I recently found the obituary for Ira Merritt (son of Wilbur Jerome Merritt, 1863 - 1939) published in the "Wenatchee World" newspaper, March 3, 1980: "REPUBLIC - Ira Merritt, 85, Republic, died suddenly Thursday, in Madras, Oregon, while visiting his son, Ira J. Merritt. He was born September 8, 1894 in Duluth, Minnesota, and at the age of four, he moved with his family to Mexico, where his father was engaged in mining. They later moved back to Duluth. In 1901, Mr. Merritt moved with his family to Townsend, Montana. On the trip from Duluth to Townsend, by Great Northern Railroad, the train was held up and robbed by Kid Curry and his gang. Mr. Merritt graduated from Townsend High School in 1913, and later attended the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. In 1916, he married Lessie Schriener at Shelby, Montana. They farmed in Townsend until 1942. Mr. Merritt left Montana in 1942, and moved to Seattle, where he worked in the defense plants. He moved to Spokane in 1945, and in 1946, he came to Republic, where he spent the rest of his life. When he first moved to Republic, Mr. Merritt was engaged in logging with his son for several years. He later worked in the sawmills in the Republic area. Mr. Merritt was a Ferry County Commissioner for 12 years, belonged to the Chamber of Commerce, was past president of the Eagles Lodge, chairman of the local Democratic Party, a member of the Republic Cemetery Association, the San Poil Grange and the Easy Riders Snowmobile Club. He was active in community affairs and spent many years working on and promoting community projects, including an airport, which was later named Merritt Field, after him. Survivors include one daughter, Kay Hoxsey, Spokane; five sons, Everett of Republic, Sylvan of Cle Elum, Ira J. of Madras, Oregon, Lester of Boise, Idaho, and Cash of Republic; 28 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Mary Lou, in 1940 and his wife, Lessie, in 1958. Bergh Funeral Service, Oroville, is in charge of arrangements." permanent email: [email protected]