Hello! I am looking for information regarding the Leon and Mora/Rodriguez families from Abra Honda, Camuy, Puerto Rico.

Ramon Mora was my great-grandfather, but his Mora surname came from his maternal side instead of his paternal side. His paternal last name was Leon. Earlier historical records actually list his name as Ramon Leon Mora, however later in life, he was offically known as "Ramon Mora", rather than "Ramon Leon".

Older members of my family tell me that his name (and subsequently the names of all of his descendants) was changed because he and his siblings were all born outside of marriage and/or were of African/slave ancestry. The African ancestry was physically evident in his mother, Juana Mora Rodriguez.

According to family oral history, Ramon's grandmother was named Zenen (Cenen?) and was a former slave. I am assuming Zenen would be Juana's mother. Family oral history also indicates that Zenen's brother earned enough to buy his own freedom and eventually, he bought Zenen's freedom also.

Interestingly, the racial tension is evident throughout Ramon Mora's historical record as his racial/ethnic designation is "Mulatto" or "Negro" or "Colored" when his was younger and magically became "white" as he got older, lol. Like the evolution of his surname over time, his racial (self?) ascription seemed to evolve also.

To add to the confusion, Ramon's mother's name is known as "Juana Mora", and yet, and her last name on census documents is listed as "Juana Rodriguez Mora".

I think that surname switch is likely just a "clerical error" on the part of census workers rather anything intentional. I believe her actual, legal name should actually be Juana Mora Rodriguez, as Mora was the surname given to her children.

ANY AND ALL HELP, SUGGESTIONS, WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT, ADVICE WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED!!!! My family tree is very public, please have a look!!! "LOPEZ FAMILY TREE"

Thank you!

Roberto Lopez
"victorystartshere"