FAMILY LINE AND HISTORY
Elizabeth Amelia “Bessie” Allen (twin)
4th of 4 children of Marcus Brutus “Mark” Allen & Mary Jane Kellogg, in Marion, Wayne Co., New York
Born: Sep 18, 1885, Marion, Wayne Co., New York
Died: Sep 15, 1970 (age 84), Rochester, Monroe Co., New York
Buried: Sep 18, 1970, South Lyons Cemetery in Lyons, Wayne Co., New York
Occupation: Type writer, bookkeeper in office
Avocations: Bible School teacher, organist at First Baptist Church
Married: Sep 14, 1910, Albert Elias Merriam, Newark, Wayne Co., New York
Four children: Donald Albert Merriam, Rhea Byron “Ray” Merriam, Howard Elias Merriam, Paul Allen Merriam
Albert Elias Merriam
Son of Albert Francis Merriam & Adelaide M. Cornell
Born: Aug 29, 1882, Orleans, Jefferson Co., New York
Died: Apr 16, 1962 (age 79), Newark, Wayne Co., New York
Buried: Apr 19, 1962, at South Lyons Cemetery in Lyons, Wayne Co., New York
Occupation: Assistant Superintendent of Public Works in Newark
Active member of Newark Fire Department Excelsior Hose Co.
Married (1): Jun 20, 1907, Mabelle Lynn Reynolds, Barrington, Wayne Co., New York
Divorced
Married (2): Sep 14, 1910, Elizabeth Amelia “Bessie” Allen, Newark, Wayne Co., New York
Four children: Donald Albert Merriam, Rhea Byron “Ray” Merriam, Howard Elias Merriam, Paul Allen Merriam
1. Donald Albert Merriam
Born: Apr 26, 1912, (Newark) Arcadia, Wayne Co., New York
Died: Dec 30, 1997 (age 85), Seneca Falls, Seneca Co., New York
Buried: Restvale Cemetery in Seneca Falls, Seneca Co., New York
Military: WWII, U.S. Army, Captain; Army Corps of Engineers
Occupation: Voice teacher on own account, Veteran’s Affairs counselor
Avocation: Sang in the Buffalo Men’s Chorus and Syracuse Opera Company; church choir director
Married (1): aft 1940 census, Margaret Bulkley (Clarke) Loomis (2 children w/Donald Parsons Loomis)
(Margaret was 16 years Donald’s senior; she died Jun 1981, Seneca Falls, Seneca Co., New York)
No children
Married (2): aft 1981, Liza E. (Ball) Huntington (3 children w/Fred L. Huntington Jr.)
No children
2. Rhea Byron “Ray” Merriam
Born: Apr 9, 1915, Newark, Wayne Co., New York
Died: Oct 19, 1998 (age 83)
Buried: Saint Mary’s Cemetery in DeWitt, Onondaga Co., New York
Education: Attended Cornell University in Ithaca, Tompkins Co., New York
Occupation: High School teacher
Married: Dec 12, 1941 (ceremony performed Dec 27), Beatrice Winifred Burns, Camillus, Onondaga Co., New York
Children: unknown
3. Howard Elias Merriam
Born: Sep 20, 1918, Newark, Wayne Co., New York
Died: Feb 8, 2001 (age 82), Peoria, Maricopa Co., Arizona
Buried: unknown
Military: WWII, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Private
Occupation: Railroad brakeman, hospital accountant
Married: Feb 9, 1952, Wanda Alice (Howland) Mason, Arcadia, Wayne Co., New York
No known children
4. Paul Allen Merriam
Born: Feb 11, 1925, Newark, Wayne Co., New York
Died: Dec 15, 1971 (age 46), Newark, Wayne Co., New York
Buried: South Lyons Cemetery in Lyons, Wayne Co., New York
Military: WWII, U.S. Army Air Force, Corporal, 3501st Aaf Bu
Occupation: Tinsmith, coppersmith, sheet metal worker, railroad baggageman
Married: unknown
Children: unknown
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Timeline and Records
Spellings and information in census and other records are retained
as reflected in the original documents. Corrections or notes are in italics.
