Cynthia Adeline Merritt 1891

Letter of Cynthia Adeline Merritt, daughter of Levan Wheeler Merritt, to Isaac H. Merritt and family and Ella Merritt, widow of Henry Merritt. 

Source: Bill Wilcox, Madison, WI, 1980, copy to Gordon Merritt

                       

 When she lived in Washington, DC she lived at 1012 13th St. NW, two blocks north and three blocks east of the White House.

Letter: 

1469   Fillmore St.                                                            June 29, 1922

                            Denver, Coto.

Saturday.My dear Helen:

At last I have sent you the coral beads that were my sister Julia's. I regret to have been so long in fulfilling my promise but I could not help it. Of course I see that I might have sent the beads alone much sooner, but there were other things I wanted to send too and so I waited to be able to do all together, for I am so often unable to do even the little things. As to the beads, I suppose our father must have given them to her. She was five years older than I and I cannot remember when she did not have them. She wore them a great deal when s young girl and a young lady. But not in her later life much if any, and always kept them in the little red box.

I put in for you an old daguerreotype of her which shows her wearing the beads. I imagine she was then somewhere about twelve years old. You will notice the beads in the picture are strung differently.    Also it shows her eyes were having a bad time. I do not remember anything about all that, but I do recall hearing my mother and her talking about the attack of eye trouble she once had. Whatever it was, she got over it without bad results and had excellent sight. In those days, likenesses were obtained by travelling picture takers, which I suppose accounts for having hers taken while so afflicted. Probably it was then or not at all. I also put in one which shows her as a little girl with curls.

I cannot guarantee that the beads are safe to wear after all these years -- the strings may not be strong enough. But you will probably wish to string them over anyway. You will notice that the clasp is marked -- "J.L.M." I cannot explain that, for she never had a middle name or letter.

She was named for my father's sister whose girlhood name was simply "Julia Merritt". I cannot account for that "L". It might be that my mother wanted to call her Julia Levan, but I know my father disliked his own name so that he never would consent to giving it to one of his children. I can remember how mother begged to call the last boy for him --Levan Wheeler -- and how he utterly refused to consent. At last he told her "You may call him Lee if you want to -- I was called Lee, as a boy. But I will not consent to Levan." So at the age of three years, our Lee was christened "Lee Wheeler". The rest of us all liked "Levan" so much that we begged too. Cousin Levan was named for him, of course, and everyone else always called him that, but my father always called him Ezra, which was his first name. Julia had no middle name or letter, so you can forget that unaccountable "L".

The little red heart also I can't account for. She never wore it and it does not belong with the beads. I found it among her things after she died. It was not with the beads or ever attached to them. You can give it away to someone, as I was going to do myself, but am sure I finally let it get in. It looks like carnelian.

The little old-fashioned ring was my mother's -- given her in her girlhood by her girlfriend -- "C.S.B." You will see also my mother's initials — "C.P.L." -- for her maiden name, which was Cynthia Patience Loomis. She gave the ring to me in my own girlhood and I wore it then. But now it would not go over the knuckle of my smallest finger — my hands being so swollen with neuritis these last years. I just thought you would prize it as a keepsake of your great-grandmother Merritt, and "a sweeter woman ne'er drew breath". It is pretty well worn and thin and has been broken and mended, as you will see.

I am so glad to know, Helen, that you do care for such relics. These things have little money value, but in association and affection are priceless -- to me.

I want and intend, if I am ever able, to write out a genealogical list (as far as I can) of our ancestors. I think families are too careless about that. It will be a hard task to do it, but I can't be satisfied not to try.

The two old-time books that I put in, call for a little explanation, but it is not easy without going back to the beginning of that list, which I hope to do yet. So I'll, Just just for now, start with my Grandmother Loomis.

Her maiden name was Electa Chase and she was the youngest of a large family. She married Roswell Loomis, of Pawlet, Vt. -‑ a "Green Mountain Boy". They must have been very young.

I have dates and some dsts if I ever can do it. My Grandmother's 
oldest brother was Benjamin Chase who had married Patience Joy, and her oldest sister was Cynthia Chase who had married Walter Durkee, and was living in Grafton, N.Y. (down near Albany). My grandfather [Roswell, Jr.] Loomis was taken ill, and died -- before my mother was born. My grandmother stayed with Aunt Cynthia and there my Mother was born, nothing could exceed the loving kindness shown them both by this brother and sister. If mother had been a boy her name would have been Benjamin Chase Loomis. Being a girl, grandmother promptly named her Cynthia Patience.

You see the larger book was given to my mother by H. Chase, Christmas, 1835. He was Benjamin's son Horace and so first cousin to my mother, but considerably older. Before that, grandmother [Electa Chase Loomis Blake] had moved, to Clarkson, N.Y. on the Ridge Road, between Medina and Rochester, where Benjamin was living.

There she met Hiram Blake whom she married was born Oct. 1. At the age of 16 she went to live in Cousin Horace's family (in 1832) in Medina and help what she could with the children. His first wife had died, leaving two little boys, Manly and Marcus (who was always called "Mark") and he had married again and there were three more sons and one daughter. This second wife [Amanda Turner Chase] was beloved by us all and she was a real second mother to my mother and in after years the same to all us children. Indeed all Medina felt the same way. She was highly gifted, mentally and artistically, and if the opportunities possible now, could have been hers then, she could have gone far and high in achievement. When I speak later of "Grandma" Chase, she is the one I mean.

