ANDREW JACKSON MERRITT

MERRITT, STRICKLAND, BENSON

Posted By: Sharon R. Becker (email)
Date: 11/17/2008 at 16:30:44

ANDREW JACKSON MERRITT

Biographical and Historical Record of Ringgold and Decatur Counties, Iowa
Lewis Publishing Company, 1887. pp. 282 - 283.

"Andrew Jackson MERRITT, farmer, section 20, Athens Township, is one of the oldest pioneers living in the township. He is a native of Morgan County, Ohio, where he was born December 16, 1832, son of William J. Merritt, deceased, a well-known pioneer of this county. He resided in his native county until fifteen years of age, then removed to Jackson County with his family, where he grew to manhood. He received his education in the common schools, and assisted in the work of the farm.

In the fall of 1853 he came to Iowa, spending the first winter in Washington County, and the spring following removed to Keokuk County, and in the spring of 1855 came to Ringgold County, and settled in Athens Township.

He was united in marriage April 5, 1858, with Miss Matilda Strickland, born in Coles County, Illinois, November 5, 1840, daughter of S. C. and Sarah (Benson) Strickland. She was left an orphan at an early age, and was reared by Joseph Strickland, who came to Decatur County in 1854.

After his marriage Mr. Merritt located on section 17, which was partly improved. A log cabin had been built and a few acres had been broken. After living here one year he removed to section 16, on school land, and from there to section 27, where he resided about three years, then removed to section 6, Riley Township. In 1870 he came to his present farm, which had been improved by Andy Foster, and here he has since resided. His farm contains 120 acres, and is in a good state of cultivation, and well improved. He also owns 160 acres on section 17, and sixty-two acres on section 7, twenty acres of timber land on section 36, of Poe Township, making a total of 322 acres.

Mr. and Mrs. Merritt have three children living -- Joseph F., Martha Ella, and Andrew Clayton. Mary Alice is deceased. Mr. Merritt has always taken an active interest in anything that promotes the welfare of the community in which he lives, and is classed among the best citizens of the county, where he has so long resided. Postoffice, Kellerton."

Submitted to the Ringgold County IAGenWeb Project by Christy Jay, email: Jaygenie@aol.com