James Edward Melson, Sr. was a twin. His twin was Emma Melson Lane. On his October 1882 birth certificate from Philadelphia, it says his name was Robert J. Melson. We can only assume it was Robert James Melson. And somewhere in time he changed it to James Eward Melson!

James Edward Melson, Sr. was the general superintendent of the Marlin Rockwell Company in Plainville, Connecticut. His company helped make ball bearing used in World War II, including some B-24 bombers. One crew autographed a photo during a visit to the company.