Darwin Merritt 1873-1898

MERRITT

Posted By: David Herrington
Date: 9/6/2014 at 22:48:07

15 February 1898
 
DARWIN MERRITT
Died on Maine

VFW Post Here Named for Him

Darwin Merritt is a name that's etched deeply in Red Oak history.

He was the 25-year-old navy lieutenant from Red Oak who failed to answer roll call aboard the battleship Maine in Havana harbor on the morning of Feb. 16, 1898.

Merritt, one of two officers killed when the Maine was blown up and sank by an external mine the night of Feb. 15, had received an appointment to the U.S. naval academy at Annapolis in 1891. He became a cadet commander in the brigade of cadets and made outstanding records both in classes and athletics. He was regular center on the Navy football team and started the 1895 Army game.

His first assignment was aboard the battleship New York. A classmate who had been assigned to the Maine and wanted to be aboard the New York suggested an exchange of orders. The switch was made that sent Darwin Merritt to the Maine--and to death.

In 1911, the remains of Merritt were recovered. Fifteen days later --Aug. 24--his body was returned to Red Oak for burial in Evergreen cemetery.

Governor Carroll and his official staff attended the services here. Several "Annapolis" officers also were on hand. Several thousand townsmen assembled in the cemetery, too, for the final rites.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars past in Red Oak was named Darwin Merritt post. A plaque cast from metal taken from the Maine is set in the cornerstone of the Red Oak post office.

Darwin Merritt was the son of Rev. and Mrs. W. W. Merritt.
 
Submitted by David L. Harrington, Smithville, TX