomas by Aaron Burleson, then about two weeks later Burleson was killed by a man hired to murder him.” [Other articles indicate that the Gazleys were killed around March 1876, and Aaron was killed in September 1876.]
  7. Texas Marriages, 1837-1973; marriage of William H. Gazly [sic] and Margaret Ann Shepherd, 5 Aug 1852, Colorado County, Texas.
  8. U.S. Civil War Soldiers, 1861-1865; Gazley, William; Captain, 33rd Regiment, Texas Cavalry (Duff’s Partisan Rangers).
  9. Texas Deaths, 1890-1976; Gazley, Margaret Lee; Birth: 1 May 1864, Texas; Death: 20 Dec 1945, Dallas, Dallas County, Texas; single; retired nurse; record provides the name of her father and her burial place.
  10. U.S. Federal Census, 1900, Texas, Dewitt County, Cuero Township, Enumeration District 26, Sheet No. 16A, Margarett Gazley (30, Texas, Jan 1870, hospital nurse). Her age and birth date conflict with other records, notably her record of death. She is enumerated as a lodger with the Henry Hitchins family and two other lodgers, both hospital nurses.
  11. U.S. Federal Census, 1910, Texas, Tarrant County, Ft. Worth City, Enumeration District 110, Sheet No. 9A, Kate Nagle (50, Texas, widow, 4 children, 1 living); Ellen Nagle (24, Texas, teacher, public school); Margaret Gazley (35, Texas, trained nurse). Kate, Ellen, and Margaret are borders in a boarding house. Margaret’s age is understated by ten years compared with other records.
  12. U.S. Federal Census, 1920, Texas, Tarrant County, Ft. Worth, Enumeration District 118, Sheet Nos. 3B and 4A, Kate Nagle (60, Texas, widow); Margaret Gazley (35, Texas, trained nurse, general practice). Kate and Margaret are enumerated as a roomers with E. J. Morrison, his daughter, two granddaughters, and four other roomers. Margaret’s age is apparently understated by 20 years compared with other records.
  13. U.S. Federal Census, 1930, Texas, Tarrant County, Ft. Worth City, Enumeration District 220-31, Sheet No. 22A, Margaret Gazley (no age given, Texas). She is a roomer among several others.
  14. U.S. Federal Census, 1940, Texas, Tarrant County, Fort Worth, E.D. 257-25, Sheet No. 62B, Kate Nagel, 81, Texas, widow; Margaret Gazley, 74, Texas.
Second Generation
3. Kate Gazley2 (William1), born 6 May 1858 in Columbus, Colorado County, Texas;1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 died 29 December 1943 in Dallas, Texas.1, 2, 10 Kate married, 27 February 1877 in Lee County, Texas, Pierce Nagle11 (born ca. 1848 in New York, parents not determined;5 Pierce died before 1900). Kate is buried in Sparkman Hillcrest Memorial Park, Dallas, Dallas County, Texas.1, 2

Child of Kate Gazley and Pierce Nagle:

+7i. Ellen Gazley Nagle, born 1 October 1883 in Navarro County, Texas; died 17 July 1963 in Dallas, Texas. Married Edward Lee Bradbury.

6. Henry Littleton Gazley2 (William1), born 3 May 1873 in Texas;12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 died 26 January 1944 in San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.13, 14 Henry married, first, 4 April 1902 in Austin, Travis County, Texas, Mabel Roosevelt21 (born 25 November 1877 in Texas, the daughter of J. S. Roosevelt and Mabel Nooner;18, 19, 20 Mabel died 19 March 1915 in San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas18, 19). Their marriage ended in divorce.19 Henry married, second, ca. 1907, Ida _____22 (born ca. 1882 in Texas, parents not determined22). Henry married, third, 12 August 1912 in Bexar County, Texas, Ruth L. ‘Ruie’ Oshea (née Kennedy) 16, 28 (born 19 May 1873 in Winslow, Stephenson County, Illinois, the daughter of Julius W. Kennedy and Ella J. Wheeler;16, 17, 23, 24, 25, 26 Ruie died 7 January 1951 in San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas23, 24, 27). Henry is buried in Mission Burial Park South, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.13, 14 Mabel is buried in Mission Burial Park South, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.18, 19 Ruie is buried in Mission Burial Park South, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.23, 24, 27

