Robert Cates - 1870 census

1870 census
location: Giles County, Tennessee
date: August 8, 1870

Roberts Cates  45  male  white  farmer  $675  Georgia
Elizabeth Cates  42  female  white  keeps house  Georgia
John Cates  21  male  white  farm hand  Alabama
Charles Cates  17  male  white  Alabama
James Cates  15  male  white  Alabama
Robert Cates  12  male  white  Alabama
Olden Cates  9  male  white  Alabama

"United States Census, 1870," database with images, FamilySearch(https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MD8B-PGN : accessed 28 April 2016), John Cates in household of Robert Cates, Tennessee, United States; citing p. 16, family 125, NARA microfilm publication M593 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.); FHL microfilm 553,028.

Edward Lee Hardy and Sallie Humphries marriage

location: Giles County, Tennessee
date: February 24, 1897

"Tennessee Marriages, 1796-1950," database, FamilySearch(https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:X8BX-66X : accessed 17 February 2016), Edward L Hardy and Sallie Humphries, 24 Feb 1897; citing Giles, Tennessee, reference 441; FHL microfilm 968,830.

Edward Lee Hardy - 1930 census

1930 census
location: Giles County, Tennessee
date: April 12, 1930

Ed Hardy  head  male  white  60  married  age @ 1st marriage - 25  Tennessee  farmer
Sallie Hardy  wife  female  white  55  married  age @ 1st marriage - 20  Tennessee
Forst Hardy  son  male  white  32  single  Tennessee
Mary Edd Hardy  daughter  female  white  14  single  Tennessee

"United States Census, 1930", database with images, FamilySearch(https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:SPW1-17F : accessed 17 February 2016), Ed Hardy, 1930.

Edward Lee Hardy - 1920 census

1920 census
location: Giles County, Tennessee
date: January 3, 1920

Ed Hardy  head  male  white  52  married  Tennessee  farmer
Sallie Hardy  wife  female  white  46  married  Tennessee
Forest Hardy  son  male  white  22  single  Tennessee
Revis Hardy  daughter  female  white  19  single  Tennessee
Mary E Hardy  daughter  female  white  5  single  Tennessee

"United States Census, 1920," database with images, FamilySearch(https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MNGK-KQR : accessed 17 February 2016), Ed Hardy, Civil District 12, Giles, Tennessee, United States; citing sheet 2A, NARA microfilm publication T625 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.); FHL microfilm 1,821,740.

Edward Lee Hardy - 1910 census

location: Giles County, Tennessee
date: May 14, 1910

Edward Hardy  head  male  white  41  married - 13 years  Tennessee  farmer
Sallie Hardy  wfie  female  white  35  married - 13 years  2, 2  Tennessee
Forest Hardy  son  male  white  11  single  Tennessee
Revis Hardy  daughter  female  white  9  single  Tennessee

"United States Census, 1910," database with images, FamilySearch(https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MGFP-HJN : accessed 17 February 2016), Edward Hardy, Civil District 12, Giles, Tennessee, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 27, sheet 11B, NARA microfilm publication T624 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.); FHL microfilm 1,375,513.

Rosa A Abernathy - 1870 census

1870 census
location: Giles County, Tennessee
date: August 9, 1870

Rosa A Abernathy  47  female  white  farmer  $9600  $694  Tennessee
Thomas Abernathy  20  male  white  farmer  Tennessee
Louise Abernathy  18  female  white  Tennessee
Sophrona Abernathy  16  female  white  Tennessee
Mary Abernathy  13  female  white  Tennessee
James Abernathy  10  male  white  Tennessee
David B Abernathy  7  male  white  Tennessee
Levi Abernathy  4  male  white  Tennessee

"United States Census, 1870," database with images, FamilySearch(https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MD8B-TD2 : accessed 8 January 2016), Mary Abernathy in household of Rosa A Abernathy, Tennessee, United States; citing p. 10, family 77, NARA microfilm publication M593 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.); FHL microfilm 553,028.

