RESPONSE: I absolutely agree with what you say. Joyce Taylor Collins La Palma, CA Message text written by INTERNET:KYCLAY-L@rootsweb.com > >>>If a Black or Mulatto person was listed prior to the Civil War, that means they had been freed or were free Blacks in their status.>>>> Yes you are right, OR it could mean they were just a little to dark and the census taker placed them in those categories. They could have been Native American, or Melungeon descendants, or any mix that was not quite white enough. The url below will show you some documented information about the Melungeon people. Someone mentioned Mullins being a Melungeon name, the Mullins in Hawkins County Tennessee were Irish, but married Melungeon (Mahala Collins), so this Mullins line would have been considered Melungeon. Penny Ferguson http://www.geocities.com/ourmelungeons/front.html <