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Archiver > BARBEE > 1999-03 > 0920658998


From: Gregory P Barbee <>
Subject: Seeking information/suggestions
Date: Fri, 05 Mar 1999 10:36:38 -0800


Lately, I've been doing some research with the U.S. Census
information, and have come across a discrepancy that may or
may not impact my further ability to trace my line.

Specifically, the 1880 North Carolina census finds my
GGGrandfather, Henry Aloysius Barbee living in Raleigh (Wake)
with his wife, Hannah C. Shane Barbee and their 3 month old
son, Joseph E. Barbee. Henry is listed as 25 years old, and
Hannah as 22. This is without a doubt part of my line. Henry's
birthday would thus be in 1855, and Hannah's in 1858.

After reviewing the 1860 North Carolina census, I found one
Henry about the correct age, the son of M.B. Barbee of Raleigh
(Wake). Henry is listed as 4 years old.

Finally, I reviewed the 1900 Washington D.C. census, where
Henry is listed as having a birthday in November, 1857 (also
listed as 42 years old at the time of the census), and Hannah
with a birthday in August, 1859 (also listed as 40). Once again,
this is without a doubt my line.

The question (finally): how to account for the discrepancies in
age/year of birth. I understand that rounding could cause a
difference of a year one way or the other, but, especially with
Henry, there's a possible swing of two years. Does any have any
idea (aside from Henry deciding he wanted to be younger) why
the ages would be different, at least between the 1880 and
1900 censuses?

If I could determine the correct date of birth, that would also
assist me in tracing back further. For example, if Henry's
birthday really was in November 1857, then it is less likely that
he would be the son of M.B. Barbee listed in the 1860 census
taken on June 20, 1860.

The reason I'm trying to connect him to M.B. Barbee is that he
may be the Henry listed in the Shields book on p. 102-103:

"BRASWELL BARBEE - Mrs. Sears' says that he lived in
Raleigh, w Mary, knows nothing more. Possibly he is the M.B.
Barbee who m in Orange, Mary A.E. Gorman, bond dated 20 Aug
1849, Bondsman Thos. J. Freeland. There was a MORDECAI B.
BARBEE who was a Justice of the Peace in Raleigh, NC. He
died in 1906-7, had a son Henry BARBEE who in 1907 was
living in Washington, DC. nfi."

The only Henry BARBEE in the 1900 Washington DC census
was my Henry, and I have not yet checked the 1910 census, but
as you can see, trying to find the correct line may be difficult.

In addition, I'll also be checking (when I can get to a library that
has a copy) the 1870 census. Does anyone have any
suggestions for other sources that may be fruitful?

In addition, does anyone possibly have more information on this
line, or on MB Barbee or Braswell Barbee -- the Shields book is
far from clear on them.

Thanks for your time in reading this message, and for any
responses.

Greg Barbee

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