Hi Diana,

free census records are available at the link below. You can also access most of the paid services at many libraries - check in your area.

Jesse Spears and wife Feriby are listed as white in 1870:

SPEARS, JESSE (1870 U.S. Census)
Tennessee , HAWKINS, PERSIA P O, Age 82, Male, Race: White, Born: NC
Series: M593 Roll: 1535 Page: 194

SPEARS, FERIBY (1870 U.S. Census)
Tennessee , HAWKINS, PERSIA P O, Age 76, Female, Race: White, Born: NC
Series: M593 Roll: 1535 Page: 194

And in 1860:

SPEARS, JESSEE (1860 U.S. Census)
Tennessee , HAWKINS, 15-DIST, Age 70, Male, Race: White, Born: NC
Series: M653 Roll: 1255 Page: 164

Denise