Re: Pearl, IL (Pike County) orphanage

Look for him in 1900- 1910-1920 IL census, using the soundex. Have you check the county records for birth records? Or obtain his social security information, it should show wherehe obtain his numbers and place of employment.
Once you located where he was in the census check those area, he might have been married earlier, and after 1879 most list parents.
check the 1880 census soundex for other family of Gorrell, see which families was in the area.

Have you located his military information?