MERRICK, Samuel 1878-1937

MERRICK, LARSON

Posted By: Betty Hootman-Volunteer
Date: 3/9/2014 at 14:14:33

Samuel Merrick, son of Legrand and Pemma Merrick, was born in Van Buren County, on June 24, 1878, on a farm northwest of Farmington, on the present Lee Zane place. He was the second youngest of seven children. He attended the Webster Ridge School and later attended Farmington High School. At the age of 18 he realized his need of the Savior and accepted Him, and was united with the Baptist Church of Farmington, on December 11, 1896. Like his father, he, too, filled the office of decon(sic) of the Church, faithfully serving this position for 14 years. He also served as Trustee several different times, always see that the Baptistry was made ready for the new candidate.

He was married to Effie Ellen Larson on December 3, 1907, in Farmington at the Baptist parsonage, by Rev. Wilkens. To this union was born four sons. At a very unexpected moment, he passed away at his home in Farmington, on January 1, 1937, about 6:15 p.m. at the age of 58 years, 6 months and 8 days. He leaves to mourn his going, his wife, Effie Larson Merrick; his four sons, Kenneth Raymond, Frank Denzle, Milo Larson and Vernon Maurice, all of Chicago, Ill.; his sister, Ruth Merrick of Farmington; and four brothers, T. W. Merrick, Centralia, Washington, Oren Merrick, Wellington, Kansas; F. M. Merrick, Baldwin Park, California; B. S. Merrick, Des Moines, besides a host of relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by a brother, Rufus Emerson, who died in infancy, and his mother and father.

He had made many, many friends, and was well thought of by all who knew him. Especially was he endeared to his fellow brothers and sisters in the Lord. He will be deeply mourned by both his family and the community, for in his life he radiated a jolly and kind spirit to with whom he came in contact.

The funeral was held in the First Baptist Church, Farmington, on Monday, January 4, 1937 at 2:30 p.m. being conducted by his pastor, Rev. M. R. Rogers, assisted by two former pastors, Rev. J. V. Wright of Mediapolis, Iowa and Rev. J. A. Cochran, Lockridge, Iowa. A portion of the 14th chapter of John was read, which was one of his favorite portions. The message “The Right Road Home” was taken from John 14:6. Three hymns “The City Foursquare”, “When They Ring the Golden Bells” and “Some Bright Morning” were sung by Mr. Harold Page from LaFollette, Harold Shriver and Bob Page, being assisted at the piano by Mrs. Carrie Boyer. Burial was at the Farmington cemetery.

**Hand written along the side “cousin of F. Cummings”

Source: Scrapbook of Unknown Origin, page 90