I too am very interested in the Mercer/Murcer/Messer/Musser families. My great-grandfather was John Henry Murcer born in Virginia and I believe to be listed as John H. Musser living with a James P. Wyatt in Smyth County in the 1870 census at the age of six years. In the 1880 census he is believed to be the John H. Mercer living in Washington County with the David A. Scott family at the age of sixteen. He then moves to Ashe County, North Carolina where he marries in 1885 to 1st Cora Osborne and after her death he marries Sally Lewis in 1887 also in Ashe County. His parents are unknown. Any connects or help is appreciated. Paul