I am forwarding the response that I received from Welthy Nachtigal (_wnachtigal@twlakes.net_ (mailto:wnachtigal@twlakes.net) ). It, of course, does not answer all of my questions, but it does fill in a few gaps. I have also picked up from Family Search.org some information. Benjamin Johnston was my great grandfather. I gained some information from his youngest son Howard Johnston. Great Uncle Howard was 96 years old when he was telling the information, but his mind was still very clear. Family Search gave her name with Benjamin as her son. It stated that she was born in 1924 and that he was born in 1862. It also lists her as a widow. Although there is no father's name anywhere, There are many Johnstons in the area. I have even speculated that perhaps she was originally a Johnston and had never been married. One of our librarians mentioned that perhaps she had moved there from another area where no one would know her. I have not had a chance to check the land records. She lived on a farm, but I don't know if it was in her name. The court house in Monroe Co., OH has burned twice and a lot of information went with it. I do believe someone told me that the land records were in good shape. Family Search says that Benjamin was born in 1862 and that his mother was born in 1824. In 1880 there were only the two of them. This family is very scant on information. Benjamin was married to Catharine Iola Crook and they had ten children. Their only daughter Mary was my grandmother. I have not been at this very long and still have to back up information with documentation. I know very little about Airy/Arey Johnston. It is stated in Family Search that she was born in Ohio. There is no birth place for her mother or father. I also have no information on her husband. It has been speculated that perhaps my Benjamin Johnston was named for his father or grandfather. Perhaps the Benjamin Johnston that you found b. in 1838 could be worth looking into. They are even today a very private family and it is like pulling teeth to get information, and even harder to document when you live across the country. I hope that this answers some of your questions. Sandy **************Start the year off right. Easy ways to stay in shape. http://body.aol.com/fitness/winter-exercise?NCID=aolcmp00300000002489