This is a Message Board Post. Reply to the message or author by clicking on the link below. *************************************************************************** MESSAGE: (#266072) Merritt L. Jamison <http://iagenweb.org/boards/louisa/obituaries/index.cgi?rev=266072> AUTHOR: Judy Kelley, vo DATE: 2/13/2010 at 17:51:59 Surnames: JAMISON,HERRICK,WHITCOMB,CHRISTIE,BIGGER Source: Newspaper clipping from a LCHS scrapbook with a handwritten date of Oct. 1, 1917. Merritt L. Jamison, well known farmer, business man, horseman and stockdealer, and a prominent resident of Wapello for a number of years, passed away at his home here at 9 o'clock Sunday morning. Death came as a relief from suffering, he having been an invalid for four years. He was 69 years and 23 days of age. Merritt L. Jamison, son of George and Hulda (Herrick) Jamison, who were pioneer residents of this community, was born on a farm near Wapello, August 21, 1848. He received his early education in the rural and public schools of Wapello township and later attended the Burlington university, located at Burlington, Iowa. He was united in marriage to Miss M. E. Whitcomb at Burlington, Iowa, October 26, 1867. Five children were born to this union, three of whom died in infancy. The remaining two, Nellie May, wife of Frank Christie, and Edna Blanche, now Mrs. Blanche Bigger, survive, and reside in Wapello. At one time Mr. Jamison was one of Louisa county's largest land owners and stock-dealers. He at one time had accumulated a thousand acres of the finest land in Louisa county, and his business activity in stock dealing and contracting made him known all over this state, and in adjoining states as well. He was also interested in contracting for public works, building a levee on the west bank of the Mississippi river from Muscatine to Port Louisa, known as the Muscatine Island levee, and had contracts for grading on the C.B.& Q and Iowa Central railroads. Mr. Jamison was a strong democrat in politics, and had broad and liberal ideas. Mr. Jamison and family left the farm in 1891and moved to Wapello where he has since made his home. He has always been identified with the progressive element of citizenship, being interested in the old county fair and other public enterprises. He was for a time a few years back, the owner of the former A.O. Thompson drug store. Mr. Jamison was also a prominent horseman and an excellent judge of good horses. A few years ago he picked a colt and had it trained. This horse was M.L.J, which developed into one of the fastest trotters in this county, and last year held some sort of a world's record for trotters of its age and class. Mr. Jamison's importance in all the different lines he was connected with, gave him a large acquaintance that few enjoy, and his ability made him many admiring friends. Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock from his late home, conducted by the Rev. E.C. Brooks, pastor of the First M.E. church of Columbus Junction, and assisted by the Rev. F.H. Austermann, pastor of the Wapello Grace M.E. church. The business houses of the city were closed from 2:00 to 3:00 o'clock, and the public schools were closed at 2 o'clock for the remainder of the afternoon in honor of Mr. Jamison. The funeral was attended by a large concourse of relatives and friends. Interment was made in the Wapello cemetery.