In a message dated 1/27/99 12:27:28 PM Eastern Standard Time, Jerry wrote: << In 1778, the state of Virginia made known to the settlers of Virginia, primarily aimed at the western parts of Virginia, that even though they were living on the lands, they were going to have to prove ownership or apply for ownership from the State of Virginia. This was done because Virginia was taking over control of the land of Virginia. This was supposed to take effect and be bound by law, I believe in the year 1783 or 84. >> Hi group! This law was also used to get the Melungeons/and others out of the rich bottom lands they owned so that the incoming Scots-Irish could take it over. The Melungeons could not get to Richmond where they were required to go to "prove" their claims and so they were pushed up onto the ridges where the others did not want to go. They were later to lose other rights, including the right to vote, to be schooled, to testify in court against a 'white' man, to marry a 'white' person and all because their skins were not so white as the Scots/Irish. I believe the Melungeons were of Mediterrean heritage. I am among a group of descendants of these Melungeons AND of the Scots-Irish who came into the valleys. I have met the enemy and he is me! :-) Nancy S