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Apr 18, 1870: Marriage of Mary Jane Kellogg & Marcus Brutus “Mark” Allen (parents of Elizabeth Amelia “Bessie” Allen), in Marion, Wayne Co., New York
Four children: Minnie Belle Allen, Vira Kellogg Allen, Byron Bailey Allen (twin), Elizabeth Amelia “Bessie” Allen (twin)
1. Minnie Belle Allen
1872–1957
2. Vira Kellogg Allen
1876–1924
3. Byron Bailey Allen (twin)
1885–1963
4. Elizabeth Amelia “Bessie” Allen (twin)
1885–1970
Aug 29, 1882: Birth of Albert Elias Merriam, son of Albert Francis Merriam & Adelaide M. Cornel and husband of Elizabeth Amelia “Bessie” Allen, in Orleans, Jefferson Co., New York
Sep 18, 1885: Birth of Elizabeth Amelia “Bessie” Allen (twin), 4th of 4 children of Mary Jane Kellogg & Marcus Brutus “Mark” Allen, in Marion, Wayne Co., New York
Jun 20, 1900: U.S. Federal Census, Newark, Arcadia Township, Wayne Co., New York:
Allen, Mark B.: Head, born Aug 1844, age 55, married 30 years, Carpenter, born New York, father born New York, mother born New York (indexed as Allin)
Allen, Mary K.: Wife, born Feb 1849, age 51, married 30 years, 4 children born, 4 children living, born New York, father born New York, mother born New York (Mary Jane (Kellogg) Allen)
Allen, Byron B.: Son, born Sep 1885, age 14, school, born New York, father born New York, mother born New York (twin)
Allen, Bessie A.: Daughter, born Sep 1885, age 14, school, born New York, father born New York, mother born New York (twin)
Jun 1, 1905: New York State Census, Arcadia Township, Wayne Co., New York:
Mark B Allen: Age 59, Head, born United States, Carpenter
Mary K Allen: Age 56, Wife, born United States, Housework
Byron B Allen: Age 19, Son, born United States, Asst Librarian (twin)
Bessie A Allen: Age 19, Daughter, born United States, Typewriter (twin)
Apr 22, 1910: U.S. Federal Census, Newark, Arcadia Township, Wayne Co., New York:
Name: Mark M Allen (Marcus Brutus “Mark” Allen, father of Elizabeth Amelia “Bessie” Allen)
Age in 1910: 64
Birth Date: 1846
Birthplace: New York
Home in 1910: Arcadia, Wayne, New York
Street: Mason Street
House Number: 14
Race: White
Gender: Male
Relation to Head of House: Head
Marital Status: Married
Spouse’s Name: Mary K Allen
Father’s Birthplace: New York
Mother’s Birthplace: New York
Native Tongue: English
Occupation: Manufacturer
Industry: Cigar Boxes
Employer, Employee or Other: Own Account
Home Owned or Rented: Own
Home Free or Mortgaged: Mortgaged
Farm or House: House
Able to read: Yes
Able to Write: Yes
Years Married: 36
Enumerated Year: 1910
Household Members: (Name), Age, Relationship:
Mark M Allen: Age 64, Head, M1, 36 yrs, born New York, father born New York, mother born New York
Mary K Allen: Age 51, Wife, M1, 36 yrs, 4 children born, 4 children living, born New York, father born United States, mother born New York (age 61)
Bessie A Allen: Age 24, Daughter, born New York, father born New York, mother born New York, Bookkeeper in Office
Sep 14, 1910: Marriage of Albert Elias Merriam & Elizabeth Amelia “Bessie” Allen, 4th of 4 children of Marcus Brutus “Mark” Allen & Mary Jane Kellogg, in Newark, Wayne Co., New York
Four children: Donald Albert Merriam, Rhea Byron “Ray” Merriam, Howard Elias Merriam, Paul Allen Merriam
1. Donald Albert Merriam
1912–1997
2. Rhea Byron “Ray” Merriam
1915–1998
3. Howard Elias Merriam
