Biographical Sketch of C. A. Merrill, St. Joseph, Buchanan County, MO

>From "History of Buchanan County, Missouri, Published 1881, St. Joseph
Steam Printing Company, Printers, Binders, Etc., St. Joseph, Missouri.
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C. A. Merrill, engineer on the Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad, was 
born in Androscoggin County, Maine, December 1, 1842, and was there
brought up and educated.  At the breaking out of the rebellion, in
1861, he displayed that patriotism characteristic of his native state,
by enlisting in the three months' call, and served until the close of
the war.  He participated in the first battle of Bull Run, was in the
first expedition to the gulf, and at the capture of New Orleans, the
bombardment of Fort Phillip, and also with General Banks on his famous
Red River expedition.  He participated in all the principal engagements
in the Shenandoah Valley and the majority of the hard fought battles of
the rebellion.  Passing through the usual routine of promotion, he was
mustered out as a Second Lieutenant.  He received seven wounds, some
of which were painful, but none serious.  He had two brothers, also in
the service, David V. and Joseph S.  The former was a Sergeant, and was
killed at the battle of Mount Bermuda.  Joseph S. was a First Lieuten-
ant, and was discharged before the close of the war on account of 
wounds received while discharging his duty, from the effects of which
he died soon after returning home.  Mr. Merrill did his part towards
suppressing the rebellion, and as a testimonial, Governor Joshua Cham-
berlain, of Maine, presented him with a memorial, signed by the members
of the Legislature, for meritous conduct and bravery.  In 1867, he came
west, locating in Hannibal, Missouri, and engaged on the Hannibal &
St. Joseph Railroad in the bridge department.  Being a carpenter by 
trade, was soon superintendent of bridges, and continued in this line
of work for several years, after which he went in the train service,
remaining until 1875, when he became assistant yard master with the
Kansas City, St. Joseph & Council Bluffs Railroad Co. in St. Joseph,
holding this position until April, 1881.  He was married December 24,
1868, to Miss Josie A. Lewis, daughter of Hon. John B. Lewis, of
Hannibal, Missouri, her father being a prominent attorney of that
city.  By this union they have one daughter, Lurah A.  Mr. Merrill is
a member of the I.O.O.F. Encampment, and the K. or P., Apollo Lodge,
Hannibal.

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