Morris S. Merriam was a youth in his teens when he heard and heeded the call of the new world, crossing the Atlantic in 1890. From that time forward he has improved the opportunities which have come to him and has steadily worked his way upward from a humble position in the business world until he is now owner of a profitable business, being proprietor of the Model Laundry of New Haven. He was born in Minsk, Russia, July 23, 1874. His father, Nathan Merriam, also a native of that country, was for a considerable period successfully engaged in the manufacture of turpentine but is now living retired in his native land. He married Naomi Levitt, who died in Russia in 1915 at the age of seventy-two years. She was the mother of eight children, four of whom are living.

     Morris S. Merriam was the fourth in order of birth in that family. He acquired his education under the instruction of private tutors and started out to earn his own living when nineteen years of age. His first employment following his arrival in America was secured in New York city, where he engaged in the news business, remaining successfully in that field for five years. He then removed to New Haven, where he continued in the same line, carrying and distributing daily papers. In 1913 he purchased his present business from George Hanson, who was the owner of the Model Laundry, which had been originally established by a Mr. Practor. Since coming into possession of this property Mr. Merriam has built up a business of large and gratifying proportions, developing one of the leading laundries of the city. In point of wet wash it is among the very first in New Haven. His plant is a large and well equipped one, the building being one hundred and forty by thirty feet, and he employs ten people. He utilizes three wagons and an auto truck in delivery and collection. The business has shown a thirty per cent annual increase since he took charge, a fact which is indicative of the enterprise, careful management and keen business discernment of the present owner. Mr. Merriam is also financially interested to a considerable extent in real estate in New Haven, where he has some valuable property, including his laundry plant. He has firm faith in the future of New Haven and therefore does not hesitate to make investment in its realty.

     On the 24th of December, 1899, in New York city, Mr. Merriam was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Petrofsky, a native of Russia and a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Max Petrofsky. They are the parents of three children, Jacob, Sarah and Rose, all of whom were born in New Haven.

     Mr. Merriam is identified with the Yale Lodge branch of the B’nai Abraham and he is a member of the Hebrew church. He deserves much credit for what he has accomplished, for when he landed in America he had a cash capital of but six dollars and seventy-five cent. With that small sum he made his start in the new world and has gradually worked his way upward, utilizing every opportunity leading to progress. He is today one of the well-to-do citizens of New Haven and his course should serve to inspire and encourage others, showing what may be accomplished when there is a will to dare and to do.