Just would like to make a point. Many have said the McNeils were Scotch but in fact their DNA matches specific to North Ireland and Niall of the nine hostages. They may have came through Scotland but they ( who have DNA tested) originated out of Ireland

We have Ferguson's up in Wilkes listed Mulatto

Robeson/Cumberland known for having a lot of free African mixed in the area that may have same surnames as other European surnames.

My point is you cant go by surnames and expect that they are all related or have ties to. The counties your posting were not near us as far as Burke goes. I also can tell you that many in our area came from the Granville/Chatham/Orange NC area which is East NC and close to VA. Some came from other Northern states straight to Rowan County. This is why DNA testing is so helpful on sorting out surnames and who is related to who.