GEORGE F. MERRYMAN
Arizona, The Youngest State, 1913, pg 633

George F. Merryman, deceased, who was one of the well known 
business men of Phoenix, was born near Indianapolis, Indiana, 
May 23, 1855.  His birth occurred on the family homestead which 
had been taken up as government land in the time of Andrew 
Jackson.  The father operated this property as a large stock 
farm and was known as one of the most prominent and successful 
agriculturalists in his locality. He was also prominent in 
politics, taking an active part in the promotion of all 
measures and projects for the community good. He died in 
Indiana, on the old homestead at the age of eighty five. 
His wife, who was in her maidenhood Miss Mary Delzell, was 
a representative of a Pennsylvania family, members of which 
went overland to Indiana by wagon.

George F. Merryman was born and reared upon his father's 
homestead and in his childhood aided in its operation. His 
early education was begun in the country school near the 
home and later he finished his education in Indianapolis.  
In 1891 he went west to California, locating near Los 
Angeles, where he took charge of a large lemon orchard.  
Following this he turned his attention to the undertaking 
business in partnership with Dexter Samson of Los Angeles 
and he soon gained a gratifying degree of success in this 
field of activity.  

On the 8th of February 1899 he removed to Phoenix where he 
became associated with William A. Davis in the undertaking 
business at 24 West Jefferson Street.  One year later he 
purchased Mr. Davis' interest and moved the establishment 
to the O'Neill building at 144 West Adams Street, where he 
continued until December 1, 1909.  In that year he moved 
into the parlors designed especially for him at 124 North 
Second Avenue.  The establishment is the best of its kind 
in the state, being modern in all respects and having 
complete up-to-date equipment, including a chapel and auto 
hearse.  Mr. Merryman continued active in the business 
until his death, which occurred August 24, 1913 and was 
buried in the old family cemetery "Crown Hill" at 
Indianapolis, Indiana.  Since Mr. Merryman's death Mrs. 
Merryman had continued the business under the name of 
George F. Merryman Company and has several able assistants.

On the 17th of April 1894, Mr. Merryman was united in 
marriage to Miss Holland Leach, a daughter of J.C. and 
Susan J. (Rhal) Leach. Mr. Merryman attended the Episcopal 
Church and was an active thirty second degree Scottish Rite 
Mason.

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