John H. Merrifield (June 12, 1847 – December 29, 1906) was a Vermont politician who served as Speaker of the Vermont House of Representatives. Merrifield was a Republican.

John H. Merrifield
From the November 1902 issue of The Vermonter magazine
Speaker of the Vermont House of Representatives
In office
1902–1906
Preceded byFletcher D. Proctor
Succeeded byThomas C. Cheney
Member of the Vermont House of Representatives from Newfane
In office
1902–1906
Preceded byGeorge B. Williams
Succeeded byDarwin A. Benson
In office
1896–1897
Preceded byEugene S. Weston
Succeeded byWilliam R. Rand
In office
1878–1882
Preceded byAlvin B. Franklin
Succeeded byMarshall O. Howe
Personal details
Born(1847-06-12)June 12, 1847
Newfane, Vermont, U.S.
DiedDecember 29, 1906(1906-12-29) (aged 59)
Brattleboro, Vermont, U.S.
Resting placeWilliamsville Cemetery, Williamsville, Vermont, U.S.
Political partyRepublican
SpouseElla R. Stratton (m. 1886)
Children1
OccupationRetail clerk
Railroad station agent
County clerk

Biography

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John Hastings Merrifield was born in Newfane, Vermont on June 12, 1847. He was educated at the common schools of Newfane and Springfield Wesleyan Seminary and became a farmer.[1]

He also operated a general merchandise store for several years, and later worked as Station Agent for the Vermont line of the B & W Railroad.[2]

Merrifield was associated with the Vermont House of Representatives for over 30 years, serving as engrossing clerk (1874–78), a member (1878–82, 1896), second assistant clerk (1882–88), first assistant clerk (1890), and clerk (1892–96).[3] Merrifield served again as a member from 1902 to 1906 and was Speaker of the House.[4]

He also held several town offices and was appointed county clerk for Windham County in 1897, serving until his death in Brattleboro on December 29, 1906.[5][6][7] He was buried at Williamsville Cemetery in Williamsville.

References

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  1. ^ Vermont Secretary of State, Legislative Directory, 1876, page 100
  2. ^ Jacob G. Ullery, Men of Vermont Illustrated, 1894, page 274
  3. ^ Vermont Secretary of State, Legislative Directory, 1896, page 345
  4. ^ Vermont Archives and Records Administration, Speakers of the Vermont House of Representatives Since 1870 Archived April 15, 2012, at the Wayback Machine, 2009, page 3
  5. ^ Vermont Historical Society, Annual Meeting Proceedings, 1905, page 73
  6. ^ Death Notice, John H. Merrifield, New York Times, December 30, 1906
  7. ^ The Christian Advocate magazine, Personal News, February 7, 1907, page 222
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Political offices
Preceded by Speaker of the Vermont House of Representatives
1902–1906
Succeeded by
Preceded by Clerk of the Vermont House of Representatives
1892–1896
Succeeded by