Henry was a court reporter in San Antonio for 40 years, as cited in several census records and his obituary. Several court judges served as pall bearers at his funeral.29

Ruie was a native of Winslow, Illinois. She was a member of the San Antonio Women’s Club, Central Christian Church, and San Antonio Music Club.27


  1. Find a Grave (website). Sparkman Hillcrest Memorial Park, Dallas, Dallas County, Texas, Kate Gazley Nagle, born; 6 May 1858 in Columbus, Colorado County, Texas; died: 29 December 1943 in Dallas, Dallas County, Texas (from record, which includes a note naming her parents and husband; and provides the name and link for her daughter).
  2. Texas Deaths, 1890-1976; Nagle, Kate Gazley; Birth: 6 May 1858, Texas; Death: 29 Dec 1943, Dallas, Dallas County, Texas; widowed; record provides names of parents and burial place.
  3. U.S. Federal Census, 1860, Texas, Colorado County, Page 50, family of W. H. Gazley (28, Texas, atty at law); M. A. Gazley (24, Pa.); T. J. Gazley (4, Texas); Kate Gazley (2, Texas); Susan A. Shephard (50, SC); Webb Shephard (17, Texas); Robert Shephard (14, Texas).
  4. U.S. Federal Census, 1870, Texas, Fayette County, Corporation La Grange, Page No. 18, family of Wm. H. Gazley (38, Texas, lawyer); Margaretta Ann Gazley (34, VA); Thos. J. Gazley (14, Texas); Kate Gazley (12, Texas); Margaretta Lee Gazley (5, Texas); Anna Gazley (1, Texas).
  5. U.S. Federal Census, 1880, Texas, Williamson County, Precinct No. 6, Enumeration District 161, Page No. 2, family of Pierce Nagle (32, New York, wagon maker); Kate Nagle (22, Texas).
  6. U.S. Federal Census, 1900, Texas, Dewitt County, Cuero Township, Enumeration District 26, Sheet No. 13B, family of Kate Nagle (42, Texas, May 1858, widow, dressmaker, 0 children); daughter Anora Nagle (16, Texas, Oct 1883) [since Kate’s entry indicates she had no children, it may indicate that Anora is a step or adopted daughter].
  7. U.S. Federal Census, 1910, Texas, Tarrant County, Ft. Worth City, Enumeration District 110, Sheet No. 9A, Kate Nagle (50, Texas, widow, 4 children, 1 living); Ellen Nagle (24, Texas, teacher, public school); Margaret Gazley (35, Texas, trained nurse). Kate, Ellen, and Margaret are borders in a boarding house. Margaret’s age is understated by ten years compared with other records.
  8. U.S. Federal Census, 1920, Texas, Tarrant County, Ft. Worth, Enumeration District 118, Sheet Nos. 3B and 4A, Kate Nagle (60, Texas, widow); Margaret Gazley (35, Texas, trained nurse, general practice). Kate and Margaret are enumerated as a roomers with E. J. Morrison, his daughter, two granddaughters, and four other roomers. Margaret’s age is apparently understated by 20 years compared with other records.
  9. U.S. Federal Census, 1940, Texas, Tarrant County, Fort Worth, E.D. 257-25, Sheet No. 62B, Kate Nagel, 81, Texas, widow; Margaret Gazley, 74, Texas.
  10. Obituary, The Abiline Reporter-News, Abiline, Texas, 30 December 1943; Mrs. Kate Gazley Nagle, died 29 December 1943. The obituary describes her as daughter of Capt. and Mrs. W. H. Gazley and a granddaughter of Thomas Jefferson Gazley, a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence.
  11. Texas Marriage Collection 1814-1909 and 1966-2002, available at Ancestry.com, marriage of Pierce Naigle and Kate Gazley, 28 Feb. 1877, Lee County, Texas.
  12. Draft Registration Card, World War I, No. A4160; Henry Littleton Gazley, born May 3, 1873; court reporter, San Antonio, Texas; wife Ruie L. Gazley.
  13. Find a Grave (website). Mission Burial Park South, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas; Gazley, Henry Littleton; b. May 3, 1873; d. Jan 26, 1944; son of William H. Gazley and Margaret Ann Sheppard.
  14. Texas Deaths, 1890-1976; Gazley, Henry Littleton; born 3 May 1873, Texas; died 26 Jan 1944, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas; married; court reporter; record provides the names of his parents and his burial place.
  15. U.S. Federal Census, 1880, Texas, Hill County, Precinct No. 4, Enumeration District 74, Page No. 28, family of Eliza Gazley (81, Delaware, widowed, farmer); son Thos. J. Gazley (53, Ill., farm work); son A. F. Gazley (36, Tex., farm work); gr. son Henry Gazley (7, Texas).
