Since I found James MERCER in 1900 Pottawattamie Co IA born March 1858 in Missouri, the only good matches I found earlier were: 1880 (the family is listed twice) St Louis MO, 9 June 1880: MERCER, William 48 England Painter Esther 53 England George W. 24 MO Grainer John W. 22 MO Painter Ellis 18 MO Tinsmith Thomas 13 MO Charles 11 MO ABBOT, Amo. 74 England, "visitor" Occ: indigent (?) St Louis MO, 3 June 1880: MERCER, William 48 England Painter Esther 51 England George William 24 MO Painter John Wesley 22 MO Painter Ellis 18 MO Tinner Thomas 13 MO Charles 11 MO St Louis MO, 19 Aug 1870 MERCER, William 37 England Painter Esther 32 (must have lied about her age) England Charlotte 14 MO George W. 13 MO John W. 11 MO Ellis 7 MO Thomas 2 MO Chas 9/12 MO 1860 in household of Hermon Milton?: MERCER, William 27 Hester31 Charlotte 5 George W. 3 John 2 BTW, I looked up this family last Feb. Does anything ring a bell with what you know? RC Orig: Subj: Re: [IOWA] John Mercer-Mary Ellen Graybill Date: 11/27/2004 4:50:39 PM Central Standard Time From: WHaack2344 To: User392423 I have never been able to determine a "middle initial" for my John Mercer. When he was married he did not use a middle initial and on his grave marker there is no middle initial, and I have never been able to find any other information that has a middle name or initial. Any suggestions?