Born c1833 in Temple parish (TPR).
| 1833 | 15 Sep. He was baptised at Temple church, the son of John Merchant (Ancestry website). |
| 1851 | 3 Crown Court, Temple parish (17), living with his mother Harriet Merchant, widow, a charwoman, born in Chew Magna, Somerset, and brother Henry (16), a potter (51C). |
| 1856 | 15 Dec. Temple parish (23) the son of John Merchant, a twine spinner, he married Martha Shankland (22) of Temple parish, the daughter of John Shankland, a blacksmith (TPR). |
| 1861 | Potter, Prospect Parade, St Philip’s parish (27), living with his wife Martha (26), born in Carmarthenshire, and children (61C). |
| 1865 | Industrial Exhibition catalogue: James Merchant, thrower, at Whites, Baptist Mills (Bristol Tracts, Bristol Reference Library B1023). |
| 1871 | Potter thrower (Publican), widower, 5 Prospect Place, St Philip’s parish (37), living with his children Martha J. (13), George J. (11), both born in Temple parish, and Anne, (9), born in St Philip’s parish (71C). |
| 1875 | 8 Jan. Described as a potter and beerhouse keeper he died at the Phoenix Beerhouse, Baptist Mills. His will was proved by William Dodge, painter, of 14 Great Gardens, Temple parish. Effects were valued under £200 (PRO National Probate Calendar, Index of Wills and Administrations, 1858-1966). |