I pause here long enough to say that Mark Chase, son of Horace, and second cousin to me, was the father of Julia Ryan Chase who married my brother C.J. It bothered me manage two sisters "Julia", so I told her I'd call her Julie C. Her own family called her "Julie" a good deal. Sometimes I say Julie Chase and she says she likes to keep her old name. Well, we're all Chases anyhow, and she and I are second cousins once removed.

My father went to Medina (in 1833) from Newtown, Conn., before R.R. days and when the Erie Canal was the mode of transportation. (I suppose before that everything was by stage). He liked the looks of Medina and settled down to work in Chase & Britt's store on the canal dock.  He went to Horace Chase's to board. They always called Horace, "Cap'n Chase", and I suppose it had to do with canal boats, somehow. That old Chase house is still standing -- a block up from the old dock where tire store is now 2014] and it made me sick to see it when last in Medina and think of all the long past, and the many now dead who found welcome, as I did, under its roof.

Father and mother were married in 1840 and 1841 he bought the lot whereon he built our dear old home.

I put in the box two handkerchiefs which have, each, and heavily embroidered corner, with initials -- s "J" and a "C". The work was done by Grandma Chase and given to my sister Julia sad me. Elsie had one too but -- I gave it away, The handkerchiefs are not good enough for the work -- I wish they were finer. Nobody can do finer needlework than your grandmother Ella and often I have wondered if she couldn't make something nice of those corners. I used to think I would try it myself, but I'd have spoiled it, There are also two neck scarfs for which Grandma Chase embroidered some little triangular ends, When my father was a very young man it was style to wear ruffled shirt bosoms, and these two ties were made from his shirt ruffles, One was so worn that I started to renovate it but never finished and they have been long laid away and grown yellow. When Grandma Chase did that embroidery she was in her seventies, and wore two pairs of spectacles. I am sure Ella can think up some way to use the emb. pieces.

Well, I branched off -- was telling about that old-fashioned young lady' s book that Cousin Horace Chase gave my mother in 1835, when she was 19 years old. It is quaint and very unlike the books of today, The very tiny,book is inscribed in my mother's own writing at the age of nine years -- a birthday gift from her Aunt Cynthia in Grafton, N.Y., and it is really a curiosity now.

I have thought you would really care for these old relics. We always did, at home, and I hated to burn things. Though I did have some bonfires and guess it would have been better if I'd had more.

The bead bag was my mother's but I don't know how old it is, or whose before her -- probably her mother's.

When I was a child I used to see it laid away in a box in just the condition it is now -- worn out. I suppose it was intended to repair it, but my poor mother with all our big family never had time for more than the imperative daily needs of the household. Elsie used to mean to do it, but she took to painting and other absorbing work, and there was not, in those years, the "bag craze" of the present day to act as a spur, so this remained packed away and forgotten. It may be not worth the effort now. The thread of the beads may have rotten.

The two doilies of darned net were Elsie’s work.

I am so tired I must stop now, but will mail this at once and write another to your grandmother to finish making mention of the things. I began thils on Sat. but it is now Monday, the 26th. It is hard and takes long for me to write.  I think the box should arrive by Thursday but this letter will not.   

Aunt Cynthia

Dear Isaac

I began to tell you with the box about some of those things I sent but was called off and could not finish, and I've had to send "piecemeal" anyhow, for it has been so hard to write and it almost did me in to pack that box anyway, so you can see how good-for-nothing I am. Can do but little at best -- and have to stop and rest often, or lie down. It took me two days to get the box packed -- working at it all day -- in relay style! Then a whole day to rest. Then a day to go down to a paper store for a big strong sheet to wrap it, and lie down when I got home and wait till next day to do it. I'm only trying to explain why I am so maddeningly slow in all I do. It is the continual spinal pain which hinderes or prevents me.

I put in for you the silver fruit and nut pocket knife which was my mother's and bears her name (which was Cynthia Patience Me -- you know). As men are blessed with pockets, and don't have to tote bags, I thought you might find this "handy" at lunchtime. I never see that kind of knife now but they were common when I was young, and mighty convenient. One of my many reasons for being so slow to send the box was that I wanted to scour that knife first and brighten it up, but my hands were too bad to permit it and I waited. I also wanted to brighten the clasp on Helen's beads and the ring -- but you see I didn't.

The gold pen was your Uncle Lee's, and the other pen knife your Aunt Elsie's. The diamond glass cutter was my father's and the reason I did not send it with his box of drawing tools was because it had been so broken in packing and I wanted to find someone to mend it but have failed. Father used it so much to cut glass and I used to watch in wonder as he set window panes, framed pictures -- and once made a marvelous glass box! I thought he could do anything. Those two old fashioned jack knives were his and their worn blades tell for themselves how much he used them.

There are some handkerchiefs that were Lee's. I don't know what men's styles are now, but if you can use them -- do so. Two were never used.

The little toy plane was made by your father [Henry S. Merritt] and I always thought it a pretty thing. We kept it in a little cabinet of curios. He had been very ill of pneumonia and nearly died -- in Chicago. Came home to regain strength, and one day, to busy himself, rummaged father's tools and made that.