  16. U.S. Federal Census, 1920, Texas, Bexar County, Precinct 24, San Antonio City, Enumeration District 60, Sheet No. 20A, family of Henry R. [sic] Gazley (43, Texas, court reporter U.S. Gov); wife Ruie L. Gazley (43, Illinois); mother-in-law Ella J. Kennedy (62, Ohio, widow).
  17. U.S. Federal Census, 1930, Texas, Bexar County, San Antonio, Enumeration District 91, Sheet No. 15B, family of Henry L. Gazley (56, Texas, recorder, official court, married age 25); wife Ruie L. Gazley (56, Illinois, married age 19); sister [in law? difficult to read] Georgia Armstrong (32, Texas, librarian, school).
  18. Find a Grave (website). Mission Burial Park South, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas; Gazley, Mabel Roosevelt; b. Nov. 25, 1877, Texas; d. Mar. 19, 1915, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas; dau. of J. S. Roosevelt and Mabel Nooner.
  19. Texas Deaths, 1890-1976; Gazley, Mabel; born 25 Nov. 1877, Texas; died 19 Mar. 1915, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas; divorced; record provides the names of her parents, their birth states, and her burial place.
  20. U.S. Federal Census, 1900, Texas, Bexar County, San Antonio City, Enumeration District 99, Sheet No. 6A, family of J. A. Roosevelt (49, Michigan, Dec. 1850, mechanical expert); wife of 25 years Mabel Roosevelt (40, Texas, Nov. 1859, 4 children, 4 living); daughter Mabel Roosevelt (22, Texas, Nov. 1877); mother-in-law M. C. Nooner (60, Texas, July 1839, widow, 3 children, 1 living).
  21. Texas Marriages, 1837-1973; marriage of Henry L. Gazley and Mabel Roosevelt, 4 Apr 1902 in Austin, Travis County, Texas.
  22. U.S. Federal Census, 1910, Texas, Bexar County, San Antonio City, Enumeration District 59, Sheet No. 17B, family of Henry Gasley (32, Texas, stenographer, court); wife of 3 years Ida Gasley (28, Texas, no children with Henry); Mary Gasley (4, Texas) [Mary is presumed to be a child of Ida from a previous marriage or partnership].
  23. Find a Grave (website). Mission Burial Park South, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas; Gazley, Ruie L. Kennedy; b. May 19, 1873; d. Jan 7, 1951; dau. of Julius W. Kennedy and Ella J. Wheeler.
  24. Texas Deaths, 1890-1976; Gazley, Ruie L. Kennedy; born 19 May 1873, Winslow, Illinois; died 7 Jan 1951, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas; widowed; record provides the names of her parents, their birth states, and her burial place.
  25. U.S. Federal Census, 1880, Illinois, Stephenson County, Winslow, Enumeration District 190, Page No. 13, family of Julius W. Kennedy (31, Illinois, farmer); Wife Ella J. Kennedy (29, Ohio); son Willard J. Kennedy (16, Illinois); daughter Ruth L. Kennedy (7, Illinois).
  26. U.S. Federal Census, 1910, Texas, Bexar County, San Antonio City, Enumeration District 24, Sheet No. 5A, family of Rui O’Schea (34, Illinois, widow, 1 child, 1 living); daughter Marjory O’Schea (10, New York).
  27. Obituary, San Antonio Express, San Antonio, Texas, Gazley, Ruie L., 9 January 1951; died 7 January 1951.
  28. Texas Marriages, 1837-1973; marriage of Henry L. Gazley and R. L. Oshea, 12 Aug 1912 in Bexar County, Texas.
  29. Obituary, San Antonio Express, San Antonio, Texas, Gazley, Henry L.; 29 January 1944; died 26 January 1944 at his home in San Antonio. The obituary names his widow Ruie Gazley, sister Margaret Gazley, niece and nephew Mr. and Mrs. Lee Bradbury.
Third Generation
7. Ellen Gazley Nagle3 (Kate,2 William1), born 1 October 1883 in Navarro County, Texas;1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 died 17 July 1963 in Dallas, Texas.2, 7 Ellen married, ca. 1915, Edward Lee Bradbury4 (born 19 December 1880 in Montgomery County, Iowa, the son of Edward Larkin Bradbury and Lydia J. Medbury;3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 Edward died 9 June 1961 in Highland Park, Dallas County, Texas8, 9). Ellen and Edward are buried in Sparkman Hillcrest Memorial Park, Dallas, Dallas County, Texas.2, 7, 8, 9

