John Merritt (1657 - 1726)

Born 10 Oct 1657 in Wethersfield, Hartford, Connecticut

Husband of Mary Brown — married 1 May 1680 in Rye, Westchester, New York

Descendants

Died 10 Apr 1726 at age 68 in Rye, Westchester, New York

Problems/Questions Profile manager: Mic Merritt [send private message]

Biography

• John Merritt was born in 1657. He was the son of Thomas Merritt and Jane Sherwood. He married Mary Brown on May 1, 1680 in Rye, Westchester, New York.^[1]
• Concerning the relationship of John Merritt, Sr. to Thomas Merritt of Rye, Westchester County, Douglas Merritt is clear that there are no records identifying the exact nature of their relationship. Thus, he indicates, "Supposed to be the son or brother of Thomas Merritt of Rye," (Revised Merritt Records (1916), 51).
• It is also evident from a series of records that a "John Merritt, Senr." lived in Rye, New York, near Thomas Merritt. It is believed that he emigrated from England, settling in Rye as early as 1680 (see "History of the County of Orange" [Newburgh, NY: E. M. Ruttenber & Son, 1875), p. 363]. In 1682, Thomas Merritt bought land adjoining land owned by John Merritt; and later, in 1704, Thomas Merritt and John Bloomer granted land to John Merritt ["New England Families," Vol. II, p. 834]. Records from Christ's Church, Rye, indicate that Thomas Merritt and John Merritt, Sr. were vestrymen as various times from 1695 to 1715. Beyond these facts, there is no clear indication of the relationship between Thomas Merritt and John Merritt, Sr. It is presumed that John was the son of Thomas by a first marriage ("Genealogical and Family History of Southern NY", p. 611-613).
• Copy of a "deed of gift," signed and dated 17 May 1707 by John Merritt, Senr., to his son, Andrew Merritt notes that Andrew Merritt was born 17 May 1696. Another "deed of gift," also dated 17 May 1707, John Merritt, Senr. gives his farm and house to his "loving wife Sarah Merritt." A third deed of gift dated 20 Sep 1714 gives more land to Andrew Merritt. [Source: Archives at Timothy Knapp House (Library & Archives); 265 Rye Beach Ave; Rye, NY 10580.]

Sources

1. ↑ Douglas Merritt, Revised Merritt Records. Rhinebeck, New York, 1916.

• Find A Grave: Memorial #159332633

Acknowledgements

• WikiTree profile Merritt-676 created through the import of Jackson Family Tree.ged on Oct 24, 2012 by Lee Jackson.
• Ancestry.com Member Family Trees