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         JOHN L. MERRILL, a merchant of Columbus Junction, Iowa, was born at Lisbon, Grafton Co., N. H., March 11, 1831, and his parents were Peter and Hannah (Locke) Merrill. His father was born in Vermont, and was of English descent, while his mother, who was a native of New Hampshire, was a lineal descendant of the historic family of that name of the original Plymouth Colony, her ancestors having come from England to America in 1636.

Mr. Merrill’s parents removed to the town of Craftsbury, Orleans Co., Vt., where he was reared on a farm, and on the 15th of October, 1855, at Albany, Vt., he was united in marriage with Miss Alice M. Hight, a daughter of John N. Hight, who was a native of that city. Mr. Merrill and his young bride left for the West on their wedding day, and came to Columbus City Township, Louisa County, locating upon a farm which he had made a trip to purchase the previous spring, and prepared for their reception. They continued to make that their home for many years, and there five children were born to them, one son and four daughters, all living with the exception of one daughter: Flora, the eldest, is the wife of Theodore Himmelreich, and lives on the old homestead; Emma L. died in February, 1864, aged three and a half years; Willie A. is engaged with his father in the store; Nettie E. and Ida A. are with their parents.

Mr. Merrill continued farming until the autumn of 1873, when, having been elected County Treasurer, he entered upon the duties of his office Jan. 1, 1874, serving two years. On the 16th of June of the following year, he moved his family to Columbus Junction, where he has since resided, and in April, 1879, embarked in his present business, dealing in groceries, provisions and queensware, though still retaining his ownership of the farm. In addition to his official service as County Treasurer, he has held various minor offices, such as that of member of the Town Council, and of the School Board, of which he has served as President for several years. Mr. Merrill also owns a third interest in the Marsden Horse Company. His farm in Columbus City Township contains 130 acres, while he has twenty-two lots where he resides, and two lots at his place of business. His mother died in the east, and his father afterward marrying, came to Columbus City Township, where his death occurred Oct. 8, 1864. Four of his sons were soldiers of the late war, one of whom gave his life in defense of the Union.

Mr. Merrill is a Republican in politics, and a member of Columbus Junction Lodge No. 10, A. O. U. W. He is one of the prominent business men of Columbus Junction, and is highly respected throughout Louisa County.