On August 14, 1862, Reese Merrick enlisted in the 21st Infantry Company K in Hopkinton, Delaware Co., IA at the age of 42.  He mustered into the Union Army on August 23, 1862.

He participated in the Battle of Port Gibson in Mississippi and at Champion's Hill.

On May 17, 1863, Reese was wounded in the Battle of Big Black River Bridge, Mississippi. His leg was amputated and he died of these wounds on May 22, 1863.

Reese's survivors included his wife Sarah Wragg, daughters Jennetta and Elizabeth as well as his 2 sons Willard "Frank" and Henry.

NOTE:   

    There is a monument on the Lenox College campus in the town of Hopkinton that commemorates Reece Merrick and the names of others who gave their lives for the preservation of the Union. It is said that this monument cost over fifteen hundred dollars and was dedicated November 17, 1865, if this date is correct it would make it the oldest monument in Iowa and possibly in the entire United States. Inscribed on this monument is the following: 

   “In all, ninety-two students of this school enlisted during the war, a larger proportion than from any other school in this state."

Reese is the 3rd great grandfather of Thomas F. Fox.