John Mercer of Stafford’s Marlborough Point owned a vast and renowned library which he used to educate both his nephew George Mason (IV) and his son John Francis Mercer. Both were delegates to the U. S. Constitutional Convention who refused to sign the final document because it lacked a declaration or bill of rights. Mercer, because of his contributions to the education of his son and nephew, may be a “missing link” to the founding fathers.    (Portrait, Gunston Hall)