Sylvia makes a wonderful point....and we definitely want to list these. In fact, if someone had the time and interest maybe they could "pull out" the names that have been mentioned in the wills, and we could start a separate page just to make it easier. Also, send information to: [email protected] They're building a database! I can use everyone's help ...so if someone would volunteer for this special project, I'd be so grateful!! At 10:05 AM 02/11/2000 EST, you wrote: >In a message dated 02/11/2000 8:16:49 AM Central Standard Time, >[email protected] writes: > ><< Others mentioned: Diana (a slave, freedom & 10 acres of land); son, John, > Gdn.; Benjamin Oliver; Joseph T. Dorough > >> >Fellow Rooters, > >This entry is an example of the critical role of sharing your research. For >those of us who are of African-American heritage, such entries often solve >mysteries or locate elusive ancestors. Prior to the 1870 census, slaves were >enumerated like any other property - by age and sex. No names were listed, >leaving identities as pretty much of a guessing game. > >If you have ANY books, papers, or copies of records such as this, please take >the time to post. Hope one of Diana's descendants is here on the list. He >or she is probably jumping for joy to receive the information. > >Sylvia Ryce Cornell > >Researching GRAY, BLOUNT, LESTER, HUTCHINGS, BARFIELD, BLACK, ADAMS, PITTS, >STOWERS, BURTON >GA > > > Virginia