This is exciting! You must understand that I am by no means closed to any thoughts of conviction of my family lineage. I am thrilled to see all the information that you have developed and shared.  With this in mind I will try and answer some of your questions that you have posed. Bare in mind that my family history  of the Harrell’s up to and including all those prior to 1840’s is a maze of pieces that were put together by others that I am spring boarding my research to pursue credible sources. Hence my suggestion of Philip Harrell b. 1787 Bardstown, KY and his affiliation/relation to Crume family and the name “Philip” (possible parents James Herral b. ??? — according to Crume documentation).

Q. When you say “I think there is a possibility that the above couple might be the father of Phillip Harrell b. 1787” – I think you mean the “couple” enumerated in the 1810/1820 Nelson census – is this correct?

Yes.

You have expressed many thoughts, but as usual: puzzle pieces provide only questions to lead to “the answer”.

As for Gabriel Harrell have you looked into “U.S., Encyclopedia of American Quaker Genealogy, Vol I-VI, 1607-1943” In the Indiana Wayne Chester Monthly Meeting I found mention of Gabriel Harrell. In addition, b. 8-12-1776  son of Thomas b. ??? and Amey Harrell (b.1751; d.1821 11-19; bur. Woodbury).

As for my father’s DNA, it is being done on FamilyTree DNA with 37 markers. It was submitted in April with several dates of completion that have been postponed. Presently the projected date is sometime in July. I certainly hope there are no more delays since my father is in his late 80s and not in good health.

Since I am not familiar with the science of DNA, I will mention that his DNA may not be what you are in need of. My Grandfather and Grandmother Harrell are first cousins. Grandfather Merton Harrell’s mother was a Harrell, but father unknown. He was left with his Grandfather Philip Edward Harrell (b. 1843) living in Argos, Indiana. My Grandmother Ruth Harrell’s mother was a Harrell too. I pursued the DNA to determine my late Grandfather Merton Harrell’s father. Although it was on the birth certificate, his first name must be a nickname.

Since I have retired, I was able to go to the National Archives in DC, but didn’t find anything of value. My next trip out, I will look closer to Va. counties specifically Frederick, and or Augusta. As I find other items of interest in my research, I volley a discussion with you. You provide a wealth of information!