John G Abernathy - 1860 census

1860 census
location: Giles County, Tennessee
date: July 5, 1860

John G Abernathy  39  male  farmer  $7500  $4930  Tennessee
Rose A Abernathy  36  female  Tennessee
James D Abernathy  17  male  farm laborer  Tennessee
Adeline J Abernathy  13  female  Tennessee
Thomas C Abernathy  10  male  Tennessee
Louisa F Abernathy  8  female  Tennessee
Sophronia J Abernathy  6  female  Tennessee
Mary A Abernathy  2  female  Tennessee
Green B Beckham  58  male  carpentry  Alabama

"United States Census, 1860", database with images, FamilySearch(https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M8T8-7KZ : accessed 8 January 2016), Mary A Abernathy in entry for John G Abernathy, 1860.

Phelps Smith - 1830 census

1830 census
location: Giles County, Tennessee

1 white male under age 5
1 white male of five and under 10
1 white male of 30 and under 40
1 white female under age 5
2 white female of five and under 10
1 white female of 20 and under 30

"United States Census, 1830," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-12163-73531-39?cc=1803958 : accessed 26 Sep 2014), 004409557 > image 352 of 911; citing NARA microfilm publication M19, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C.

Phelps Smith - 1820 census

location: Giles County, Tennessee

Phelps Smith

1 male of 26 and under 45
1 female of 16 and under 26
1 persons engage in agriculture

"United States Census, 1820," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-266-12406-14515-56?cc=1803955 : accessed 26 Sep 2014), 004433291 > image 33 of 210; citing NARA microfilm publication M33, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C.

Ann Moody - 1850 census

1850 census
location: Giles County, Tennessee
date: October 10, 1850

Ann Moody  46  female  Tennessee
Margaret A Moody  12  female  Tennessee
Sarah T Moody  8  female  Tennessee
Elizabeth Moody  7  female  Tennessee
Thomas Gutherie  19  male  farmer  Tennessee

"United States Census, 1850," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.2/M4WG-CR8 : accessed 16 Jun 2014), Ann Moody, Giles county, Giles, Tennessee, United States; citing family 599, NARA microfilm publication M432.

I. Hogan - 1850 census

1850 census
location: Giles County, Tennessee
date: November 9, 1850

Isaiah Hogan  65  male  farmer  value of real estate: $1000  North Carolina
Elizabeth Hogan  47  female  Tennessee
Airoma Smith   9  femlae  Tennessee

"United States Census, 1850," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/MCD6-NGT : accessed 16 Mar 2014), Airoma Smith in household of Isaiah Hogan, Giles county, Giles, Tennessee, United States; citing family 41, NARA microfilm publication M432.

Willis R Bonner - 1860 census

1860 census
location: Giles County, Tennessee
date: August 10, 1860

Willis Bonner  23  male  farm laborer  Tennessee
Sarah Bonner  18  female  Tennessee
Ann J Bonner  2/12  female  Tennessee

"United States Census, 1860," index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/M8TZ-T1Y : accessed 03 Mar 2014), Sarah Bonner in entry for Willis Bonner, 1860.

Frank Brownlow Through the Census Records

Frank Brownlow, Through the Census Records:
government documents, oral interview, Voyages database

Jaycie M. Smith

History 5097: African American Slavery
Professor Pruitt

February 7, 2014

In 1850 and 1860, African-American slaves were listed as personal property of slave owners and in most cases, nothing more. Modern-day genealogists and historians have difficulty tracking the genealogy of African-American slaves, especially prior to 1870. Although former slaves can be found in the 1870 and later census records, the information recorded is not always accurate. The following essay will show this fact to be true. 

According to the 1850 slave schedule of Giles County, Tennessee, James M. Brownlow is listed as the owner of 13 slaves. Brownlow owned six females over the age of 16, with the oldest being 50 years of age. He also owned two 16 year old black men, a 15 year old male mulatto, and several mulatto and black children.[1]  From the 1850 agriculture schedule, James M. Brownlow owns a very large farm, producing corn, oats, rice, wheat, and cotton, along with a plethora of other agricultural and livestock products.[2]

            Unfortunately at this time, James M. Brownlow has not been located as a slave owner in the 1860 slave schedule. However, searching the 1870 United States census in the same area of Giles County, Tennessee, Frank Brownlow is found. On July 11, 1870, Frank Brownlow is enumerated as an 18 year old black male living in the home of Robert Horne. Frank Brownlow is a farm laborer and cannot read or write. Also listed are other members of Robert Horne’s family, including 28 year old Eliza, 3 year old Virginia, and 1 year old Sally. In addition, there is 58 year old Isabel Brownlow and 14 year old Virginia Brownlow.[3] In 1880, census recorders were directed to differentiate separate households based on a common dining table.[4] It is impossible to know if the Hornes and Brownlows were related, but evidently, the two families lived in a dwelling together, and with a single dining table.  