1918–2001
4. Paul Allen Merriam
1925–1971
Sep 14, 1910: New York, Wayne County Marriage Records:
Name: Albert E Merriam
Gender: Male
Age: 28
Birth Date: abt 1882
Marriage Date: 14 Sep 1910
Marriage Place: Wayne, New York
Father: A L Merriam
Mother: Adelade Cornell
Spouse: Bessie A Allen
Film Number: 000479878
Name Bessie A Allen
Gender: Female
Age: 24
Birth Date: abt 1886
Marriage Date: 14 Sep 1910
Marriage Place: Wayne, New York
Father: M B Allen
Mother: Mary Kellogg
Spouse: Albert E Merriam
Film Number: 000479878
Apr 26, 1912: Birth of Donald Albert Merriam, 1st of 4 children of Albert Elias Merriam & Elizabeth Amelia “Bessie” Allen, in (Newark) Arcadia, Wayne Co., New York:
Apr 26, 1912: New York State Birth Index:
Name: Donald A Merriam
Birth Date: Apr 1912
Birth Place: Arcadia, New York
Certificate Number: 23887
Apr 1912: newspaper birth announcement:
Apr 9, 1915: Birth of Rhea Byron “Ray” Merriam, 2nd of 4 children of Albert Elias Merriam & Elizabeth Amelia “Bessie” Allen, in Newark, Wayne Co., New York:
Apr 26, 1912: New York State Birth Index:
Name: Rhea B Merrian (Merriam)
Birth Date: 9 Apr 1915
Birth Place: Newark, New York
Certificate Number: 34400
Jun 1, 1915: New York State Census, Newark, Arcadia Township, Wayne Co., New York:
Name: Mark B Allen (father of Elizabeth Amelia “Bessie” Allen)
Birth Year: abt 1846
Birth Place: United States
Age: 69
Gender: Male
Residence Place: Arcadia, Wayne
Relationship: Head
Color or Race: White
Number of years in US: 69
House Number: 14
Household Members (Name) Age Relationship:
Mark B Allen: Head, Age 69, born is U.S., General shop work (father of Elizabeth Amelia “Bessie” Allen)
Mary K Allen: Wife, Age 66, born is U.S., House work (mother of Elizabeth Amelia “Bessie” Allen)
Albert E Merriam: Son-in-law, Age 32, born is U.S., Water works foreman;
Bessie A Merriam: Daughter, Age 29, born is U.S. born is U.S., House work
Donald A Merriam: Grandson, Age 3, born is U.S.
Rhea B Merriam: Grandson, Age 56 days, born is U.S., Newark, New York
Sep 20, 1918: Birth of Howard Elias Merriam, 3rd of 4 children of Albert Elias Merriam & Elizabeth Amelia “Bessie” Allen, in Newark, Wayne Co., New York
Sep 20, 1918: New York State Birth Index:
Name: Howard E Merriam
Birth Date: 20 Sep 1918
Birth Place: Newark, New York
Certificate Number: 82861
Jun 1, 1920: New York State Census, Newark, Arcadia Township, Wayne Co., New York:
Name: Albert Merrian (Merriam)
Age: 37
Birth Year: abt 1883
Birthplace: New York
Home in 1920: Arcadia, Wayne, New York
Street: Moore St
House Number: 8
Residence Date: 1920
Race: White
Gender: Male
Relation to Head of House: Head
Marital Status: Married
Spouse’s Name: Bessie Merrian (Merriam)
Father’s Birthplace: New York
Mother’s Birthplace: New York
Able to Speak English: Yes
Occupation: Foreman
Industry: City Waiter Work
Employment: Field Wage or Salary
Home Owned or Rented: Rented
Able to read: Yes
Able to Write: Yes
Household Members, Name, Age, Relationship:
Albert Merrian: Head, Age 37 (Merriam)
Bessie Merrian: Wife, Age 34 (Merriam)
Donald Merrian: Son, Age 7 (Merriam)
Rhea Merrian: Son, Age 4 (Merriam)
Howard Merrian: Son, Age 1 (Merriam)
Sep 1920: 10th Wedding Anniversary announcement for Albert Elias Merriam & Elizabeth Amelia “Bessie” Allen:
