William P. Merrill - He was born on the 25th of March, 1871 (date is a typing error), at South Berwick, Me. When but eight years of age, his father moved to Adams, Jefferson County, New York where he remained eight years. William had now arrived at that age when every young man desires to sever home-ties, and seek a fortune abroad. His first attempt was to make a trip to Canada; but sickness compelled his return after a brief stay. After his recovery, he decided to go West. He went to Cleveland, Ohio. In 1836 he left Ohio for Wisconsin, arriving in Milwaukee, after a tedious voyage of one month, on the second day of April. In 1837, still impelled by the love of adventure, he made a trip to Chicago, from there to Rockford, remaining there until spring, when, accompanied by two friends, in March he bought a canoe, and embarked for the Mississippi. Subsequent to this, he went to Camanche, Ia. While here, he was made justice of the peace. In 1839 he returned to Milwaukee, bought a stock of goods, and proceeded to Waukesha County, and established the first store between Waukesha and Watertown. In 1840 he sold out, being convinced that the business of a country merchant was not the best. He then engaged in farming, exchanging his store for eighty acres in Milwaukee County. He was elected justice of the peace in 1846 and in 1849 represented the fifth ward as alderman and also in 1859. When he came to Milwaukee, he was the owner of a good gun, a chest of carpenter's tools, and one hundred dollars in cash. He was married in 1839 and has two sons. He has built fourteen houses; and, from the rentage of his stores and dwellings, is able to pass the remainder of life in comfortable circumstances.

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