He most likely married Louisa about 1843, probably in NC. He may have married her in Va. but we belive he moved to Gates Co., NC about the time of his marriage. His census record of 1840 Nancemond Co., Va. and the birth of Charles in 1843 in NC probably shows that his move occured around the early 1840s. However, his son Alexander is reported as being in his household in 1850 and being born in NC. This indicates that Alexander could not be the true son of Louisa because of his age but his birth place could have been mis-labelled.

The 1850 Gates Co., NC census, page 34 has the following listing.
(page 22) living in Gates Co. NC, entry #516 listed as worth $60
Jesse W. Harrell, 54 years, farmer, b. (born) Va
Louisa, 26 years, b. NC
William, 15 years, Laborer, b. Va
Charles, 7 years, b. NC
Alexander, 15 year, b. NC
Javan, 6 years, b. NC
Ann E., 2 years, b. NC
Hilery, 1 year, b. NC

In 1840 census he was living in Nansemond Co., Va., Eastern District, page 42 with the following in his house hold:
2 males under 5 (Alexander Harrell)
1 male 5-10 (William F. Harrell)
1 male 40-50, (Jesse W. Harrell)
1 female under 5
1 female 20-30
Additionally, he had 4 free colored persons in his house hold as follows:
3 females under 10
1 female 24-36
He was a farmer at this time.

In 1830 census he was living in Nansemond Co., Va., Eastern District, page 204 with the following in his house hold:
2 males 20-30
1 male 40-50, (Jesse W. Harrell)
1 female 10-15
1 female 15-20
1 female 20-30
1 female 40-50
Additionally, he had 2 slaves females 10-24 and 1 free colored female under 10

In 1820 census he was living in Nancemond Co., Va. and was listed as Jesse Harrell with the following in his house hold:
1 male under 10
3 males 10-16
1 male 16-18
1 male 16-26 (Jesse W. Harrell)
1 male 26-45
1 female under 10
2 females 16-26
1 female 26-45
1 free colored person
6 people working in Agriculture