Page 615

GEORGE A. MERRIMAN represents two of the well known and distinguished pioneer families of Sangamon County, of which he is a native. He is prominently connected with the agricultural interests of Illinois as an extensive farmer and stock-raiser and is the proprietor of one of the finest farms to be found in the whole State, pleasantly located in William Township, where he makes his home on the old homestead that his father entered many years ago from the Government when it was in its primitive condition.

The birth of our subject was February 2, 1852. His father, George B. Merriman, was born September 8, 1818, in Kentucky, and came to Sangamon County from his early home with his parents in 1829. Here he grew to a vigorous manhood, and when he entered upon an independent career as a farmer on his own account, he obtained a tract of land in this county from the Government. He was more prosperous than was usually the lot of pioneers and became the owner of a large estate, comprising eleven hundred acres of land. He was an enterprising business man and possessed more than ordinary financial talent. He was one of the representative men of the county and had the honor of Abraham Lincoln's friendship. He passed away in 1881, while yet in the midst of his usefulness at the age of sixty-four years. He left behind him a record of a life well spent and his memory is held in great respect as one who was a potent factor in developing the county. He was a member of the Christian Church and its high principles were the guiding precepts of his life. The paternal grandfather of our subject, Reuben Merriman, emigrated from Kentucky his early home, to Sangamon County in 1829, coming hither in a wagon. He entered land and was among the very first settlers of the county.

The mother of our subject was Maria L. Dawson prior to her marriage. She was a native of Kentucky, born July 15, 1822, and a daughter of the Hon. John and Carry R. (Jones) Dawson, natives respectively of Virginia and Kentucky. They came to Sangamon County in 1827 with horses and wagons and located in Clear Creek Township, where Mr. Dawson purchased a large tract of land. He became one of the foremost citizens of this part of Illinois and was a conspicuous figure in the public life of the county and State for many years. He fought in the War of 1812, was wounded at the Battle of River Raisin and carried a ball in his side until death. At that battle he was captured by the enemy and was taken as a prisoner to Canada by the Indians, from whom his friends subsequently ransomed him. He also took part in the Black Hawk War and was captain of a company from this county.

Mr. Dawson represented Sangamon County in the Legislature several times. He was first elected as a member of that honorable body in 1831, for a period of two years. He was again elected in 1835 and was re-elected for several consecutive terms until 1840. He was very influential in the councils of his fellow-legislators and was one of the famous "Long Nine," among whom was Abraham Lincoln, who were noted men, famous for their physical structure, brawn and brain. Mr. Dawson was active in securing the removal of the capital from Vandalia to Springfield and he was also a member of the convention that framed the State Constitution of 1848. He was at one time County Commissioner and held other offices of trust and responsibility. He was one of the leading Whigs of this section of the country. In his death in 1850, in the fifty-ninth year of his age, the county sustained a great loss as then one of its most honored pioneers and useful citizens passed away. His wife died in 1876 at the venerable age of seventy-seven years. Both were members of the Christian Church. They were the parents of ten children, six daughters and four sons, of whom four daughters are living. Among them is the mother of our subject, who is a tall handsome and exceedingly intelligent woman. She is a noble type of the pioneer woman of the early days of the settlement of this county, who by their presence, constant cheerfulness and self-abnegation in the time of hardship and trial, inspired and encouraged their fathers, brothers or husbands in the great work upon which they had entered of developing the wild country about them. She is a zealous member of the Christian Church, and is the mother of six children all of whom are living and have been trained by her to honorable lives.

George A. Merriman, of this biographical review, received a good common school education and early became of great assistance to his father in the management of his affairs, becoming his right hand man as it were, even while a boy. Since his father's death he has had charge of the large estate that he left, and has so managed it that as to greatly increase its value. It comprises six hundred and eighty-two acres of as good land as can be found in the State, all under excellent cultivation and supplied with substantial improvements. The old homestead on which he lives is one of the most attractive places in the township. The dwelling house is a veritable mansion, handsomely and tastefully furnished, surrounded by stately shade trees, and its lawns beautifully laid out with beds of flowers. Mr. Merriman is an extensive farmer and stock-raiser, making a specialty of breeding pure-blooded roadsters, and is the owner of several fine horses which have good records as regards the speed and endurance. Mr. Merriman is a man of sound understanding and possesses business talent and executive ability of an order that places him high in financial circles. He has decided opinions of his own on all topics of public interest, and as regards politics, is a Republican to the core.

To the lady who presides so gracefully over his beautiful home and assists him in dispensing its charming hospitalities, Mr. Merriman was united in marriage May 23, 1883. Mrs. Merriman was formerly Mary E. Thompson, a native of Oregon, and a daughter of Alfred F. and Mary J. (Hussey) Thompson. Her father was a farmer and died in this county in 1884. Mrs. Merriman possesses many pleasant personal attributes that have won her many friends, and she is a true member of the Christian Church.