Daniel MERRITT, farmer, section 7, Athens Township, was born in Belmont County, Ohio, June 5, 1827, son of William J. MERRITT [and Maria (SNEDAKER) MERRITT], an early settler of this county. His early life was passed in assisting on the farm and attending the pioneer schools of his native county. When about twenty years of age he removed to Jackson County.

He was married in February [14], 1850 [Jackson County, Ohio], to Miss E. Jane RICKABAUGH, daughter of Reuben RICKABAUGH. He came to Iowa with his family, first locating on section 17, where he improved eighty acres and resided about twelve years, then removed to Mills County, where he remained three years, then returned to Ringgold County and remained about seven years, thence to the Pacific Coast, living in Oregon and Washington Territories several years. Mrs. MERRITT died in March, 1877. Their living children are -- William R. and Finley Poe. Sarah E. died in 1879.

Mr. MERRITT is one of the old pioneers who has assisted in building the roads, bridges, school-houses and churches, and has always taken an active part in anything pertaining to the advancement of education or religion. By honesty and fair dealing he has secured the confidence of all who know him. Kind and genial in his disposition, he is a true type of the old pioneer. Postoffice, Kellerton.

NOTE: Jane's father Reuben RICKABAUGH, a veteran of the War of 1812, was born circa 1786, and died September 8, 1844, Jackson County, Ohio, with interment at Paine Cemetery, Jackson County, Ohio. Reuben left his land to his Isaac RICKABAUGH, his son from his first marriage. In exchange for the land Isaac was to care for his step-mother who was Jane's mother, Mary (MARTIN) RICKABAUGH, and pay each of his siblings $100. On December 1st, 1857, Mary RICKABAUGH relinquished any interest she had in the land and relieved Isaac of his promise to take care of her. Mary (MARTIN) RICKABAUGH was born in Ohio, and moved to Ringgold County, Iowa, where she married second in 1861 to Joseph STRICKLAND. Mary died in 1863, and was interred at Shaha Cemetery, Ringgold County.

Daniel MERRITT died February 18, 1891 in Oregon. Elizabeth "Jane" (RICKABAUGH) MERRITT was born in 1834, and died March 28, 1877 in Oregon. Daniel and Jane were interred at Merrit Cemetery near Kellerton, Ringgold County, Iowa. Daniel and Jane (RICKABAUGH) MERRIT were the parents of three children:

1) William R. MERRITT
    born 09 Oct 1852, OH; died Mar 1915, Elgin, Wallowa Co. OR
    married 04 Mar 1872, Ringgold Co. IA Nancy A. JACKSON
2) Sarah Etta MERRITT
    born 23 Aug 1856, Ringgold Co. IA; died 26 Nov 1879, Elgin OR
    married 05 Nov 1871, Ringgold Co. IA John Tilford "Til" GALLOWAY
3) Finley Poe MERRITT
    born 08 Feb 1871, Ringgold Co. IA; died 19 Dec 1892, Ringgold Co. IA
    interment Merritt Cemetery, Ringgold Co. IA
    married 20 Jun 1891 Ringgold Co. IA Martha Josephine GRINDROD

SOURCES:
Biography & Historical Record of Ringgold County, Iowa, Pp. 277-78, 1887.

WPA Graves Survey

Transcription and note by Sharon R. Becker, January of 2009

Biographical Sketches Pages Index: A - F,   G - L,   M - R,  S - Z