On 31 January 1864, Gilbert Hadley enlisted in the United States Colored Troops in Washington, North Carolina. Born in what is now Wilson County about 1844, Hadley likely was enslaved by Thomas J. Hadley III (who held dozens in bondage) or IV.

Hadley was mustered into service at Norfolk, Virginia, by “Capt. Gould,” the officer who was responsible for processing and swearing in hundreds of newly freed individuals and volunteers enlisting in the United States Colored Troops.

Hadley did not return to Wilson County after he mustered out of service.

On 7 March 1867, Gilbert Hadley married Margaret Singleton in New Hanover County, N.C. John Hadley and Richard Smith served as bondsmen and R.B. Wood Jr. as witness. (John, who enlisted with him, appears to have been his brother.)

Hadley led a turbulent life, and his name regularly appears in Wilmington newspaper accounts of violence and petty crime. (But also an industrial accident.)

On 27 May 1871, a paper reported he had been arrested to face malicious mischief charges in neighboring Brunswick County.

On 4 February 1873, Gilbert Hadley, 25, of Wilmington, N.C., son of Moses and Venus Hadley of Goldsboro, married Mary Ann Moseley, 26, of Wilmington, daughter of Robert and Nannie Moseley, both deceased, in Wilmington.

In April 1873, he received minor injuries when struck by debris from a boiler explosion while sawing wood nearby.

In September 1873, as police attempted to arrest Hadley for beating his wife, he fought the officer and escaping over a fence.

Wilmington Star-News, 3 February 1873.

A 28 November 1875, a paper reported that Hadley had been discharged from a chain gang for good behavior.

In the 1875-76 Sheriff & Company’s Wilmington, N.C., city directory:

In August 1876, Gilbert and Mary Hadley were charged with disorderly conduct after a public argument.

Wilmington Star-News, 9 August 1876.

In October 1883, Hadley was charged with assault and battery on Sarah Robinson.

In November 1883, Hadley was one of seven prisoners who broke out of jail in Wilmington. Hadley jumped a fence, but was immediately captured. The following month, he was sent to a workhouse.

On 23 June 1885, a newspaper reported Hadley had been arrested for stealing a pair of shoes from a Wilmington store. (Allegedly, he tried on and bought a pair and, in the meantime, slipped another pair into a basket.) In July, Gilbert Hendricks, alias Gilbert Hadley, was convicted of larceny and sentenced to two years in the state penitentiary.

In the 1890 federal veterans’ census schedule of New Hanover County, N.C.: Gilbert Hatley, Private, 37 U.S. Infantry, 1863-1866.

In the 1900 census of Wilmington, New Hanover County: Gilbert Hadley, age unknown, laborer; wife Susan, age unknown; and mother Amanda Juitt, age unknown, laundress.

On 18 May 1904, Gilbert Hatley and Susan Robinson were married in Wilmington. (This appears to be the Susan who lived with him in 1900.)

Gilbert Hadley died the next day.

Wilmington Star-News, 25 May 1904.