GEORGE GABRIEL BLACK was among the earliest settlers of Sumner County, Tennessee. He was approximately sixteen years of age when he arrived about 1785 with his widowed mother, a brother JOHN BLACK and his only sister, SUSAN BLACK, who was about ten years old. Oral tradition surmises that Mr. BLACK, husband of widow BLACK, died enroute to Tennessee. Another possibility is that he died during the Revolutionary War and his family came to claim a land grant.

This family came from South Carolina, likely from the Pee Dee River area, as they traveled with the family of JORDAN GIBSON, known to have been from that area.

JORDAN GIBSON was in Sumner County as early as 1782. Reportedly, he had made an earlier trek as a companion of Daniel Boone before the Revolution, having returned to South Carolina to participate in that War. JORDAN GIBSON received a land grant of 640 acres in Sumner County on Bledsoe's Lick Creek. JORDAN GIBSON was killed by Indians on 7 January 1788 as he was fleeing for safety to the home of William Hall located about one-fourth mile away. He left four heirs: ROGER GIBSON, an only son, and daughter, RHODA GIBSON (m. James Odom); daughter, CYNTHIA GIBSON (M. James Harrison); and one UNKNOWN FEMALE, which could be Widow Black.

GEORGE GABRIEL BLACK was wounded June 26, 1792 during an Indian attack on Zeigler's Fort. The Indians killed several of the inhabitants and set the fort on fire. ROGER GIBSON led the women and children outside, at the same time shouting and firing at the Indians.

GEORGE GABRIEL BLACK was active in the settlement with more than 25 court records of his service of jury duty, patrol duty, Constable, proving deeds, and estate settlements. He served in the Sumner County militia and received the commission of Captain July 5, 1800.

GEORGE GABRIEL BLACK married JENNY McKAIN 15 March 1796, the daughter of JAMES McKAIN, SR., a Revolutionary soldier who was in Sumner County as early as 1782. JAMES McKAIN came from Botetourt County, VA.

GEORGE GABRIEL BLACK had close association with his brother-in-law, JAMES WINCHESTER, who married his sister, SUSAN BLACK. Winchester had a land grant of 708 acres in Franklin County, TN, which he and GEORGE GABRIEL BLACK owned in partnership.

In 1812, GEORGE GABRIEL BLACK left Sumner County, after twenty years, to live in Franklin County as agent for JAMES WINCHESTER. He arrived in Franklin County soon after the County Seat town was named WINCHESTER in honor of GENERAL JAMES WINCHESTER for his patriotism and dedicated public service.

GEORGE GABRIEL BLACK continued to be active in community affairs and received an officer's commission in the Franklin County Militia. The last public record was 26 August 1839. He died some time between that date and the 1840 census. He does not appear in the 1840 census.

GEORGE GABRIEL BLACK was the father of at least twelve children. There were 5 males and 7 females. Only 4 males are identified: JOSIAH B. BLACK, b. 1798; d. 1832; m. MARY.
ALBERT GALLATIN BLACK, b. 1805; d. July 1877; m. HANNAH_____
GEORGE W. BLACK, b. 1808; m. FRANCES BURROW EATON.
CLAIBORN W. BLACK, b. 1813; m. CAROLINE W.(LONG?)