I have a copy of the 1830 & 1840 Lawrence Co. AR Census, reproduced from Microfilm. There is no James Merritt (or other Merritt) found in the 1830 Lawrence County AR Census. The 1840 lists a Silas Merritt in Lebanon Twp, Lawrence Co. AR Male betw 20-30, female betw 20-30 and one child under 5. This is the only Merritt listed for 1940. In the 1840 Randolph Co. AR, Dumand/Demand (Demun) Twp. census there is a James Merrell listed. One male under 5, one male 5-10, one male 20-30; one female uner 5, one female 5-10 and one female 20-30. Is it possible the name was misspelled in 1840? Good Luck, Gava