I keep mourning myself for your little Robert [Isaac's son Robert Merritt died young in 1921], and wish he might have been spared. I know your lonely hearts miss him without ceasing.

With love,

Aunt Cynthia

Isaac --

That little coil of rope is, to my mind, one of the choicest Chase relics we have. I am sure I did not forget to put it in the box. I have mislaid my memorandum about it but will hunt it up and copy for you. One of our ancestors --Isaac Chase -- while on a whaling voyage, made the rope, of whale sinews. The rope, all through my childhood, hung as a swing in the attic over our woodshed in the Medina home. And all the grandchildren as they came along (including yourself) played in it. When the home went, I took it down intending to divide it among "us Chases". Here is your piece.

I have felt for so long so doubtful if younger ones cared for family traditions and keepsakes, as my parents and we always did, that it has been a great satisfaction to me to find that Helen really does.

C.A.M.

June 28

Dear Ella:

Here is one more effort to finish telling about the contents of that box. I sent it, and a letter to you and one to Helen. Now here is another to you and one to Isaac.

When I write out (as I hope to do) that genealogical list -- though not very complete, I fear it will give some dates that I am not sure of now. However, I think it was in 1801 that my grandparents -- Abijah Merritt and Hannah Sanford -- were married -- went to housekeeping in Sandy Hook, Conn., in the town of Newtown. The homespun linen which was my grandmother's own work was marked "H.S." when a part of her wedding outfit, but "H.M." on what she made after marriages. Of course she taught her daughter the art and what Aunt Julia made in after years was marked with her own initials -- "J.M.". You asked me once about this and I don't believe I ever answered.

In this box I put a homespun towel, with fringed ends, "H.S." that I've cherished, for long. Helen might as well have it now and will prize it. It might do for dresser scarf or stand cover. Here there is so much black coal soot flying, that I do hate to put out what I prize and the negro (sic) help in this boarding house don't take the care I would. Oh, I long for my own little home!

It is useless (and really burdensome) to keep things packed away unused. Of course I have looked them over, again and again, and while it is all dear to me, yet I do think it isn't good for me. The sad memories are too vivid, too depressing. It is better to forget the past -- or rather, not to dwell on it.

That strip of emb. edging I cut off a worn-out dressing sacque of my mother's. Maybe you can use it. It looked dingy and yellow from lying packed so long.

The curious black case was among my father's things. I don't know what it is. I never saw it used. Was it a pocket ink well and pen and pencil case? I can imagine nothing else. I suppose it must have come from Newtown.

The snuffers and tray are marked as you will see -- by Elsie. She tried to get everything labelled and laid away but did not finish. I suppose many had brass instead of iron in those days -- candlesticks too -- but the Merritts did not. There was no excess of money with them, though they had necessaries and frugal comforts. It was the same with us at home and when divided by eight there was plenty that we "went without". Our parents, and six of us youngsters to grow up -- I used to ask my mother, in after years, how she ever went through the ordeal. But she was not only Patience in name, but patience itself in her daily life.

She made home happy and our lessons in self-denial were good for us. It was truly a happy home.

I have (before now) sent you flaxen thread made by Aunt Julia [Julia Merritt Johnson, Newtown]. The hank in this box is sn unfinished one, and quite fine. That is because it was not "doubled and twisted" like the others. She sent us both so we could see the process of making. Perhaps you can use this, too, in some of your work.

I put in a piece of beeswax. Father used, to keep our whole acre of ground under cultivation or use of some trees, shrubs, flowers and etc. He had great success and loved it -- bought books and made study of methods. This was his recreation and until his strength failed with years he kept it up. At one time he had bees -- 14 hives -- and we had all the honey we wanted and plenty to sell. I can remember mother making great cakes of beeswax when I was a child. This bit I sent is from her workbasket. She used it and the marks show. It could be melted, skimmed clear, snd cooled and dried again into good shape, if so desired.

The lead spoons were my grandmother Merritt's (Hannah Sanford). They used to have a mold in those days in which they poured lead to make spoons. There is such a mold in Newtown that I saw once, but we had none -- naturally it went to the daughter, Aunt Julia. But these lead spoons, Father had after his parents died. The 3 little iron spoons came from there too. They are just curios now.

You will see my father's writing on the paper wrapping of a pair of "calks", or "caulks", which he used when a boy, to prevent his feet from slipping on ice. Once, when down in Conn. on a visit, he found them stowed away and brought them for auld lang syne, to keep among his cherished mementos. Most people miscalled them "corks" then.

In those days women and girls wore shawls. That little gay colored one saw much wear, and I can remember it being pinned on me (folded corner wise) as they started me off to Sunday School.

The white gauzy neck-kerchief I always admired, but I think it was never worn by anyone. Before father left Conn. he (with a partner) attempted a little dry goods store in Sharon, Conn. It did not last long and in the closing out, the goods not sold were divided between him and his partner. After father settled in Medina (1833) and was married (1840) and built a home (1841), his share of these dry goods was brought from Conn. packed in an old chest and placed in a storeroom upstairs. As years went on, these things went far to clothe us children. "Go up and look in the old chest", came to be a "household word". Well, this lively gauzy thing came out of the "old chest". I want to give it to Ethel and it seems to me she can wear it even now. (I've always wanted to, but never did.)

