Hello all,

I am writing because I have run into that infamous "brick wall" and I am facing the 1820 Virginia Census that includes a family of Goins': Henry, Jonas, Shadrack and Michael but it gives no indication of race. This surname perhaps belongs to the Melungeon set of peoples in this area and particular part of the country.

What I do have and know is my great great grandfather's, Robert Henry's marriage record late 1800's or early 1900's naming Michael A. as his father and Virginia as the family's home state. This information is in the 1850 Ohio Census with my great great grandfather being the youngest of eight or nine children. Again, the 1850 Ohio Census does not confirm the race of my people.

The only records that I have, that I can rely on are my great great grandfathers land records, his marriage records and the birth record of my great grandfather.

Where do I turn?