Diane,I don't have a birth certificate of my father. I have a death certificate as I stated his date of birth is 12/16/1900,date of death 5/21/1950,born in Virginia,father John,mother Emma Howard,known brothers william George. Merrill H is brother or nephew.Part of Va.was turn into W.VA. I haven't found out which part. Virginia did not have a birth record for him. I am going to check birth records for W.VA What information do you have? Merrill H. owns a funeral home in Charleston W.VA and is deceased.his family is running funeral home.I visited and they never returned my calls.PRESTON FUNERAL HOME.I think they thought I was wanting something and all I want is to see if there is any decendents of his still alive.Thanks for replying and let's stay in contact.What is your race? We are African Americans.