Hiram Peter Merritt, H.P. Merritt was the son of Noble and Betsey Bates Merritt. Have you looked for an obit for Betsey that might give you her parents names? I have so much packed I probably have more information that I cannot get to. I was looking for Betsey Bates parents for my project, did you make an attempt to secure a copy of the will of Salem Bates. It was Salem Bates wasn't it? Living in close proximity to the merritts in Benson wwas a Hiram bates, Hiram is not a given name used in the Merritt family. Michelle