Hello -
I hate to ask for help, but I would really appreciate any information on my Merrill family. Here is what I have so far:
Dudley Merrill married (maybe a 2nd marriage?) 1880, Furnas County, Nebraska. On his marriage license he said he was born 1838, London, Middlesex, Ontario, Canada to John Merrill (Irish?) and Mary Reed (b. Vermont, USA). I believe I found John Merrill on census. I found church records for that time period (1830's) of a Moses Merrill (born USA?) and family in the area, Protestant. He appears to be a minister. I have no clue how they are related, or if they are, although I suspect they probably are related.
There was a man named Moses Merrill, who was a missionary to the Native Americans in very early Nebraska. I have found nothing on any relationship to Dudley, but there were few records back then. Any records would probably be through the church, unknown.
I have my doubts Dudley Merrill came from Ireland. I have many good reasons to think he was probably of Scotch-Irish descent and from New England, USA, because his children are named the same as those in the New England Merrill families. I cannot find Dudley's family in New England. There were many Merrill and Reed families. I need something more specific to use as a base to go back farther.
The last item - after 1892, but before 1900, Dudley Merrill disappeared. My great-grandmother said he went on a trip to visit his family and died. I do not know if this is true. I have found nothing. I think I have maybe found some of Dudley's siblings living in the USA, not sure, but I believe some of his family may have remained in Ontario. He may have died there? His wife and children had moved to another location by 1900.
I would appreciate anything you can find on this family.
Thank you,
Rosemary