Gilley family subject of genealogical group meeting

The Surry County Genealogical Association will be meeting Monday at the Mount Airy Public Library, with Surry County native Wade Gilley Jr. the featured speaker.

He will talk about his research in his family history, and a possible tie to “The Andy Griffith Show.”

“Wade will talk about his researching into the Gilly line,” officials with the group said. “Wade also will show us how far back their line goes, and how he incorporated the family in U.S. history. Wade said he has asked a couple of cousins to also attend and say a few brief words. He also said he will briefly mention how Andy Griffith’s first cousin, Lorraine Beasley, married (his) dad’s oldest brother. There are a few episodes on ‘The Andy Griffith Show’ where he mentions going to Mount Pilot to get his car fixed by Earlie Gilley.”

Gilley will also give genealogy research tips, explain how DNA aided his researching and answer questions those at the meeting may have about their own research.

“If you have had problems trying to figure out some of your family lines this will be a good meeting to learn how to uncover family names you have looked for for years,” said Esther Johnson, president of the association.

The meeting, which is free, begins at 6 p.m.