Hi everyone, my husband's mother's biological father was a Willison. All we know about him was that his family moved to New York because of the Civil War because things were getting pretty bad where they were, (obviously long) before he was born, and that this man I'm looking for, was a traveling salesman, and passed through Spokane, Washington in about January of 1950. I like to fancy this man was single, because I would hate to find out he was married, and guessing he was probably born within 15 years of 1910?? So far what I have done is to find a map of all the States that were affected by the Civil War, find all of the Willison families that lived in those states in the 1850 census. And then searched for them in the New York 1860 census. I found there was a John Willison and also a William D/H?? Marrison(Willison) that both moved to New York, but there were 6 John Willisons' and the 1860's census doesn't tell me which John Willison it is. If anyone can help me elimate any of them or give me any information I would be very grateful. The John Willison's I have, according to the 1850 census are as follows:
1) John Willison, born about 1820 in Ohio, living in Walker, Texas. Occupation: Brickmason.
Married to a Julian, born in about 1823 in Massachusetts.
2) John Willison, born about 1836 in Arkansas, living in Red River, Texas. Age 14. Living with a
different family?
3) John Willison, born about 1834 in Connecticut, living in Blue Jackson, Missouri. Age 16.
Parents were Charles and Barbara Willison.
4) John Willison, born about 1826 in Maryland, living in District 2, Cecil, Maryland.
5) John Willison, born about 1821 in Maryland, living in District 2, Hartford, Maryland.
Occupation: looks like Mearenner?? Married to a Mary A. born about 1825 in Maryland.
6) John Willison, born about 1848, living in District 9, Allegany, Maryland. Age 2. Father: Jas
Willison.

And then William D/H Marrison(Willison) born in 1823 in Tennessee, living in District 21, Dade, Georgia. Married to a Harriot.

Any Information or comments welcome. I'm beggining to feel a little discouraged. Glad for any help I can get! :D Thanks.