BIO: David R. Merkel, Cumberland County, PA

Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Judy Bookwalter

Copyright 2010.  All rights reserved.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/cumberland/
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History of Cumberland and Adams Counties, Pennsylvania.
Containing History of the Counties, Their Townships, Towns, Villages, 
Schools, Churches, Industries, Etc.; Portraits of Early Settlers and 
Prominent Men; Biographies; History of Pennsylvania; Statistical and 
Miscellaneous Matter, Etc., Etc.  Illustrated.  Chicago: Warner, Beers 
& Co., 1886.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/cumberland/beers/beers.htm
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                                PART II.

             HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA.

                             CHAPTER XLII.

                        BOROUGH OF SHIREMANSTOWN.

457 	BOROUGH OF SHIREMANSTOWN.

  DAVID R. MERKEL, farmer (son of Levi Merkel, whose sketch see), P. O. 
Shiremanstown, was born in the year 1835, on the farm on which he now 
lives, and which was purchased and occupied by his grandfather, Jacob 
Merkel, in 1804, and has been in the family ever since.  Jacob Merkel 
built a house on the opposite side of the road to that on which D. R. 
Merkel's new residence stands, and in 1812 built a stone barn, which is 
still in use and in perfect condition.  With the exception of the time 
spent in school, D. R. Merkel lived on this farm until 1866, at which 
time he removed to the borough of York, Penn., where he was professor 
of music in the Cottage Hill Female College for five years.  His health 
failing he returned to the farm, remaining three years.  He then went 
to Elmira, N. Y., and engaged in music-teaching for the succeeding six 
years, after which he returned to the farm, which he now owns, and 
which he is making a model place.  He is a progressive gentleman, quick 
to adopt the best methods of obtaining desirable results, and his 
success is evidenced by his surroundings.  He was married, in 1857, to 
Miss Sarah J., daughter of Samuel Eberly, formerly of Hampden Township, 
this county.  They have one child, Romaine, married to M. W. Jacobs, 
Esq., attorney and counselor, of Harrisburg, Penn.  D. R. Merkel has 
never held any office except that of school director, which was forced 
upon him.  His whole time and attention is given to agricultural 
pursuits, for which he has a genuine love.  In personal character Mr. 
Merkel stands high, and shows himself a worthy son of his illustrious 
father.