L. Merrill, proprietor of a saw-mill at Osterdock was born in New Hampshire on Apr. 27, 1827. His parents, W. S. Merrill and Nancy, nee Walker, were likewise natives of the Granite State, where they died. He has engaged chiefly in the lumber and milling business, and came to Clayton County in 1859, locating at Turkey River. Prior to settling in Clayton County he spent four years in Dubuque, Ia., manufacturing barbed wire. Five years ago he came to Osterdock, and built his present steam saw-mill, where he does a large and profitable business. He was married in 1877 to Elizabeth, daugher of George and Elizabeth Friedlein, nee Grush, natives of Germany. They came to the United States in 1852, and now live in Millville Township. By this union there are two children-Libby born Apr. 3, 1877, and Ella, born Mar. 21, 1879. Mr. Merrill votes the Republican ticket; he has been a successful milller and is no doing a splendid business. He also owns and runs the saw-mill in Elkport, which is doing a good business. He is building a portable saw-mill, which will soon be in operaton; this he will move about through the timber, and cut logs which are hard to get to his other mills. source: History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 922 |