The pieces of wedding finery of my father and mother were put away by Elsie long ego and I send them Just as she marked and left them. It is better for me never to look at them again. And there have been times when I think if I could have gone all by myself to a furnace fire I should have burned all these and more. Perhaps this is the best thing "you uns" could do!

Those white linen stocking, with "clocks" knitted in, also initials "H.S.", are marked by Julia and Elsie.

I am sorry I could not finish these notes before sending the box but it was impossible. If I have forgotten anything, you'll have to ask me. I fear I have made it tedious, and I do feel worn out myself.   I think you will probably get the box today (Thursday).

The little scissors were Elsie's. The two doilies of darned net were her own work.

I thank you for your letters of May 16 and June 15 -- both unanswered. You are good indeed to write me when I neglect you so.

I was interested in all you wrote and glad to hear of all. So glad to know your sister is so well, and I hope and pray it will be so for many long years to come. How much she has gone through! And you too!

We have had awful storms -- electric -- a great dread to me.                   

The heat is trying, but I keep very quiet and am able to be around as usual. I take short walks, and sit in the park (next block) but so far have waited for more strength and cooler days. You asked about my hands. The hot weather always relieves one phase of the difficulty, as it is only the cold weather that makes them chap, roughen, crack and bleed. In winter that alone often makes them unusable. And added to that, the cold causes the deadness and numbness that prevents any feeling or ability to use them. Now it is so hot, this feature is not troubling, as they are all healed over and so smooth I'm having a lovely time. But the swelling (caused by neuritis) is never gone in any weather (now over five years) and the right hand is still stiff from the "adhesion's" cased by the surgeon keeping it too long bound immovable. These last two conditions make it always difficult to use my hands, and I am often dropping things. Also, my hands sometimes cramp, but on the whole I'm lots better off than my next door neighbor who is paralyzed (last 3 years -- whole left side) and can't help herself at all. Is cheerful always and never complains. Cared for by devoted daughter.

Say! I'm ashamed to complain.

A great deal is done here for the blind and I have been interested to see their work at the Library of Congress. Once, there, they gave me a pamphlet in Braille, and I have have given pages of it sometimes as novelties to those who have never seen it. I put one or two in the box.

I had a Civil War "shin plaster" for Isaac and some other bit I think but can't find them. Did I send them in letter? You didn't mention them so it must be I didn't.

I am dead tired now and must rest. Shall be anxious to know how this stuff -- letters and all, reach you, two to you, one to Helen, one to Isaac and the box.

Letter of Cynthia Adeline Merritt, daughter of Levan Wheeler Merritt

Obituary:

Cynthia Adeline Merritt was born on 3 Jun 1847 in Medina, Orleans, New York. She died on 10 Dec 1926 in Washington, D.C. She was buried on 12 Dec 1926 in Medina, Orleans, New York. OBITUARY [Dec. 16, 1926] Medina Newspaper, NY

Cynthia A. Merritt, daughter of the late Levan Wheeler Merritt, and Cynthia Patience Loomis Merritt, was born in Medina, June 3, 1847.

Her education was obtained in the old Medina Academy, and for a number of years she was a teacher in the same school.

For many years she was a member and active worker in St. John's Church. The frail health of her later years called for a milder climate, and her time was divided between Southern California, and Washington, D.C.

In the latter city her beautiful life was ended December 10, 1926.

Her body was brought to Medina on Saturday, Dec. 11, and the funeral was held at the home of John H. Chase 406 West Ave at three o'clock Sunday afternoon, December 12.

It was fitting that she should rest for a few hours in the home where she was born, and from which her father, mother, four brothers and two sisters had been carried to their last resting place in Boxwood.

She leaves three nephews, Frank H. Merritt of Milford, Iowa, James L. Merritt, of Seattle, and Isaac H. Merritt, of Denver, and two sisters-in-law, Mrs. Charles J. Merritt, of Medina, and Mrs. Henry L. Merritt of Denver.

The following old friends acted as bearers:

George A. Newell, Charles N. Hood, A.G. Phillips, Charles M. Jackson, Dr. Thomas H. Agnew, and William H. Munson.

To her friends, the memory of her keen wit and bright intellect, her loving sympathy, and her wonderful patience through the years of suffering, will always be an inspiration.

For her -- "The Journey is done, and the summit attained, and the barriers fall."                       

One Merritt Family in Connecticut: working timeline.

Y Chromosome test:  male paternal DNA test for original Merrit on this line: haplotype  E1b1b1, could have been in Ireland for thousands of years or came recently from France or Spain.   The name Merritt originally came from France in 1066. 

Some Merrits were Huguenots, French Calvinist Protestants, who came to Northern Ireland before Louis XIV,  between 1555-1685, and settled in Northern Ireland getting along well with Scotch Calvinists forced out of Scotland.    Others Huguenots came after 1685 when forced out by Louis XIV.                                                         

Abt. 1710: George Merritt born in Northern Ireland?

About early 1730’s:  George and three brothers came from Northern Ireland to Stratford, Conn.

After 1735: George married Keziah Morehouse in Stratfield, Fairfield, Conn.

1738: George’s son Joseph baptized in Stratfield (later Bridgeport) Cong. Church

1741:  George’s daughter Mary baptized in Stratfield (later Bridgeport) Cong. Church.