Feb 11, 1925: Birth of Paul Allen Merriam, 4th of 4 children of Albert Elias Merriam & Elizabeth Amelia “Bessie” Allen, in Newark, Wayne Co., New York
Feb 11, 1925: New York State Birth Index:
Name: Paul A Merriam
Birth Date: 11 Feb 1925
Birth Place: Newark, New York
Certificate Number: 15976
Apr 9, 1930: U.S. Federal Census, Sodus, Wayne Co., New York:
Name: Albert E Merriam
Birth Year: abt 1883
Gender: Male
Race: White
Age in 1930: 47
Birthplace: New York
Marital Status: Married
Relation to Head of House: Head
Home in 1930: Newark, Wayne, New York
Street Address: Church
House Number: 418
Home Owned or Rented: Owned
Home Value: 5, 000
Radio Set: Yes
Lives on Farm: No
Age at First Marriage: 28
Attended School: No
Able to Read and Write: Yes
Father’s Birthplace: New York
Mother’s Birthplace: New York
Able to Speak English: Yes
Occupation: Asst Supt
Industry: Water Works
Class of Worker: Wage or salary worker
Employment: Yes
Household Members (Name) Age Relationship:
Albert E Merriam: Head, Age 47
Bessie A Merriam: Wife, Age 44
Donald A Merriam: Son, Age 17
Rhea B Merriam: Son, Age 14
Howard E Merriam: Son, Age 11
Paul A Merriam: Son, Age 5
Circa mid 1930s: Newspaper announcement regarding Donald Albert Merriam:
Oct 4, 1934: Death of Marcus Brutus “Mark” Allen (age 89), father of Elizabeth Amelia “Bessie” (Allen) Merriam, in Pittsford, Monroe Co., New York
Oct 1934: Burial of Marcus B. “Mark” Allen at Marion Cemetery in Marion, Wayne Co., New York
Oct 18, 1934: Obituary for Marcus B. “Mark” Allen
The death Thursday of Mark Allen at the age of 89 years removed one of Pittsford’s oldest residents. He has been in failing health for some time. Surviving are his wife; a son, Byron Allen; two daughters, Mrs. F.H. Durfee of Marion and Mrs. Albert Merriman of Newark. The funeral was followed by interment in the family lot of Marion, his former home.
Feb 26, 1936: Death of Mary Jane (Kellogg) Allen (age 87), mother of Elizabeth Amelia “Bessie” (Allen) Merriam, in Pittsford, Monroe Co., New York
Feb 29, 1936: Burial of Mary Jane (Kellogg) Allen at Marion Cemetery in Marion, Wayne Co., New York
Note: 1936 was a leap year
Feb 29, 1936: Newspaper obituary for Mary Jane (Kellogg) Allen):
Mrs Allen Passes at 87
Mrs. Mary Jane Allen, 87 years old, entered into rest at the home of her son, Byron Allen, 9 Maple Street, Pittsford, Wednesday, February 26th, following a long period of failing health. She was born February 14, 1849, in Marion, west of the village, on the farm now occupied by Arthur Young. She was the daughter of Harriet Bailey and Rodney Kellogg, pioneer settlers of the town.
On April 18, 1870, she was united in marriage to Mark A. Allen of Marion. They resided in Marion until 1893 when they moved to Newark where they lived until 1927. They have made their home in Pittsford since, where Mr. Allen died two years ago, soon after they had celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary. Mrs. Allen was a member of the old Christian Church of Marion, and a relative of Temple Bailey, the authoress.
She is survived by one son, Byron of Pittsford; two daughters, Mrs. Fred Durfee of Marian and Mrs. Albert Merriam of Newark; seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Funeral services were held Saturday from the son’s home at 2 o’clock. The Rev. H.J. Bartle, pastor of the Pittsford Presbyterian Church officiated. Burial in Marion.
