Each year across America and around the world families set out to build a tree of their ancestry. They locate and celebrate the links of family.

It’s the time of the year where meeting family members of your descendants casts a special place in your heart.

As the years go by, the family grows and makes a bond. The plans for the next reunion are being set before the end of the function. Everyone spends time looking through family photo albums, passing down recipes and stories that were special to them.

Some of us know our family tree through several generations. The ancestors before left a diary, a letter, photos or some type of legal documents. Some were blessed to have those items placed in safe keeping.

I’m searching for my descendants or anyone who may have met them.

I want to find the missing links and their untold stories.

In my search through Census records and microfilm, I’ve realized that the Johnsons once lived in Virginia, Louisiana, Arkansas and Mississippi between 1837 and 1930.

My great-grandfather and great-grandmother were Matthew (born in 1837) and Fannie (born in 1840) Johnson of Harrison County, Va. From their union came eight children: Emma (1868); Caleb (1871); Eugene (1872); Alexander (1873); Ada Anna (1875); Ward (1877); Mary Jane and Martha (1878) and Lydia (1879).

My grandfather and grandmother were Caleb (1871) and Lizzie (1878) Johnson, from their union came nine children: Andrew (1901); William (1906); Clarice (1908); Mary (1910); George (1912); Benjamin (1913); Rosa (1915); Alberta (1917) and Lucy (1921).

My family lived in Washington during the 1880 Census. Washington is located outside of Natchez and before Selma. It is in Adams County.

In later years, they moved to Oakridge Plantation, located close to the Natchez Airport and Natchez Trace area.

Some of them left the area and it’s those family members that we are in search of and wanting to bond with in an effort to celebrate the Johnson family tree.

I am hoping that by reaching out to my community and the neighboring communities that someone may have news of my family and its tree.

Also, I’d like to let family members know that our reunion is planned for May 2011. If you feel you may be one of the members of my family tree, or if you know someone who may be, any information is appreciated.

I can be contacted at albertamcduffie@att.net.

Alberta Johnson

Natchez resident