1744:  John Merrit baptized, son of George Merrit, Stratfield Cong. Church, later Bridgeport Cong. Church.  (pos. it was Feb. 1744/45).

1748: Ruanna “Anna” bapt. At Stratfield (later Bridgport) Cong. Church.

9 Dec 1753: George’s daughter Eunice bapt. At Stratfield (later Bridgeport) Cong. Church.

About 1755-56:  George, or John, Merrit frozen to death on the beach picking oyster or clams, at Stratford or Milford.

29 Jan 1756: Joseph of Fairfield, a minor, chose a guardian, Samuel Nichols of Stratford.

4 Jan 1759 – 2 Dec 1759: Perhaps George’s son Joseph enlisted in Capt. Tomlinson’s Co., Col. Wooster’s Regt.

2 Dec 1760: John a minor of Fairfield County, chose a guardian (meaning his father was deceased and he was at least fourteen) John Hall of Stratford. 

8 April to 5 Dec 1761, pos.  John and brother Joseph enlisted in Capt. Samuel Whiting’s Co., during the French and Indian War.

21 Sep 1763: pos. George’s son Joseph married Rachael Videto of Northford, Stratford.

4 Oct 1767: David Wheeler buried in Old Huntington Cemetery, Sharon, Fairfield, Conn.  His stone still exists. His daughter Abigail was to marry John Merrit.

7 Apr 1768: petition for guardianship of Abigail Wheeler who chose her mother Betty Gilbert Wheeler as guardian (meaning that her father was deceased and that she was at least fourteen).

21 Feb 1769: Ruanna Merrit married James S. Shepard of Newtown, Conn.

7 Jun 1769: Ruanna and James Shepard’s son born: George Merrit Shepard, named for her father.  Ruanna’s sixth daughter was named Keziah, named for her mother.

Aug., 1770: Order of Distribution of estate of David Wheeler giving his daughter Abigail  21 acres on the south on the south of Israel’s Hill, Stratford twp., and 48 acres on Pine Swamp Hill, dividing the land among the five parties. 

Before 1773?: John Merrit married Abigail Wheeler of Stratford. 

1773: birth of Dolly B. Merrit daughter of John and Abigail Merrit.

16 Feb 1775: birth of Abijah Merrit, son of John and Abigail Merrit.

Late June to late Nov., 1775:  Joseph, pos. brother of John Merrit, joins from Redding, or nearby, is a member of the Tenth Company, Fifth Regiment, Conn. Line, on the expedition against St. Johns, Canada. 

April 22, 1779: Newtown, partition deed: John Merrit, his wife Abigail, Gamaliel French, Gideon Seeley (wife Betty Wheeler), owners in common of undivided land, about 100 acres, at Pine Swamp Hill, dividing the land among the five parties.   (Pine Swamp Hill called Merritt Hill for 150 years, he built a home near the base of the hill.  The 6 x 8 cellar hole and flowers in the yard were evident until developement in about 1983.)

Summer, 1779: William Tryon with Tory militia landed and burned New Haven, then landed and burned Fairfield and Norwalk.  Many refugees left Boston and other coastal areas and moved inland, as far as the forests of Vermont. 

(Dec.?) 1783: Newtown meeting voted to form a Bear Hills School District; part of the line being south of John Merrit’s place at Pine Swamp Hill.

Sep 1, 1786: John and Abigail Merrit, Daniel Sherman, Abel Johnson, sell Cyrus Beers and Elias Glover all lands given them by Proprietors Committee in exchange for their lands taken for a highway over Pine Swamp Hill.

After 1787 to March 1790: We John and Abigail Wheeler quit claim to Justus Raymond all right and interest we have… in one certain parcel of land on Pine Swamp Hill that was given to him by will of John Sherwood.

1790:  John’s son Abijah Merrit bound out as cloth dresser apprentice, age 15, at Sandy Hook village, Newtown.

July, 1790; John Merrit was apparently missed in the US Census at Newtown, Connecticut.

Feb., 1796: Abijah Merrit comes of age and starts work at Sandy Hook, with an occupation well learned, cloth dressing, no money, and two suits of clothes. 

July, 1800: US Census, Newtown, Conn., John Merrit, aged 26-45 year old male; Abigail same age and Dolly B., aged 16-26 years old. 

16 Jan 1801: Abijah Merrit married Hannah Sanford, Newtown, Conn.

About 1802: Abigail Merrit died.

1803: Abijah Merrit took the Freeman's Oath at Newtown, Conn. 

About 1803: John Merrit married prob. Deborah Judd, daughter of Benjamin Judd and Susannah Knapp of Bethel Society of Danbury, born about 1762-63. 

29 Nov 1803: Deed: Stephen Gilbert to Deborah Merrit for $40, one acre of land in Huntingtown area of Newtown (Deborah made her mark).

15 Sep 1804: Julia Merrit born to Abijah and Hannah (Sanford) Merritt

17 Nov 1804: Deed to Deborah Merrit from Collins Chapman for $80 for one acre of land of the late John Williamson. 

17 Nov 1804:  John and Deborah Merrit mortgage to Collins Chapman some land of the late John Williamson.

15 Sep 1804: Julia, daughter of Abijah and Hannah Merrit is born. 

17 May 1806: Collins Chapman quit claims for one dollar to Deborah Merrit one acre of land with dwelling house.  Huntingtown area of Newtown. 