Feb 29, 1936: Democrat and Chronicle, Rochester, Monroe Co., New York (pg 21):
1937: Rhea Byron Merriam, Cornell University Yearbook, Ithaca, Tompkins Co., New York:
Apr 11, 1940: U.S. Federal Census, Camillus, Onondaga Co., New York:
Name: Rhea B Merriam (Rhea Byron “Ray” Merriam, 2nd of 4 children of Albert Elias Merriam & Elizabeth Amelia “Bessie” Allen)
Age: 24
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1916
Gender: Male
Race: White
Birthplace: New York
Marital Status: Single
Relation to Head of House: Boarder
Home in 1940: Camillus, Onondaga, New York
Street Main: Street
House Number: 13
Inferred Residence in 1935: Newark, Wayne, New York
Residence in 1935: Newark, Wayne, New York
Occupation: Teacher
Highest Grade Completed: College, 4th year
Hours Worked Week Prior to Census: 35
Class of Worker: Wage or salary worker in Government work
Weeks Worked in 1939: 40
Income: 1513
Income Other Sources: No
Household Members, Name, Age, Relationship:
William J Marwell: Head, Age 67
Mary E Marwell: Wife, Age63
Evelyn Rich: Boarder, Age 26
Rhea B Merriam: Boarder, Age 24
Margarette Wallace, Boarder, Age 23
Apr 20, 1940: U.S. Federal Census, Newark, Arcadia, Wayne Co., New York:
Name: Donald Merriam (Donald Albert Merriam, 1st of 4 children of Albert Elias Merriam & Elizabeth Amelia “Bessie” Allen)
Age: 28
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1912
Gender: Male
Race: White
Birthplace: New York
Marital Status: Single
Relation to Head of House: Lodger
Home in 1940: Seneca Falls, Seneca, New York
Map of Home in 1940: Seneca Falls, Seneca, New York
Street: Fall Street
House Number: 299
Residence in 1935: Newark, Wayne, New York
Resident on farm in 1935: No
Occupation: Voice Teacher
Highest Grade Completed: College, 3rd year
Hours Worked Week Prior to Census: 40
Class of Worker: Working on own account
Weeks Worked in 1939: 52
Income: 450
Income Other Sources: No
Household Members (Name) Age Relationship:
Dora Clark: Head, Age 74 (Dora (Bulkley) Clarke, future mother-in-law of Donald Merriam)
Margaret Loomis: Daughter, Age 44, (Margaret Bulkely (Clarke) Loomis) future wife of Donald Merriam)
William Loomis: Grandson, Age 14 (son of Donald Parsons Loomis & Margaret Bulkely Clarke)
Donald Merriam: Lodger, Age 28, Single, born Newark, Wayne Co., New York
Apr 23, 1940: U.S. Federal Census, Newark, Arcadia, Wayne Co., New York:
Name: Albert E Merriam
Age: 57
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1883
Gender: Male
Race: White
Birthplace: New York
Marital Status: Married
Relation to Head of House: Head
Home in 1940: Arcadia, Wayne, New York
Map of Home in 1940: Arcadia, Wayne, New York
Street: Church Street
House Number: 418
Residence in 1935: Arcadia
Occupation: Asst Superintendent Water Work
House Owned or Rented: Owned
Value of Home or Monthly Rental if Rented: 3000
Highest Grade Completed: Elementary school, 8th grade
Hours Worked Week Prior to Census: 54
Class of Worker: Wage or salary worker in Government work
Weeks Worked in 1939: 52
Income: 1220
Income Other Sources: Yes
Household Members (Name) Age Relationship:
Albert E Merriam: Head, Age 57, Married, born New York
Bessie A Merriam: Wife, Age 54, Married, born New York
Howard Merriam: Son, Age 21, Single, born New York
Paul Merriam: Son, Age 15, Single, born New York
Oct 6, 1940: WWII Military Draft Card for Rhea Bryon Merriam:
Oct 16, 1940: WWII Military Draft Card for Donald Albert Merriam:
Oct 16, 1940: WWII Military Draft Card for Howard Elias Merriam:
Dec 7, 1941: WORLD WAR II: On December 7, 1941, following the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor, the United States declared war on Japan. Three days later, after Germany and Italy declared war on it, the United States became fully engaged in the Second World War.
