This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/ihB.2ACI/4349.1.1.1 Message Board Post: Yes, you stated you had looked at the 1880 census. There is an 1820 census for Middle and West TN, but it is missing for East TN. This I know because all my TN ancestors were in East TN. (^_^) But, land records started when a county was formed, and often survived courthouse fires, because the tax collector would grab them on his way out the front door. Or, if they did burn, a request was sent out to re-establish the land records, supposedly so there would be a clear title recorded when they decided to sell that land.