This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: shocksm Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.westvirginia.counties.ritchie/211.4.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Ethel, we've talked in the past. I can't believe there is not some relationship between your James Harrison Merchant and my James Tilden Merchant. Cousins maybe? James Tilden (1813-1886) lived in Middleway with his first wife, Matilda Bennett. They had 5 children. Matilda died in 1850 and he married Sarah Jane Foster in 1854. About that time they moved to Cairo in Ritchie County and established the Alpha Hotel. He went on to have 5 more children with Sarah Jane. James' parents are listed on his death record as Edwin and Elizabeth. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board. <br>