U.S. involvement in the Second World War was quickly followed by a massive mobilization effort. With millions of men and women serving overseas in the nation’s armed forces, most of those who remained at home dedicated themselves to supporting the war effort in whatever means was available to them. Women, who had worked as homemakers or had held jobs outside military-related industries, took jobs in aircraft manufacturing plants, munitions plants, military uniform production factories, and so on. As the need for steel and other resources increased, American citizens participated in rationing programs, as well as recycling and scrap metal drives. Americans also supported the war effort with their hard-earned dollars by purchasing Liberty bonds. Sold by the U.S. government, the bonds raised money for the war and helped the bond purchasers feel they were doing their part for the war effort.
The U.S. entry into the war helped to get the nation’s economy back on its feet following the depression. Although just ten years earlier, jobs were very difficult to come by, there were now jobs for nearly everyone who wanted one. With the creation of 17 million new jobs during the war, workers were afforded the opportunity to pay off old debts, as well as to begin saving some of their earnings.
Not all Americans remaining at home gained favorably from the war. Fearing that Japan might invade the West Coast of the United States, the government rounded up thousands of Japanese Americans who lived on the West Coast, and confined them to internment camps. By 1948 when the internment program ended, tens of thousands of Japanese had suffered as internees. In addition, German Americans, Italian Americans, Hungarians, Romanians and Bulgarians were also interned.
On May 8, 1945, Germany surrendered. After the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan surrendered on September 2, 1945, and the Second World War came to an end. The war cost the lives of more than 330,000 American soldiers. Many more were permanently injured or maimed.
Source: https://www.loc.gov/classroom-materials/united-states-history-primary-source-timeline/great-depression-and-world-war-ii-1929-1945/world-war-ii/
Major Donald Albert Merriam, U.S. Army, Captain in Army Corps of Engineers; 1st of 4 children of Albert Elias Merriam & Elizabeth Amelia “Bessie” Allen:
Jan 1942: Newspaper article regarding Howard W. Merriman, graduate from U.S. Naval Reserve Midshipman’s School:
Earlier article:
Dec 12, 1941: Marriage of Rhea Byron “Ray” Merriam & Beatrice Winifred Burns (ceremony performed Dec 27), Camillus, Onondaga Co., New York; Rhea is the 2nd of 4 children of Albert Elias Merriam & Elizabeth Amelia “Bessie” Allen.
Dec 27, 1941: Wedding of Rhea Byron “Ray” Merriam & Beatrice Winifred Burns, in Camillus, Onondaga Co., New York
Dec 1941: Newspaper announcement for wedding of Rhea Byron “Ray” Merriam & Beatrice Winifred Burns:
Jan 6, 1942: The Ithaca Journal, Ithaca, New York (Tuesday, pg 4):
Jul 20, 1942: Democrat and Chronicle, Rochester, Monroe Co., New York (Monday, pg 24):
Jan 1944: WWII Hospital Admissions File:
Name: Paul A Merriam
Race: White, includes Mexican (White)
Rank: Enlisted Man
Admission: Age 19
Birth Date: abt 1925
Admission Date: Jan 1944
Discharge Date: Jan 1944
Military Branch: Air Force, General or Unspecified
Diagnosis Diagnosis: Nasopharyngitis, acute
Type of Injury: Disease
Injured in Line of Duty: In line of duty
Type of Discharge: Duty
Length of Service: 0 Year(s), 9, 10 OR 11 MONTHS Month(s)
Service Number: 12216833
Note: Nasopharyngitis is the inflammation of the nasal passages and the pharynx, or throat. It is another name for the common cold.
