James Henry Merriott 1864-1944

MERRIOTT, PICKELL

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 1/6/2012 at 22:00:54

J.H. Merriott, 80, early settler of Emmet county, passed to his reward Sunday [July 30, 1944] afternoon of heart disease from which he had been suffering. Born July 4, 1864 at Fredericksburg, Mr. Marriott had resided in Emmet county since 1886 and had innumerable friends.

Funeral services were held Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. at the Methodist church with the Rev. Cecil Semans officiating. Burial was made in the East Side cemetery.

James Merriott was born July 4, 1864 in Fredericksburg, Iowa where he lived until he was 14 years old. From there he went to Williamstown, Iowa and worked in a store for two years. Then he went to Fredericka, Iowa. It was there that he was united in marriage to Eugenia Pickell on July 1st, 1884. Two children came to bless their home, Leroy A. and Laura Dell, but they were permitted to have little Laura Dell for only 8 years. Her going away was a severe blow to her father, and their reunion now is an answer to a deep desire of his life. The mother had gone to greet her daughter in 1932.

The Merriotts were well known in Emmet county for many years, having come to settle near Swan Lake in 1888 and having lived in this county since that time. They had moved to Gruver after the death of little Laura, and here Mr. Merriott operated a livery stable for many years. He was then Highway Maintainer for many years. He did this work with his favorite mules.

At the age of 65 he had reached the retirement age, but he had 15 more years allotted to his long span of life. He often expressed the wish that he might live through July 4th, this year, when he would be 80 years of age. That wish was fulfilled. Another desire of his was that he might live to see the end of this war. This wish was not granted, but it does give us an insight into the type of man he was.

Mr. Merriott was an ardent Methodist, never missing a service on Sunday morning as long as his strength would permit him to attend. He loved his Bible. (Vindicator and Republican, Estherville, IA, August 3, 1944)