Edwin Atkins Merritt
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Edward Atkins Merritt | |
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Town Supervisor of Pierrepont, New York | |
In office 1854–1857 | |
Preceded by | Peter F. Ryerson |
Succeeded by | Benjamin F. Hamilton |
Personal details | |
Born | Sudbury, Vermont, US | February 26, 1828
Died | December 26, 1916 Potsdam, New York, US | (aged 88)
Resting place | Pierrepont Hill Cemetery, Pierrepont, New York |
Political party | Republican |
Spouse | Eliza Rich (m. 1858) |
Relations | Edwin Albert Merritt (son) |
Occupation | Teacher Surveyor Engineer Public official |
Military service | |
Branch/service | Union Army New York Militia |
Years of service | 1861–1864 (Army) 1865-1869 (Militia) |
Rank | Captain (Army) Brigadier general (Militia) |
Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Edwin Atkins Merritt (February 26, 1828 – December 26, 1916) was an American politician, civil service reformer and diplomat. He served as a Union Army officer in the American Civil War, and was a brigadier general in the New York Militia. In addition, he served in the New York State Assembly, and held the appointive post of Collector of the Port of New York.
Life
Edwin A. Merritt was born in Sudbury, Vermont, on February 26, 1828, the son of Nodiah Merritt and Relief (Parker) Merritt. He was raised and educated in Essex County, New York, and attended St. Lawrence Academy to receive his teaching qualification. In addition to teaching, Merritt also worked as a surveyor and engineer.
From 1854 to 1857, Merritt was
During the
In April 1865, Merritt was New York's official representative at the
In 1871, he declined appointment as
Long interested in higher education, Merritt was a trustee of St. Lawrence University and Clarkson University, and was active in the creation of what is now the State University of New York at Potsdam. Merritt died in Potsdam, New York, on December 26, 1916. He was buried at Pierrepont Hill Cemetery in Pierrepont.
Family
In 1858, Merritt married Eliza Rich of Pierrepont. Their son Edwin Albert Merritt was a Congressman from New York.
References
- "General Edwin A. Merritt" (PDF). New York Times. December 27, 1916. Retrieved November 21, 2010.
- "Index to Politicians: Merritt". The Political Graveyard. Retrieved November 21, 2010.