Feb 19, 1946: WWII Military Draft Card for Paul Allen Merriam:
Apr 10, 1950: U.S. Federal Census, Newark, Arcadia, Wayne Co., New York:
Name: Albert E Merriam
Age: 67
Birth Date: abt 1883
Gender: Male
Race: White
Birth Place: New York
Marital Status: Married
Relation to Head of House: Head
Residence Date: 1950
Home in 1950: Newark, Wayne, New York
Street Name: Church
House Number: 418
Apartment Number: H18
Father Birth Place: USA
Mother Birth Place: USA
Occupation Category: Unable to Work
School Completed: S8
Grade Completed: Yes
Weeks Worked: 16
Income: None
Other Income: 1380
Supplemental Income: 850.0
Relative Income: 3374
World War II Veteran: No
World War I Veteran: No
Veteran: No
Previous Occupation: Manager Operator
Previous Industry: Vice of Newark
Previous Worker Class: Government
Previous Marriage: No
Years Since Married: 39
Household Members (Name) Age Relationship:
Albert E Merriam: Head: Age 67
Bessie A Merriam: Wife, Age 64
Howard E Merriam: Son, Age 31
Paul A Merriam: Son, Age 25
Feb 9, 1952: Marriage of Howard E Merriam & Wanda Alice (Howland) Mason, Arcadia, Wayne Co., New York
Feb 9, 1952: New York State Marriage Index:
Name: Howard E Merriam
Gender: Male
Marriage Date: 9 Feb 1952
Marriage Place: Arcadia, New York
Certificate Number: 4715
Records Sharing Certificate Number (Name):
Wanda A Mason
Howard E Merriam
Wanda A Howland
Oct 20, 1960: Democrat and Chronicle, Rochester, Monroe Co., New York (Thursday, pg 10):
Apr 6, 1962: Death of Albert Elias Merriam (age 79), husband of Elizabeth Amelia “Bessie” (Allen) Merriam, in Newark, Wayne Co., New York
Apr 8, 1962: Democrat and Chronicle, Rochester, Monroe Co., New York (Sunday, pg 3):
Apr 9, 1962: Burial of Albert Elias Merriam at South Lyons Cemetery in Lyons, Wayne Co., New York:
Sep 15, 1970: Death of Elizabeth Amelia “Bessie” (Allen) Merriam (age 84), 4th of 4 children of Marcus Brutus “Mark” Allen & Mary Jane Kellogg and wife of Albert Elias Merriam, in Rochester, Monroe Co., New York
Sep 17, 1970: Democrat and Chronicle, Rochester, Monroe Co., New York (Thursday, pg 51):
Sep 18, 1970: Burial of Elizabeth Amelia “Bessie” (Allen) Merriam at South Lyons Cemetery in Lyons, Wayne Co., New York:
Dec 15, 1971 : Death of Paul Allen Merriam (age 46), 4th of 4 children of Albert Elias Merriam & Elizabeth Amelia “Bessie” Allen
Dec 1971: Burial of Paul Allen Merriam at South Lyons Cemetery in Lyons, Wayne Co., New York
Jan 12, 1972: U.S. Headstone Application for Military Veterans:
Name: Paul A. Merriam
Rank: Corporal
Birth Date: 11 Feb 1925
Service Number: 12 216 833
Service Branch: Army Air Forces
Unit: 3501st Aaf Bu (note: Army Air Forces Base Unit)
Enlistment Date: 5 Apr 1943
Discharge Date: 19 Feb 1946
Death Date: 15 Dec 1971
Cemetery: South Cemetery
Cemetery Location:: Lyons, New York
Army Air Forces Base Unit (3501st AAFBU): Trained personnel in radar and electronic warfare. A “Base Unit” was a sub-unit of a squadron tasked with a specific function to support a larger organization. The last paragraph in the text below is key in explaining the demise of the “base unit” structure. Today, a military installation is like a small, self-reliant town to support the mission as well as the personnel (soldiers, sailors, airmen) while both on and off duty. ~ Mark Synovitz, Lt Col, USAF (Retired)
“The US Army Air Forces, in addition to its combat units and flying units, also had non-flying units and organizations which used several types of designations during the period of the AAF (June, 1941 into September, 1947).
In the early spring of 1944, the AAF (Army Air Forces) implemented a restructuring of its domestic and continental structure. This restructuring led to the establishment of a base unit structure, which aimed to centralize the command of support functions at specific locations. The base units were designed to facilitate communication and organizational relationships between flying and non-flying elements within the AAF. Moreover, this new structure provided a logistics foundation for air operations, ensuring efficient coordination and support for the various air activities conducted by the AAF.
