I'd appreciate any input or insight on this subject.....
My great-grandfather, Henry Herbert, his father Charles Herbert sr. and brother Charles jr., emigrated to the US from England in August, 1869 through NY. Up to now, I've never been able to find them on the 1870 census. However, I now find a family living in Buffalo twp, with the right ages, all b. in England, as a farmer, but listed as being Black. I wonder if this might have been a mistake by the census taker, as all three were white.
I wonder if someone familiar with the area could answer some questions - my great, great grandfather, Charles sr. had been involved in horse breeding and horse racing prior to his leaving Great Britain. Was this area involved in horse farming or horse racing? Are there any land records that are available online that might reflect a lease or sale of land in late 1869 or 1870?
My great grandfather Henry Herbert, and his brother were working on the Rancocas horse/stud farm owned by Pierre Lorillard in the 1880 census of New Jersey. Did Lorillard have any tobacco farms in the area? I'm trying to find some connection or reason why they settled in PE Co. VA initially, and why and when they left.
Any opinions or help would be greatfully appreciated!
Thanks,
Randi