24 Jun 1806: Levan Wheeler Merritt, son of Abijah and Hannah was born.  He was baptized at Trinity Episcopal Church. 

13 Apr 1807: John Merrit to his son Abijah, for twenty dollars paid yearly, deeds Pine Swamp Hill property of “My late wife who is now dead.”

14 Apr 1807: 14 Apr 1807: Dolly B. Merritt of Newtown in consideration of $100 quit claim to Abijah Merrit two pieces of land lying in town of Newtown and one piece in the town of Huntington all my rights of heirship from Abigail Merrit, late of said Huntington – it being the one equal half of said lands that lyeth undivided between me of the said Abijah Merrit, meaning all my right in the real estate of said Abigail Merrit deceased.

About 12 Jan 1808; Dolly B. Merrit married Emmons Scranton of Derby, New Haven, Conn.

July, 1810: John Merrit is listed in US Census, with woman (Deborah) both over 44 years of age.

July, 1810: Abijah Merrit is listed in US Census with woman, and a boy and girl under 10 years old.

1810: The land for the Sandy Hook Cemetery was sold by Abijah Merrit to David
Meeker, Abijah B. Curtis, and Marcus Botsford, selectmen of Newtown, for $60.00, containing a half acre, more or less, to be used as a public burying ground and for no other purpose.

1 Aug 1811-20 Nov 1811: Abijah and Hannah Merrit built a flax mill on the Pootatuk brook raceway at Sandy Hook.

3 Mar 1814: Abijah and Hannah sold their house to Joseph Dick with an option to remain another four years. 

1815-1820: Abijah Merrit accompanied families moving to northern and central New York.

Feb. 1816-17 Oct 1817 Abijah and Hannah arranged to have their new home built, and it is still occupied to this day: 10 Glen Road, Sandy Hook.   They moved in as soon as possible.

1 Nov 1816: 30 year lease of Huntingtown land to Daniel Briscoe by John and Deborah Merrit.

June 1817:  Hannah Merrit wrote: "For 14 years I have been almost Constantly Employed in hard work but now I feel as if I should no more be able to do the like Again."

1819-1839: Abijah Merrit elected elected one of Newtown 3 selectmen for 12 years at intervals.  He was given oversight of the poor of Newtown, cared for in the Poorhouse and by private families.  This included town poor in nearby towns, and foster children.   Selectmen were also given petitions for repair and building new roads in the town.  They called town meetings to consider such measures.  

1820: US Census, Newtown, John Merrit, and woman, Deboarah, over 44 years old. 

            "       "             "           Abijah Merritt pg. 191, 45 and older, Hannah, 45 and over, Levan           10-15 years, Julia 10-15 years. 

Aug 1820 Abijah and Hannah went with a family to Saratoga, then Rochester, and then Scipio, then back home.  

May, 1823-1853: Abijah Merrit acted as agent to settle estates.   

18 May 1825: Julia Merrit married Charles Johnson, a combmaker, in Newtown. 

1825: Abijah Merrit's son Levan went to Sharon with a partner to sell cloth.  

27 Feb 1827, per Newtown Vital Records, or March 25 according to Huntingtown Cemetery grave stone.  John died.  He was 81 years old per vital records, and 80 years old per Newtown Episcopal Church Records.

21 Jan 1829: Trinity Episcopal Church records show alms to Deborah.

3 Jul 1829, same.

25 Sep 1830: same

1830: US Census, Newtown, Abijah Merritt page 288, free white persons, male 20-29, males 50-59, female 50-59.
1830: Levan W. Merritt, son of Abijah, took Freeman's Oath, at Newtown.

1831: Trinity Episcopal Church lists Deborah as a communicant.

1832: Trinity Episcopal Church lists Deborah of Huntingtown Dist. as a member. 

1832: Abijah listed as a Justice of the Peace for Newtown, Fairfield County, per

Green's Connecticut Annual Register and United States Calendar.

1832: Abijah and Hannah had a kitchen built off the back of their house.  

Nov., 1833: Abijah's son Levan goes for a job on the Erie Canal at Medina, Orleans, NY.

1836:  Deborah Merrit made sworn affidavit that she knew Collins Chapman as girl and that he was a soldier in the Revolution and that he was made a prisoner by the enemy and taken to New York.  [He had been in the Army.  He had been issued a certificate for payment in 1783 by the paymaster of the Continental Army.  He was also listed in the Connecticut Line as a soldier serving from Danbury.]

3 Sep 1839: Hannah Merrit, wife of Abijah, died, Sandy Hook.  

21 Jun 1840: Levan Merritt married Cynthia Patience Loomis at Medina, Orleans, NY.

1840: US Census, Newtown, p. 267; one male, 60-69, one female 20-29.

22 Jun 1840 Abijah Merritt married Lucinda (Wheeler) Booth - younger sister of his late wife.

20 Jan 1849: Deborah Merrit died, aged 86, Newtown Vital Records. 

1850: US Census, Newtown, Abijah Merritt 75, Lucinda 64. $1000 val. of real estate owned.
Abijah said his occupation was clothier. 

12 Jan 1854: Abijah died at Newtown, Fairfield, Conn.

1857:  Dolly B. Scranton died in Seymour, New Haven, Conn. 

