On the 1850 Alamance census, I find my GGGgrandpa's brother Ashford Copeland and wife Elizabeth with their family and also NERIUS CATES, infant son of Thomas and Adeline (Perry) Cates. Adeline was my 1st cousin (4r) from another branch of my family. Thomas and Adeline lived just a few doors from the Copelands. What puzzles me is why baby Nerius was not at home, and what was the connection between the Copeland family and the Cates family? I have not been able to find Ashford's wife's maiden name; could she be a Cates? Any help out there?
Nancy