Hi Steven,

It's great to have oral history but genealogy is about evidence or documentation that either proves or disproves oral history. You compare your evidence to theirs and try to determine which is the strongest. If they don't have any documentation and you do, that puts you in the drivers seat until they can find evidence to support their position. I see that there there is another Cole family in Gibson County in 1850.

Thomas Cole 33 VA
Susan Cole 22 TN
Agnes Cole 4 IN
Martha A Cole 3 IN
Lucinda Cole 0 IN
Robert Cole 70 VA
Year: 1850; Census Place: Patoka, Gibson, Indiana;
Roll M432_147; Page: 6A

Is this family related to your Henry ? Also, is this the same Cole family from Virginia that is detailed on Paul's website. If it is, his sources might be a guide to you in strengthening you position about Henry's place of birth.

http://www.freeafricanamericans.com/Church_Cotanch.htm

Ron