Mr. Merritt was born in Sandy Hook, Newtown, Fairfield Co., Conn., June 24, 1806, which made him in his eighty-first year at the time of his death. He came to Medina in November, 1833, and for several years was engaged as clerk for Chase & Britt, on the canal dock. In 1840 he bought and operated the flouring mill now occupied by B.A. Gilbert. After selling the mill, he retired from active business.

He was married April 21, 1840 to Cynthia P. Loomis, of Clarkson, Monroe Co., N.Y., a half sister to B.C. Blake. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Merritt, four sons, Chas. J. of Chicago, Henry S. of Elkader, Iowa, Lee W., of Medina and one that died in infancy. Their three daughters are Julia, Cynthia A., and H. Elsie, of Medina.

He leaves behind his grief stricken widow and children an aged sister, Mrs. Julia M. Johnson, of Newtown, Conn., who is the last member of his father's family. He built the house where he died in 1841, and with the assistance of Adam Garter, as surveyor, laid out, platted and mapped Boxwood Cemetery.

He was baptized in Trinity Church, Newtown, Conn., and was a regular attendant at St. John's church in this village. He was for several years a member of the vestry and was looking forward with pleasure to the semi-centennial of the church, he having been here at its consecration.

He served several terms as Trustee, Board of Education. Other elective offices in the county he was repeatedly requested to accept, but declined to do so.

He set out the first shade trees that were ever placed in the streets of Medina. He was a member of the first Fire Co., organized here. His reputation as a practical business man together with his undoubted integrity made him subject to many calls from residents to settle their estates. His death was not the result of disease, but of the gradual giving away of the system that attends old age.