This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: ElizGroom Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/surnames.elliott/7106.1.1.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Here's what I found. I am not too sure about the Indian heritage, it is possible that the census takers put their race as White based on the limited categories back then. (they weren't black) Once you are confident with your names and approximate dates, you should check with the State vital records for the more recent births & deaths. They should have records of those and you will be able to order copies. For the Native American heritage, I believe the tribes in your area should have records of those. One of the great things about Ancestry is you get to see the actual census record. Many times (as noted below) your ancestor won't show up in a search because either the person who wrote the index mis-read the entry or the census taker mis-spelled it. (I find this common with Elliott, Eliot, Elliot etc) Good luck in the remainder of your search. The 1910 census shows an Amos Elliott family and Matthew Elliott family living together at 100 Arcadia Road. The Matthew Elliott family consists of Matthew, a white male 29 years old, married for 8 years. Born in Texas, Father born in Mississippi and Mother born in Texas. His occupation is listed as "Sawing stock" for a sawmill. Matthew's wife, "Lidia" or "Lilie" (it is difficult to read the writing) is listed as a white female, 22 years old, married for 8 years with 5 living children. Born in "South Can." (could be South Car.) and lists both parents also being born there. Both parents are listed as being unable to read or write. Their children are listed as: (all born Texas) Stella, a daughter, 7 YO white female Bertie L., a daughter, 5YO white female Wesley and Esley, both sons, 2 YO white males and Steve, a son, white male 3 months old. Since this census was taken on the 22nd of April you can be confident in your early Feb date of birth for Steve. (The official date for the count was April 12th, but for children this young, the age taken is usually the date of the visit) Census reference: Year: 1910; Census Place: Justice Precinct 1, Shelby, Texas; Roll T624_1588; Page: 6B; Enumeration District: 144; Image: 575. There is a Social Security Death Index entry showing Steve Elliott 463-16-0917 born 7 Feb 1910 died in Dec 1966. The 1930 census has a record for the Denis Lunday family that has a record for Mertice Lunday: Year: 1930; Census Place: Precinct 7, Nacogdoches, Texas; Roll 2379; Page: 9B; Enumeration District: 20; Image: 592.0. The family consists of: Denis Lunday, a 45 year old white male, married for 28 years. Able to read and write. Born Texas, Father born Alabama, mother born Texas. Renting his home, working as a farmer. His wife, Drucilla (census index lists it as Duella, but the image looks like Drucilla to me) a 42 year old white female, married for 25 years. Born in Texas, both parents born in Texas. Their children are listed as: A daughter, Mertis (or Mertia or Mertice - writing is messy) a 14 year old white female A son, Alvin, an 11 year old white male A daughter, Althea, a 10 year old female and a son, J.D.a 9 year old male. All the siblings can read and write and all list birthplaces as Texas. The same family appears in the 1920 census with the following record. Denis Lunday, Head of family, male white, 35 years old married, renting a home. born Texas, father born Alabama, mother born Arkansas. His wife, Drucilla (index lists it as Densilla), 34 year old female, married. Born Texas, both parents from Texas. Their daughter, Mertis, a 4 year, 5 month old female their son, Alvin, a 1 year 2 month old male. (The census was taken in January that year) Year: 1920;Census Place: Justice Precinct 3, Nacogdoches, Texas; Roll T625_1835; Page: 3A; Enumeration District: 126; Image: 775. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.