I have a Merle in my tree but he went by the last name of Ady altho he was legally a Potter and he had no (known) children. He was born in MN but lived all his adult life in Montana. My mother was Murno Ady (Potter legally)born in Bimidji or Akely. If there is any connection between your Merle and my tree it would be thru Arthur Potter that married my grandmother Adeline James.They divorced and he married secondly and had several children. If you think you have that connection let me know and I can invite you to my tree so you can use it. Thanx for the contact!!