George W. Merrill (biography)

[genealogynut]

Taken from History of the State of Kansas, by William G. Cutler


GEORGE W. MERRILL, merchant, was born in Troy, N.Y., in 1836, but was raised in Bradford County, Penn., until eight years of age, when his parents migrated to Lake County, Ind., where he remained most of the time until he came to Kansas.  In 1862, enlisted in the Ninety-ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, serving three years, and was with Sherman in his march to the sea, tramping some 4,000 miles in all.  Was wounded in 1863, during the Atlanta campaign.  In 1870, migrated to Kansas, locating in Howard County, and took a claim on the Caney river.  After remaining there two or three years, he went into the stock business on the Middle Caney, remaining there five years, then sold out and came to Moline in 1880, and put in the first stock of goods in the place, consisting of drugs and notions, has increased his trade about 400 percent, and has a business started which will continue to improve, as he is a good business man, and works on a cash basis.  Has handled real estate to some extent since he has been here.  Is a genial gentleman, whom the prople like to trade with.  Is a member of Lake Lodge, No. 157, A.F. & A. M..