Steve, I know the definition varies by location and (in the past) economic standing in the community. Some areas gave this a pass IF the upstanding family were known to have one drop of Negro blood. Others did not.

The Redbones and Melungeon are more solid in their definition. As for Creole? Depends on where you are, when you are looking at it and sometimes ones own personal view or bias. I know of two Creole family's here that were considered 'mixed with Negro' and defined as Creole with Spanish and French blood tossed in as far back as 60 years ago. Now, they are listed as White. Both were well established in the business community and were partners in a company that had and still has an excellent reputation. Unless one is familiar with the local community and the resident backgrounds from the past, you'd never know it.

This is why I asked how they were listed or defined when it was applied to their enlistment in the military in the WBTS time period.

Pam