to Cynthia - i scanned the roots web messages & read about your search - you mentioned the 1860 Free Inhabitants Census. i have reached a "block" in my family research & didnt think to check this source. Ancestor, HANNAH SCALES approximately b1844 in patrick co by oral history. There is a slave owner Nathaniel SCALES (native of Va.) living in Forsyth Co. in 1850, who had 18 slaves, one a female aged 3 (that would place her birth around 1847). no info as to where these slaves were born. and i do not know if this is the ancestor i am looking for. (Forsyth is birthplace and home of my relatives). can you give me more info on the Free Census ? or have any other suggestions, would appreciate any recommendations. thanks. linda in maryland ___________________________________________________________________ You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866]