I've been looking at my 3g-grandparents, Daniel (b.c. 1822) and Cynthia (spelled several various ways, b.c. 1823) Potts Coalson, and I think I've found a family skeleton-in-the-closet. In 1850, they and their 4 children were living in Division 93 of Wilkinson County. Daniel's occupation is Mechanic, and apparently he owns no property. All in the family are listed as born in GA, which contradicts oral family history stating that Daniel and his brothers came over from Ireland. In 1860, Daniel is listed as a "convict". Does anyone know what he was convicted of doing? Would he be away at prison for this census, or would he have served his term & be living at home? For this census, "Cintha" is listed as a farmer, and has real estate valued at $1225, and personal property valued at $113. For this census they are in "Griffin District" and their post office is "Stephensville Gro." In 1870, the children are gone, and Daniel & Cinthia are living with a black farm worker, George Butler, aged 60. Daniel isn't working, and Cinthia is keeping house. No one in the household seems to own any real estate or personal property. Perhaps that of Daniel & Cynthia was lost after the war? Why isn't Daniel working? What was their relationship to George Butler? This enumeration is in the 2nd division of Wilkinson County, Irwinton post office. In 1880, Daniel & Cintha are living with their oldest son, Jacob F. Colson, and his family. Daniel is listed as disabled in this census, and Cintha is working as a midwife. Family history had Jacob and his family living with his parents in their "big old house on a hill in Stephensville" while their children were young. The story as I'd always heard it told implied that Jacob & family needed some help getting started, but it appears that actually Daniel & Cintha needed to be cared for instead. What was Daniel's disability? When did Daniel & Cynthia die? Where are they buried? Their two oldest sons are buried at Salem Methodist, but I'm not sure about the 2 younger children. Does anyone have further information? Donali Howell