            By the 1880 census, Frank Brownlow can be found again in Giles County, Tennessee, and has started his own family. Frank Brownlow is 26 years of age. Enumerated in his household are Jennie Brownlow, aged 18, and 1-month old William F. Brownlow. Frank Brownlow’s occupation is listed as farmer and he cannot read or write.[5] Common practice dictated that slaves were not taught to read or write. Many slave owners feared any education would change the slave. In fact, Frederick Douglas recounts his master as saying, “Learning would spoil the best nigger in the world.”[6]

            On June 6, 1900 in Giles County, Tennessee, Frank Brownlow and his family are enumerated together in the 1900 census. His birth month and year are listed as March 1848, meaning he is 52 years of age. Frank and Jennie have been married for 23 years and she is the mother of six children, with three still living. Frank and Jennie’s occupations are farm laborer and wash woman respectively.  Also enumerated in the household are a daughter and son, Lilla May and Harvey.[7]

            Searching the 1910 census, the only Brownlows found that are associated with the Frank Brownlow family are sons Charlie and Harvey, and daughter Lilla May. The three siblings are living in the same household in Giles County, Tennessee. Lilla May Brownlow is enumerated as Lilla May Fry, along with her son, Porter Fry. Her occupation is public washer woman and Charlie and Harvey work as laborers on the railroad.[8]

            In 1920 Frank Brownlow appears for the last time in the census records. He is a widower at 61 years of age. His occupation is farmer and he still cannot read or write. Enumerated in his residence are daughter, Lilla May Brownlow, and grandsons Porter and Charlie F. Brownlow.[9] The last names of Lilla May and Porter have changed from Fry (in 1910) to Brownlow.

            There is a significant discrepancy in the age of Frank Brownlow throughout the census years: 18 in 1880, 52 in 1900, and 62 in 1920. These figures would put his birth year anywhere from 1848 to 1858. It is quite possible that the census taker in any year enumerated the wrong birth year or age, but more likely, Frank Brownlow did not know his actual birth year. In 1937, former slave Clayton Holbert (or Halbert) gave an interview about his life as a slave in rural Tennessee. Mr. Holbert indicates his age was on his “freedom papers,” but those were lost so he was only able to guess at their ages.[10] This scenario was doubtless true with many former slaves, including Frank Brownlow.

Overlooking the errors in Frank Brownlow’s age, his appearances in the census records and the information enumerated is extremely valuable and beneficial. Reviewing the 1870 census, an argument could be made that Isabel, age 58, is the grandmother or mother to Frank Brownlow, age 18.[11] Thus, this information takes the ancestry of Frank Brownlow back another one or two generations. The 1920 United States census for Frank Brownlow establishes three generations of his family.[12]

            No matter his age, Frank Brownlow lived through slavery and well into the 20^th century. He was a farmer and raised a family. Frank Brownlow’s beginnings started on a farm in Giles County, Tennessee; chances are good that Frank Brownlow or his ancestors were slaves on a farm in that same county, and belonged to James M. Brownlow, my great-great-great-grandfather.

Bibliography

[1] 1850 U.S. Federal census – Slave Schedules, Giles County, 1850. Roll M432. Bureau of the Census. Series unidentified. Ancestry.com. <URL>http://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/see.dll?rank=1&new=1&msT=1&gss=angs-c&gsfn=james&gsln=brownlow&msrpn__ftp=giles+county+tennessee&gskw=slave+schedule&cpxt=0&catBucket=rst&uidh=arb&cp=0&pcat=CEN_1850&h=2249939&recoff=17+18&db=1850slaveschedules&indiv=1&ml_rpos=18<URL>.

