Jesse Merrill-- Part 4: Obituary

GENERAL JESSE MERRILL

General John Jesse Merrill died at his home in Lock Haven on Saturday night last, of paralysis.  General Merrill was born  in New Berlin and was the son of the late James Merrill and was sixty-five years old.

He studied law with with Hon. W.C. Lawson of Milton and located in Lock Haven. 

During the Civil War he enlisted as a member of Company D, 7th Pennsylvania Reserves, and was detailed for duty with the Signal Corps. In 1862, he organized the Signal Service for the Army of Ohio., of which he took command shortly after.

He also served on the staffs of Generals Buell, Rosecrans and Thomas.

In 1871, he was appointed by Governor Geary major general of the National Guard of Pennsylvania.  While serving in the latter position he had charge of the Eleventh division, which he called out to quell the Williamsport riots in 1872.

He was married in 1866 to Miss Julia McCleerry, sister of Col. John McCleery.  Mrs. Merrill died about five years ago.

The deceased enjoyed a large practice in Clinton County., and was at one time postmaster of Lock Haven.

He was buried at Milton on Tuesday.

--Old Secesh