  1. Texas Births and Christenings, 1840-1981; Nagle, Ellen Gazley, born 1 Oct 1883, Navarro County, Texas; father: Peirson Nagle; mother: Kate Gazley.
  2. Find a Grave (website). Sparkman Hillcrest Memorial Park, Dallas, Dallas County, Texas, Ellen Gazley Nagle Bradbury, born: 1 October 1883 in Navarro County, Texas; died: 17 July 1963 in Dallas, Dallas County, Texas (from record, which includes a note giving the names of her parents; and provides the names and links for her mother and husband).
  3. U.S. Federal Census, 1920, Texas, Dallas County, Justice Precinct 1, Enumeration District 32, Sheet No. 4B, family of Edward L. Bradbury (38, Iowa, manager, merchandiser); Ellen Bradbury (34, Texas).
  4. U.S. Federal Census, 1930, Texas, Dallas County, Dallas, Enumeration District 57-20, Sheet No. 59B, family of Edward L. Bradbury (49, Iowa, cashier, married age 34); wife Ellen Bradbury (43, Texas, married age 28).
  5. U.S. Federal Census, 1940, Texas, Dallas County, Dallas, E.D. 255-23, Sheet No. 18B-19A, Edward L. Bradbury, 59, Iowa, accountant, building construction; wife Ellen G. Bradbury, 55, Texas, teacher, private school.
  6. U.S. Federal Census, 1950, Texas, Dallas County, Dallas, E.D. 259-130, Sheet No. 29, Edward L. Bradbury, 69, Iowa, accountant; wife Ellen G. Bradbury, 67, Texas.
  7. Texas Deaths, 1890-1976; Bradbury, Ellen Gazley; Birth: 1 Oct 1883, Kansas City, Kansas; Death: 17 July 1963, Dallas, Dallas County, Texas; widowed; record provides names of parents and burial place. [Her birth place here conflicts with her record of birth in Texas which is considered more reliable. Her father’s first name here, Thomas, conflicts with several other records that list his name as Pierce or Pierson; Thomas is probably erroneous.]
  8. Find a Grave (website). Sparkman Hillcrest Memorial Park, Dallas, Dallas County, Texas, Edward Homer Lee Bradbury, born: 19 December 1880 in Montgomery County, Iowa; died: 9 June 1961 in Dallas, Dallas County, Texas (from record, which provides the names and links for his parents, sibling, and wife).
  9. Texas Deaths, 1890-1976; Bradbury, Edward Lee; Birth: 19 Dec., 1880, Montgomery Co., Iowa; Death: 09 Jun 1961, Highland Park, Dallas County, Texas; married; record provides names of parents and burial place.