William Merryweather biography

William Merryweather

William Merryweather, son of Thomas and Elizabeth Merryweather, was born in Froddingham, Yorkshire, England, January 11, 1811. He is the youngest of a family of six children, of whom he is the only one known to be living. His father was a native of Wales, and his mother of England. His father's occupation was that of a dredger. His mother died in 1816, and his father in 1882.

William lived with his parents until he was eleven years of age, when he was compelled to earn his own living. He hired out at first as a farm hand, receiving for his first year's work his board only.

He came to the United States in the year 1831, and landed in New York City June 1 of that year.

His educational advantages were very poor, having attended school but a small portion of the time, from six to eleven years of age.

After his arrival in this country, he first settled at Wilmington, Del., where he had a brother living, and remained there until 1836. During his stay with his brother, he worked part of the time in a spice mill, and part of the time on the farm.

He came to Richmond, Wayne Co., Ind., on the 10th of May, 1836. After hiring out as a farm hand for one year, he rented a farm, receiving one-third of what he raised, and continued to rent upon the same terms for five years.

He came to Randolph County in the year 1842, and settled on a farm one mile from where he now resides. He leased eighty acres of land with nine acres cleared and remained there for three years, when he purchased eighty acres of the farm he now owns, with two acres cleared, a log cabin and a few fruit trees as improvements. His farm now consists of 160 acres, with 130 under cultivation. A portion of his farm is quite rolling, healthfully and beautifully located, with a fine quality of soil. He has selected a beautiful site for his farm buildings, being a commanding knoll in close proximity to a fine spring, and surrounded with abundant shade. His buildings are large and convenient, and present a picturesque scene. Mr. Merryweather has one of the best stock farms in this county.

He was united in marriage to Hannah Tharp, daughter of George and Rebecca Tharp, of England, in Philadelphia, August 16, 1831, who still survives, and has been a true and faithful companion to her husband.

Mr. and Mrs. Merryweather are the parents of nine children, of whom five are now living. Three of these children are married, and comfortably situated in this county. The unmarried ones reside at the old homestead. These children are all honored and useful citizens.

Their son, John, enlisted as a soldier in 1862, in the Eighty-fourth Regiment, Company A. He was a gallant soldier, and was engaged in all of the battles of his regiment with the exception of Chickamauga. He was wounded at the battle of Lovejoy, and was, for a time, in the hospital at Nashville. He served until the close of the war, and was mustered out with his regiment.

Mr. and Mrs. Merryweather are not members of any church, but are regular attendants at the meetings of the Society of Friends.Mr. M. is a stanch Republican, and has served his county frequently for a great many years as juror.

This excellent and honored family lead a quiet and frugal life. They are well situated, being surrounded by all is necessary to make them comfortable and happy. They are honored and useful members of society, and are well known throughout the county for their unlimited hospitality.

Mr. Merryweather has an excellent memory, and takes great delight in recounting his experience in his younger days, both in England and the United States.