Transcription contributed by Arne H Trelvik 20 Aug 2005

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952

W. R. MERRILL, carpenter, P. O., Murdock, was born in Brown Co., O., April 21, 1836, and is a son of Reuben Merrill. Our subject was reared on the farm in Goshen Township, in Clermont Co., O. At the age of eighteen he began his trade, and served as a regular apprentice under John Schuyler. In September, 1860, he went to Liberty County, Texas, on the Trinity river, where he followed his trade, doing bridge work for a while. In April, 1862, he was conscripted into the C. S. A. Service, Company I, 25th Texas Cavalry, under Capt. E. B. Pickett. Saw active service principally in Arkansas. Was captured at Arkansas Post in 1863, January, and sent north to Camp Butler at Springfield, Ill., where, April 1, he took the oath of allegiance and returned to Cleremont Co., O. Soon after he enlisted in the Ohio State Militia, and of a Company was made First Lieutenant, and soon after Captain. He participated in the celebrated John Morgan chase. September 10, 1863, he was married to Cynthia, a daughter of A. J. Walker. In 1866 he purchased land where he now lives, but has followed his trade almost exclusively. To Mr. and Mrs. M. five children have been born, four of whom are living, viz: Clifton W., Hattie L., Leah M. and Myrtle M. Curtis, deceased. In his district he has been supervisor and school director for a number of years, and is a member of the Emery Lodge No. 558, F. & A. M. He and his estimable wife are also exemplary members of the Bethel Church, in which he has been a deacon for about ten or eleven years.