[2] Selected 1850 U.S. Federal census Non-Population Schedules, 1850-1880, Giles County, 1850. Roll 2. Bureau of Census. Series unidentified. Ancestry.com. <URL> http://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/see.dll?rank=1&new=1&msT=1&gss=angs-c&gsfn=james&gsln=brownlow&msrpn__ftp=giles+county+tennessee&gskw=slave+schedule&cpxt=0&catBucket=rst&uidh=arb&cp=0&pcat=ROOT_CATEGORY&h=8536731&db=NonPopCensus&indiv=1&ml_rpos+5<URL>.

[3] Manuscript Census: Giles County, 1870, roll 1529, Bureau of Census, Series M593, http://persi.heritagequestonline.com.ezproxy.shsu.edu/hqoweb/library/do/census/results/image?surname=brownlow&givenname=isabel&series=9&state=14&countyid=895&hitcount=1&p=1&urn=urn%3Aproquest%3AUS%3Bcensus%3B2272071%3B9992472%3B9%3B14&searchtype=1&offset=0.

[4] Steven Ruggles et al., “Measurement of Household and Family Composition in the United States, 1850-2000,” Population and Development Review 29 (March 2003): 74, accessed February 4, 2014, dio: 10.1111/j.1728-4457.2003.00073.x.

[5] Manuscript Census: Giles County, 1880, roll 1257. Bureau of Census. Series T9, http://persi.heritagequestonline.com.ezproxy.shsu.edu/hqoweb/library/do/census/results/image?surname=brownlow&givenname=frank&series=10&state=14&countyid=895&hitcount=1&p=1&urn=urn%3Aproquest%3AUS%3Bcensus%3B13630553%3B215650041%3B10%3B14&searchtype=1&offset=0.

[6] Frederick Douglass, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass an American Slave. (New York, NY: Penguin Books, USA, 1986), 74. 

[7] Manuscript Census: Giles County, 1900, roll 1572, Bureau of Census, Series T623, <URL>http://persi.heritagequestonline.com.ezproxy.shsu.edu/hqweb/library/do/census/results/image?surname=brownlow&givenname=frank&series=12&state=14&countyid=895&hitcount=1&p=1&urn=urn%3Aproquest%3AUS%Bcensus%3B17718958%3B128186792%3B12%3B14&searchtype=1&offset=0<URL>.

[8] Manuscript Census: Giles County, 1910, roll 1500, Bureau of Census, Series T624, http://persi.heritagequestonline.com.exproxy.shsu.edu/hqweb/library/do/census/results/image?surname=thurman&givenname=riley&series=13&state=14&hitcount=1&p=1&urn=urn%3Aproquest%3AUS%3Bcensus%3B6376383%3B43281239%3B13%3B14&searchtype=1&offset=0.

[9] Manuscript Census: Giles County, 1920, roll 1740, Bureau of Census, Series T625, http://persi.heritagequestonline.com.ezproxy.shsu.edu/hqweb/library/do/census/results/image?surname=brownlow&givenname=frank&series=14&states=14&hitcount=2&p=1&urn=urn%3Aproquest%3AUS%3Bcensus%3B15739079%3B154262242%3B14%3B14&searchtype=1&offset=0.

[10] Clayton Holbert, interview by Leta Gray, The American Slave: A Composite Autobiography, Supp. Series 2, Vol. 1 (May 17, 1937): 289.

[11] Manuscript Census: Giles County, 1870, roll 1529, Bureau of Census, Series M593, http://persi.heritagequestonline.com.ezproxy.shsu.edu/hqoweb/library/do/census/results/image?surname=brownlow&givenname=isabel&series=9&state=14&countyid=895&hitcount=1&p=1&urn=urn%3Aproquest%3AUS%3Bcensus%3B2272071%3B9992472%3B9%3B14&searchtype=1&offset=0.

[12] Manuscript Census: Giles County, 1920, roll 1740, Bureau of Census, Series T625, http://persi.heritagequestonline.com.ezproxy.shsu.edu/hqweb/library/do/census/results/image?surname=brownlow&givenname=frank&series=14&states=14&hitcount=2&p=1&urn=urn%3Aproquest%3AUS%3Bcensus%3B15739079%3B154262242%3B14%3B14&searchtype=1&offset=0.