Well? She's 43 and married with at least 9 kids by the time the 1880 was taken. Judging by the age of the oldest child, I presume she married at about the age of 23 in about 1860. We could try looking for a 13 year old black or mulatto Harriet in Clay Co. in the 1850 census. It isn't likely that there would be too many to choose from, is there? It wouldn't be conclusive proof, but it would have a very high probability ratio. Do you already have her on the 1860 as being married and having children? 1880 Census Place Manchester, Clay, Kentucky - Page Number 469A Family History Library Film 1254410 NA Film Number T9-0410 William POTTER Self M Male B 48 KY Shoemaker KY KY Harriet POTTER Wife M Female B 43 KY Keeping House KY KY Berry POTTER Son S Male B 19 KY At Home KY KY Almira POTTER Dau S Female B 15 KY At Home KY KY William POTTER Son S Male B 13 KY At Home KY KY Sarah POTTER Dau S Female B 12 KY At Home KY KY Carolina POTTER Dau S Female B 11 KY At Home KY KY Olivia POTTER Dau S Female B 7 KY KY KY Stephen POTTER Son S Male B 5 KY KY KY Newton POTTER Son S Male B 3 KY KY KY Louisa POTTER Dau S Female B 1M KY KY KY Kathy Renee Smith wrote: > > Slavery - that "peculiar institution". I have found it almost an impossibility thus far tracing slaves/slave names. I am running into this difficulty with my slave ancestor Harriett. I have read many, many documents wherein (if fortunate) at least the slave's given name is mentioned.