Brick Wall in Itawamba County, Mississippi

I seem to spend a great deal of time researching Itawamba and Lee Counties in Mississippi. So much so that there are times my eyes seem to cross.

Surely the answer to my conundrum is hidden within those sacred records, written in indelible ink on some faded but semi-sacred parchment just waiting for me to find it.  Oh the drama!

Well, at least in my dreams.

I have an ancestor who was named Sidney W. Johnson.  Sometimes Sidney's name gets transcribed as Sidney U. Johnson but I don't get too horribly upset.  After all, he's listed with the same family, the same place so I believe it to be the same man.

The problem arises when I try to locate him after 1860.  He disappears.  Yes, I've searched surrounding counties like a good little Itawamba/Lee County Mississippi genealogist because we all know when they disappear like that they might be trapped in a new county.  Alas, he is not there.

I could assume he died in the Civil War or from some sickness.  Pretty safe bets but I'm still not satisfied with that explanation.  Ideally, it would be nice to have his pedigree going back to whichever exotic clime the immigrant hailed from as well as legible grave markers in positively stunning condition in a lovely and well kept cemetery.  Uh Huh.  Yes I know all about people down south wanting ice water.

So here is what I have on Mr. Johnson.  If anyone out there believes they can give me some aid and comfort regarding this gentleman, feel free to comment.

Sidney W. Johnson
Born: 1817 in either Alabama or South Carolina (He listed both.)
Died: Aft 1860 Federal Census was taken.
Married: Mary Gilmore 12 May 1840, Itawamba Co. MS (Itawamba County Marriage Book 1.)

Father of:
Sarah
John H.
Robert W.
Anne M.
Mary E.

Earliest record I find he appears on is the 1838 Itawamba Co., MS Tax List. 

Below is a family group sheet in full.

Sidney JOHNSON
Birthdate: 1817
Birthplace: Alabama or South Carolina
Death date: 1860-1870
Place of death: Mississippi
Burial: Unknown
Father: Unknown
Mother: Unknown

Wife: Mary GILMORE
Birthdate: 1817
Birthplace: South Carolina
Death date: 1898-1900
Place of death: Itawamba County, Mississippi
Burial: Unknown
Father: Unknown but she stated on the 1880 Census he was from Ireland.
Mother: Unknown

CHILDREN

Sarah JOHNSON
Sex: F
Birthdate: 1841
Birthplace: Itawamba County, Mississippi
Death date: 1910-1920
Place of death: Leflore County, Oklahoma
Burial: Unknown
Marriage date: 1859
Marriage place: Itawamba County, Mississippi
Spouse's name: Joseph Pete TURNER

John H. JOHNSON
Sex: M
Birthdate: 1843
Birthplace: Itawamba County, Mississippi
Death date: 1920-1930
Place of death: Lee County, Mississippi
Burial: Unknown
Marriage date: 15 Jan 1870
Marriage place: Lee County, Mississippi
Spouse's name: Sarah B. BURRESS

Robert JOHNSON
Sex: M
Birthdate: 1845
Birthplace: Itawamba County, Mississippi
Death date: Unknown
Place of death: Unknown
Burial: Unknown
Marriage date: Unknown
Marriage place: Unknown
Spouse's name: Unknown

Anne M. JOHNSON
Sex: F
Birthdate: 1847
Birthplace: Itawamba County, Mississippi
Death date: 1910-1920
Place of death: Leflore County, Oklahoma
Burial: Unknown
Marriage date: 30 Dec 1874
Marriage place: Lee County, Mississippi
Spouse's name: Francis M. CURBOW

Mary E. JOHNSON
Sex: F
Birthdate: February 1850
Birthplace: Itawamba County, Mississippi
Death date: Unknown
Place of death: Unknown
Burial: Unknown
Marriage date: 29 October 1870
Marriage place: Itawamba County, Mississippi
Spouse's name: Samuel Earl TURNER, SR.

Documentation: Family Notes of the late Mrs. Lou Lavelle Turner Johnston, Itawamba County Mississippi Tax Records 1838-1839, Itawamba County Marriage Book 1, Lee County Mississippi Marriages, Mississippi State and Territorial Census Collection 1792-1866, US Federal Census 1850-1910, 1898 Itawamba County Mississippi Confederate Widow Pension List