When reading census records prior to 1880 it is important to remember the removal of Indian tribes from earlier in the century. Many people of mixed ancestry were listed as black or mulatto when in fact there may have been more Cherokee or Seminole in their bloodline. Most of this is not provable but it has been noted that in some counties where large families were enumerated prior to the removal, afterwards had much smaller families but a larger number of black or mulatto servants. Of course this is not true in every case, and I am not trying to make that point. But it is best to approach these listings with an open mind and keep looking for corroborating evidence. thanks, Tammy Cox