The late
Elijah Merritt, who died in Simcoe on Friday, April 14th, 1899, in the
81st year of his age, removed another of the old and worthy citizens
of Townsend.
He was born in Townsend on the
old Merritt farm on the 11th concession, April 2nd, 1819.
His
father, Isaac Merritt, was one of the early settlers of Norfolk,
having come from Catskill, near New York, and was a U.E. Loyalist.
His mother's name was Susan Beemer, an aunt of Mr. John Beemer of
Colborne.
There were
three boys and four girls in the family. The late Dr. Merritt of
Waterford was a brother of the deceased. A sister in Kansas and a
brother and sister in Michigan are the only surviving members of the
family.
Mr. Merritt was
one of the successful farmers of Townsend until advanced years and ill
health compelled him to retire.
During his three years residence in
Simcoe he has been in feeble health. A few weeks ago he was stricken with paralysis, which terminated in death.
The
remains were interred in Greenwood cemetery, Waterford, on Sunday,
April 16th. Mrs. Merritt and the other members of the family have the
sincere sympathy of many friends.
