Merrick, Thomas D., 1814-1866

found: NUCMC data from Arkansas Hist. Comm. for His Papers, 1838-1865(Thomas D. Merrick; merchant, cotton broker, and Freemason, of Little Rock, Ark.; d. Mar. 18, 1866; middle initial might possibly stand for "Dwight". Thomas D. Merrick was born on May 23, 1814, in Hampden County, Mass. He co-owned a business named Allen and Merrick in Indianapolis, Ind., in 1838, and moved to Louisville, Ky., the following year. On Jan. 17, 1841, he married Anna M. Adams of Kentucky at the Christ Episcopal Church in Little Rock, Ark. They had seven children. Merrick became a prominent member of the Little Rock business community, as a merchant and cotton broker. In 1855 Merrick entered into a business partnership with John Wassell, after which their business flourished. Merrick was also involved in city politics, serving on the board of aldermen, as fire chief for a number of years, and as mayor from 1854 to 1855. He was involved in Freemasonry, holding the position of Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Arkansas in 1845. He saw active service during the Civil War. On Feb. 6, 1861, Merrick delivered an ultimatum to Capt. James Totten of the United States Arsenal at Little Rock, demanding the surrender of the federal troops. Merrick also raised a regiment of Confederate Arkansas Militia, holding the rank of Colonel of Infantry at Camp Conway, near Springfield, Ark. Merrick died in his home in Little Rock on Mar. 18, 1866.)