Legislator Details
Vital Records Information:
Marital Information:
married Mathilda; children: Mrs. Charles Russell, Mrs. Charles Abbott, Mrs. Walter Hiller, William H., Joseph P., George E and Stephen H.
(daughters' names were Clara, Ada and Laura)
Number of Children: 7
Background
Education:
attended Barstow Public School in Detroit
Biographical Sketch:
Son of Stephen and Marie (Socis?) Merritt, both born in French Canada. Adolphus was orphaned at 12 and worked on a farm for his board. He spent a year in the US survey service and, in 1863 at 16, tried to enlist in the a Michigan regiment. He went to New York state and successfully enlisted in the 9th NY Cavalry in Rochester. He campaigned with General Sheridan until the end of the Civil War. When he returned to Detroit, he joined the Michigan National Guard and the Detroit Scott Guard.
Notable Facts:
Death cerificate gives birth day as Dec 4, 1846.
Died of bronchial pneumonia.