Letters from  Jane Eliza "Jennie" (Camp) Johnson and her husband Ezra Levan Johnson, of Newtown, Connecticut.  

They had a visit from Henry Sanford Merritt and his new wife Urilla "Rilla" Swingley (Phelps) Merritt on their honeymoon.  They were writing to Mrs. Cynthia "Patience" Patience (Loomis) Merritt, their aunt and mother of Henry Merritt.  Henry was the first cousin of the Johnsons. 

                                          The Johnson home at Newtown, Conn. 2014

Ezra "Levan"  Levan Johnson, son of Julia Merritt Johnson, sister of Levan W. Merritt.  (1832-1914) 

He was a farmer, teacher and school visitor.  He was unofficial town historian of Newtown.  He collected documents about town history, and wrote articles about town history for the Newtown Bee Newspaper.

Mr, Johnson spent the majority of his teaching career at South Center and Sandy Hook School districts, and served on the Board of School Visitors for 58 years, until his death in 1914. 

Mr Johnson was a member of the Men’s Club.

In 1905, Mr Johnson served on the committee for the celebration of Newtown’s Bicentennial, and as “historian of the day,” according to a tribute. 

Jane "Jennie" Eliza (Camp) Johnson. (1837-1922)

She had five children.  When [Ezra Johnson] died in 1914, his wife decided to publish all of the writings, as a whole. She adds her own essay, ‘The Domestic Economy of Our Mothers, a genealogy section, and the list of Newtown resident’s sworn to the Freeman’s Oath, It was titled: "Newtown;s history and historian, Ezra Levan Johnson" published 1919.  

William Fairchild and Adaline (Johnson) Fairchild are mentioned.  Adaline is sister of Ezra Levan Johnson, she had three children. Their Mother Johnson was Julia Johnson, her husband Charles died in 1871.  Jennie's son was Charles Johnson was 21 years old.  Not sure who Albert.was and  "Aunt Kezia" were.   Uncle John Johnson (brother of Charles Johnson, Ezra Levan Johnson's father), Aunt Mary Dibble Johnson (John's wife), Rebecca was Betsey Rebecca Johnson (daughter of Uncle John Johnson), and Mrs. Dibble was Mary Dibble Johnson's mother, Betsey (Hine) Dibble, born . 11 Aug 1789.  Katie was Jennie's sister Katherine F. Camp.  

                         

                                Mrs. Levan Wheeler --  Cynthia Patience Loomis -- Merritt  1850

------------------

Envelope addressed to:   Mrs. L. W. Merritt

                                             Medina

                                             Orleans County

                                                  N. York

                                                                                                                                                            Newtown

                                                                                                                                                           October 13, 1873

Dear Patience:

Your dear good boy Henry and his good wife left us by the 7:45 train p.m. – B Port -- & from thence to N. York by boat expecting to reach there at 4 a.m. tomorrow (Thursday).    They arrived in town last Sat. by eve. train from N.Y. & went directly to Esther’s where they remained until Sunday noon.   Jennie & I first met them there and with us they attended church and spent the night.   Monday, you know is the everlasting washing day, but we just voted to change the order of things and Jennie & I spent the day with them in riding about.  In the a.m. we went across Botsford’s Hill – through Zoar & home by way of Mile hill calling on our way on “Aunt Keziah” where we spent an hour – nearly, and the decision was unanimous that to listen to her talk of the “good old times” and how they did when she was a gal was a greater treat than the Theatre or Circus.  The p.m. we took another tack – going up through the village and across n. west to Father Camp’s where we took tea and around home in the eve.  Tues. eve. we left “Tinkerfield” for S. Hook in time to take dinner with mother & in the p.m. we all went thru the Glen and through the rubber factory and around to Hanover and called on Albert.

Jennie and I left mother’s late in the eve. leaving Henry & his wife to spend the night with mother, and she to go with them to Wms. In the morning.  This morning we got out the washing machine & went at it.  At half past ten we were through (Jennie and I) and then left all and started for Tarranton [?}  where we found Mother, Henry & Rilla had arrived before us. We took dinner there and spent the p.m.  At 6 ½ this eve. we started for home going by way of the depot to take your dear boy and his wife that they might be on their way to Medina where they expect to arrive on Saturday of this wk.  We kissed them good-bye and were sorry to have them go.  We fain would have kept them longer, but we knew their time was limited and that their home friends had a stronger claim on them – so what else could we do, when they said they must go, than to bid them “God speed” – and set them on their way?  They are gone from our sight, but they have a place in our hearts and pleasant recollections of them will, often come up in our minds as in the time to come we live over the past few days. You have yet to meet Henry’s wife for the first time.  We know you will love her and give her the warmest of mother’s welcome, I can faintly imagine the deep, heart joy with which you will meet them if God spare them to reach Medina.  Henry is a noble boy, and what a blessing to you all, that he can bring to you such a sensible, noble, good and worthy wife, sister and daughter.  We can not tell you how much we have learned to love them during the short visit they have made.  We could neither do for them or show them any thing grand, but we tried to make it pleasant for them and hope we in some small degree succeeded.  They came to our house the 12^th Oct./73 – on their wedding trip.  We arrived at your house on the 12^th Oct./58, on our wedding trip.   15 yrs. ago!  Henry was then a little boy of 8 yrs. the age that our Lee now is.  I can hardly realize that the shy boy with the round chubby face that we saw at your house then, and the manly form that has been the light of our house for the past few days – is only that same boy grown to manhood, -- But, I did not propose when I commenced, to write you a letter in this strain – only I wanted to let you know how hugely we enjoyed their visit how much we liked, (I’ll use a stronger word) how much we love his wife. I rejoice that there is such pleasant time in store for you all, as their safe arrival will produce.  We shall think often of you all, and in imagination visit with you some. Henry may reach you in advance of this letter, but I guess not. 

