I just found your message. I am also looking for Merlin Benton's ancestors without much luck. One correction to a subsequent reply. Marguerite Benton (daughter of Judson Miner Benton and Maggie Ziegler) actually married Chester A. McMullen. They lived in the Columbus, Ohio, area for years. Judson Miner Benton is my husband's grandfather. The info in your e-mail clarified middle names of some of the children listed for Lewis and Loretta. If I have any success, I'll be happy to pass it along.