This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: watersdian Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/surnames.shelton/2333.1.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Thomas would have been my great grandfather. Callie's brother, Rob, was my grandfather. He always said that there was Indian blood in the family-he thought that it could have been Cherokee. I assume that would be the reason the "race" changed from mulatto to white in the census reports as time passed. There are several Sheltons listed as white, mulatto, and black in records of that time, however. The land in the Warren County area was subject of several land lotteries in the early 1800's. The land originally belonged to the Creek and Cherokee, and many married into the pioneer families that settled in these counties. I have not found much to verify my theory. I have found Thomas's death certificate with Mary being listed as his mother, but the father is listed as unknown. I noticed that you have Green listed as his father - do you have any verification? I would love to solve this piece of the puzzle. Thank you. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.