Love to all.  Good night.  Affly, your nephew

E.L. Johnson

Also in envelope addressed to: Mrs. L.W. Merritt                                                                                                                                                                             Medina, Orleans County, N. York                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Newtown  Oct. 15^th, 1873                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Dear Aunt and the Girls and all the good folks we love in Medina. 

We are just home and sitting quietly by our sitting room fire and I cannot stop thinking of the good time we have been having all the week and how much we have enjoyed having your dear ones with us, for you must know Levan and I have just come from the depot when we said “Good Bye” and gave our farewell kisses to Henry and Rilla. 

We are so sorry to have them go so soon for we commenced loving them just at first and have kept sight on ever since.  It seems to me I must have known Rilla a long time she seemed now so near to me.  I am sure Henry has “made a good select” and that you will think her a jewel.  We have as you know very little in our house or surroundings beautiful to show them but we were heartily glad to have them here and tried to make them feel that we were and they tell us they have enjoyed their visit with us.  The only fault we have to find with it is it has been all to short.

Dame Nature has contributed not a little to their enjoyment for I am sure you never saw the forests more gorgeous than they are and have been for a good while. –- and Eliza (bless her heart!) so kindly consented to come for a few days and she took my kitchen work right off my hands so I could visit with them without having their bodily necessities entirely neglected, for you know we must eat and drink even if we do want to visit.  So I will give Eliza a credit mark ever so long even if she did go away from me when I wished she would stay.

How I did wish as they started and we knew that if all goes well they will be with you in a few days we could go along too, for I cannot tell you how much I do want to see you.  I did not know until it was really decided that we were not to go this fall how much I had thought of it and I was more disappointed than I supposed it was possible for one to be.  Although I had said almost nothing about it yet I found I had almost all summer been anticipating it and had made my arrangements with that in view until it seemed to me I could see just how it could be done and I almost was sure it would be done.  But Levan didn’t know wither how much I had been thinking of it.  I suppose it is all right for I had felt in regard to that as I strive habitually to feel in all things that our Heavenly Father orders all things and there are really no mistakes made in His government although some things seem so vey mysterious. Quite likely you know from Katie of her whereabouts but lest you may not have heard I will tell you that she is in Minneapolis.  She started in company with his Frank Fairman (whose company she had as far as Chicago).   Three weeks ago to-day reaching ch. Sat. evening.  She would have stopped in Medina but it was such a good opportunity to go with Mary I am that we felt unwilling to have her miss it. Mother has heard twice and we once from her and thus far she seems pleased.

Levan has been writing to “Aunt Patience” and I told him I might write exactly the same but I have just been reading it and I find he has said it all, so I cannot see much use in filling even this half sheet out of nothing. 

I hope so much that some of you will write to us as soon as they – Henry and Rilla I mean – reach Medina for we shall feel a little anxious until we do hear. 

Oh!  I remember that Levan did not tell you that Wm. and Adaline have been to the “Big city” for a visit quite an event in their quiet steady lives.  Julia   kept house quite as nicely I guess as her mother – made the butter and the bread and all the little fixings. She changed so much since you have seen her from a little girl to a dignified young lady.  Charlie seems not nearly so old though he carries a handsome gold watch given him on his 21^st birthday.  My Father and Mother are very well though very lonely without Katie and thinking of her so far away.  Uncle John, Aunt Mary and Rebecca are just as good, as ever, and considering the terrible affliction they daily endure on account of Mrs. Dibble, very well.  She grows worse and worse in mind though her body seems as vigorous as ten years ago.  You can have no idea what a trial she is.  Yourselves Henry and Rilla can probably give you as much information as I should.  We jog along after the same old fashion trying to get some good and give some, and we pass on feeling very often as though we failed entirely but perhaps on the whole getting along as well as we can expect. I am certainly better in health this summer than ever as you will easily believe when I tell you that I have had no help this summer except a little girl about two weeks and these few days help from Eliza. Of  course I am obliged to leave very many things undone but to do what must be done takes just a little time and strength – Well it is now nearly eleven o’clock and I guess the boat is about starting on its way with its precious freight.

That God may bless and keep them through this journey and through lifes journey shall be one of my oft repeated prayers.

Maybe I’ll add a line in the morning but now I must say --  Good Night.

Thursday Morning

Another perfect day so far as weather goes for the tourists.  Levan has just started for Bethel with two of the boys to help him drive cattle to the butcher’s.   I am to start now in a few minutes to take Eliza home.  Then when I get back I shall go into the kitchen and into my old round but the memory of the pleasant time for the few days past will make the hard work easy.  Levan and I did our washing yesterday morning before going to Adaline’s and when I got home at night Eliza had done every bit of this ironing, eleven shirts, four table cloths & c, &c.

The horse is ready and waiting and I must away.  Love for you all.

From your Affectionate

Jennie