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         MERIT JAMISON, now deceased, was one of the pioneers who cast his lot in the wilds of Louisa County, Iowa, and aided in its prosperity and upbuilding. He was born in Kentucky, and when a young man went to Ross County, Ohio, where he became acquainted with and married Miss Elizabeth Nicholas, a native of Fauquier County, Va. The young couple began their domestic life in Fayette County, Ohio, where they remained until the spring of 1840, when Mr. Jamison made a trip to what is now known as Louisa County, Iowa. Entering a claim he then returned to his home, and the following autumn, accompanied by his family, took up his permanent residence thereon. In 1842 he erected a brick residence, the first one ever built in Louisa County. His claim consisted of about 800 acres on one of the finest prairies in Louisa County, which, with the aid of his family, he developed into a beautiful farm.

Eight children were born of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Jamison, five sons and three daughters, and of that number four are yet living. The death of Mr. Jamison occurred in 1855, and Mrs. Jamison died seven years previously, in 1848. Politically, he was an old Jackson Democrat. A man of more than ordinary ability, he was well informed on all public affairs of the county, and did much to advance its interests. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, a man of strict integrity and uncompromising Christian principles, and did much toward shaping the character of the community in which he lived. His upright life deservedly won for him a large place in the esteem and affections of all with whom he came in contact, and, although a firm Methodist himself, he thought that others had a right to their beliefs, and had a broad charity for all. His faith in the doctrines and promises of the Bible was unwavering, and never for a moment did he question that it was the revealed will of God. He was one of the original members of the Bethel Church in his neighborhood, and gave liberally, both in money and work, to the erection of a house of worship, but before it was completed he had been called to that land from whence no traveler ever returns. It was supposed that his death was caused from inhaling gases from the lime which he was hauling for the church. While on his death-bed his last request was that his son George should assume management, and see that the building was completed, and nobly did the son fulfill the promise.