Biographical and historical record of Adams and Wells counties, Indiana. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1887. p. 805.
JAMES M. MERRIMAN, a pioneer of Liberty Township, was born in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, December 23, 1814. His father, Elijah Merriman, was born in 1788, and his mother, Mary (McCoy) Merriman, was born in 1792. The father was a native of Maryland, and a son of William Merriman, who was born in 1756. The mother was a daughter of John McCoy, who was a native of Pennsylvania and of Irish parentage. The parents removed to Wayne County, Ohio, in 1816, where our subject passed his youth in helping to clear the farm and in attending the common and subscription schools. He helped to hew the logs for the school-house in which he was educated. He was married April 6, 1847, to Miss Ann Tracy, daughter of George and Leah (McCoy) Tracy, who was born in Wayne County, Ohio, February 8, 1818; the parents were natives of Pennsylvania. In 1836 Mr. Merriman came to Indiana, where he entered eighty acres of land in Huntington County, then returned to Wayne County. In October, 1839, he removed his wife and one child to Wells County, and entered 160 acres of land on section 20, Liberty Township, where he began clearing and making a home. This was previous to the organization of the township, and there were no roads. He endured all the hardships and privations incident to the pioneer. Mr. and Mrs. Merriman are the parents of eleven children -Samantha, wife of Ruel Wright, of Huntington County; Mahala, wife of George McHaley, of Liberty Township; Bance, of Smith County, Kansas; John, of Liberty Township; Tracy, also a resident of Liberty Township; Dallas, a resident of Huntington County; Jasper and George O., of Liberty Township; Annie, wife of Asbury Luce; Mary Leah, now Mrs. Heckman, and Alfred, who lives at home. Mr. Merriman has served as township trustee, township treasurer, and held the office of magistrate fourteen years. Mrs. [sic] Merriman is a member of the Christian church, and in politics he is a Democrat. He owns 270 acres of excellent land, all in a good state of cultivation.

The Warren Republican
Thursday, March 5, 1896

James Merriman, an old and well respected resident of Wells county, died at his home near Liberty Center last Thursday night. His age was about 83 years.

Funeral services were held at Liberty Center on Saturday and interment was in the Mossburg Cemetery.

Courtesy Dorie B.