I guess I thought that I was the only one that couldn't find my JOHNSON ancestors. Thanks to all of you for the reassurance that this surname is very difficult to research! The 1855 Schenectady County NY state census lists my gggrandfather as William Johnson of Seneca Cty., NY residing with Gitty Ann Johnson and her children from her previous marriage (Van Vorst). Their record of marriage also lists a William Johnson marrying Gertrude (Johnson) Van Vorst in January of 1855 in Scotia, NY. Gertrude's headstone indicates that she was the wife of J. H. Johnson and Schenectady city directories also note that she is the widow of James Johnson. I have not been able to find why he is listed as both James and William nor have I found any other references to him. James and Gertrude had two children, James H. and Frank Johnson. Family tradition says that James Johnson stowed away on a barge traveling the Erie Canal as a child and was brought up by the owner, Arent Stevens (Gertrudes father) . He married Gertrude who was 20 years his senior and volunteered for the Civil War. James never returned from the war and Gertrude thought that she was a widow. Twenty years later, James contacted her and told her that he had been living in Kansas City. He was remorseful about his absence and promised to return. Before that could happen, he was murdered by his business partner. Help!!!!!!!!!!!! Kathy Shouse