Subject: Benjamin Wheeler Merriam

Source:  Groton Historical Series by Dr. Samuel A. Green Vol II, 1890
         p.347  

Submitter:  Janice Farnsworth

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               BENJAMIN WHEELER MERRIAM

The following obituary notice is taken from "The New York Times,"
Saturday, April 26, 1884. (No. VII. page 8), for a reference to Mr.
Merriam and his place of business at Groton, Mass.   He attended school
at Groton Academy in the year 1821.

"Benjamin W. Merriam, one of the oldest and most widely known merchants
of this city, died in his residence, No. 312 Fifth Avenue, early yesterday 
morning, after being confined to his bed with Bright's dis-
ease of the kidneys for four weeks.   He leaves four daughters, two of
whom are widows, and one son.   

Mr. Merriam was born in Mason, New Hampshire on May 6, 1803 and he 
passed his boyhood days in his native town.  In 1823, when 20 years old, he 
went to Groton, Mass., where he established himself as a dry
goods merchant.  His business increased and in 10 years he succeeded 
in amassing a capital which he thought large enough to embark in busi-
ness in New York.

He came here in 1830 and began to import mirrors and glass.  His first
ventures were successful, and the house of which he was the head grew
rapidly in importance.  His stores were downtown, on Chatham Square and
Chatham Street, for the first 30 years of his career, but in 1864 the
business was removed to No. 577 Broadway, where it still continues.

During his 50 years of mercantile life in this city, Mr. Merriam devoted 
a large share of his attention to real estate, making many in-
vestments which proved very profitable.  He early realized that the
tendency of population was uptown, and in 1854 he built the house in
which he died yesterday, and where he resided for 30 years.

Mr. Merriam was the4 last of the original founders of the Chatham
National Bank, of which he continued to be a Director until his death.
He was a member of the New England and Historical Societies, and be-
longed to the Madison Square Presbyterian Church for 25 years.  He lived a 
very quiet and retired life, but was highly esteemed by the large circle of 
business friends with whom he came in contact.  The
funeral services will be held at the house on Monday at 10 a.m."


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