Jo & Cathy - I just checked my 1850 census index CD and there is a Samuel Gale listed in Jefferson Co., FL, pg. 6. Didn't find any Gale listed in Marion Co., FL. Also checked my Animap program & there is a town of Marion listed in Hamilton Co., FL which is one county east of Jefferson, but no Marion in Jefferson Co. I, like Jo, thought perhaps Jefferson & Hamilton counties covered the same area in 1850, but not according to Animap. Jefferson was taken from Leon & Hamilton from Duval, both in 1827. I think it's most probable that Marion, Florida was written by the clerk instead of Marion, SC like Jo said. Hope this helps. Betty