Alfred Merrell of Texas County, Missouri

Alfred Merrell (deceased) was born in North Carolina May 26, 1818, and was there reared to manhood and married, his union being to Miss Margaret Canoy, who was also born in North Carolina, September 20, 1820. They resided in their native State until 1837, then emigrated westward, and settled in Pulaski County, Mo., where they made their home for twenty years, then coming to Texas County, where he died on the 28th of January, 1865. He learned the cooper’s trade in early life, but throughout his later career gave the most of his attention to farming. Previous to the war he had voted the Democratic ticket, but he afterward supported the principles of the Republican party. His wife was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and she and Mr. Merrell became the parents of seven sons, only three of whom are living at the present time. The youngest, John, was born in Phelps County, February 20, 1849, and received no educational advantages whatever in his youth, never having learned to read or write. He made his home with his mother until August 17, 1873, when he was married to America C. Collins, a native of Texas County, born August 16, 1853, by whom he has eight children: Eleanor, Mary, Alfred, Louisa F., John, Philip, Margaret M. and George M. Since 1881 he has resided on his present farm of 165 acres, where he has acquired an excellent reputation as a farmer and stock raiser. He is a Democrat; his wife belongs to the Missionary Baptist Church.