This restructuring resulted from a February 1944 Army Air Forces Headquarters order that units at each installation to be consolidated into Army Air Forces base units. The base unit structure in turn was replaced by base Wing structure in which commanders controlled both facilities and organizations. This arrangement soon lead to the Wing structure used today by the USAF that eliminated the Group level.”
Source: Wikipedia: “Unit designations of the United States Army Air Force and United States Air Force”
Dec 30, 1997: Death of Donald Albert Merriam (age 85), 1st of 4 children of Albert Elias Merriam & Elizabeth Amelia “Bessie” Allen, in Seneca Falls, Seneca Co., New York:
Dec 30, 1997: U.S. Social Security Death Index:
Name: Donald Merriam
Birth Date: 26 Apr 1912
Issue year: 1952-1954
Issue State: New York
Last Residence: 13148, Seneca Falls, Seneca, New York
Death Date: 30 Dec 1997
Obituary for Donald Albert Merriam:
Burial of Donald Albert Merriam at Restvale Cemetery in Seneca Falls, Seneca Co., New York
1997: U.S. Veterans’ Gravesites:
Name Donald A Merriam
Death Age 85
Birth Date 1912
Death Date 1997
Interment Place New York, USA
Cemetery Address Seneca Falls, NY 13148
Cemetery Restvale Cem
Notes Capt Us Army World War II
Jan 13, 1998, 1997: U.S. Social Security Applications and Claims Index:
Name: Donald Albert Merriam
[Donald Merriam]
Gender: Male
Race: White
Birth Date: 26 Apr 1912
Birth Place: Newark, Wayne, New York
Death Date: 30 Dec 1997
Father: Albert E Merriam
Mother: Bessie Allen
Notes: Jan 1953: Name listed as DONALD ALBERT MERRIAM; 13 Jan 1998: Name listed as DONALD MERRIAM
Oct 19, 1998: Death of Rhea Byron “Ray” Merriam (age 83), 2nd of 4 children of Albert Elias Merriam & Elizabeth Amelia “Bessie” Allen:
Jan 13, 1998, 1997: U.S. Social Security Applications and Claims Index:
Name: Rhea Byron Merriam
Gender: Male
Race: White
Birth Date: 9 Apr 1915
Birth Place: Newark Wayne, New York
Death Date: 19 Oct 1998
Father: Albert E Merriam
Mother: Bessie Allen
Notes Jun 1942: Name listed as RHEA BYRON MERRIAM; Oct 1957: Name listed as RAY BYRON MERRIAM; 11 Nov 1998: Name listed as RAY B MERRIAM
1998: Burial of Rhea Byron “Ray” Merriam at Saint Mary’s Cemetery in DeWitt, Onondaga Co., New York; Sec 86, Lot 29, Space 4B
Feb 8, 2001: Death of Howard Elias Merriam (age 82), 3rd of 4 children of Albert Elias Merriam & Elizabeth Amelia “Bessie” Allen, in Peoria, Maricopa Co., Arizona; burial unknown
Feb 8, 2001: U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs:
Name: Howard E Merriam
Gender: Male
Birth Date: 20 Sep 1918
Death Date: 8 Feb 2001
Enlistment Branch: N
Enlistment Date: 17 Sep 1941
Discharge Date: 22 Apr 1946
Feb 8, 2001: U.S. Social Security Death Index:
Name: Howard E. Merriam
Birth Date: 20 Sep 1918
Issue year: Before 1951
Issue State: New York
Last Residence: 85382, Peoria, Maricopa, Arizona
Death Date: 8 Feb 2001
Feb 27, 2001: U.S. Social Security Applications and Claims Index:
Name: Howard Elias Merriam
[Howard E Merriam]
Gender: Male
Race: White
Birth Date: 20 Sep 1918
Birth Place: Newark, Wayne Co., New York
Death Date: 8 Feb 2001
Father: Albert E Merriam
Mother: Bessie Allen
Notes: Dec 1936: Name listed as HOWARD ELIAS MERRIAM; 27 Feb 2001: Name listed as HOWARD E MERRIAM
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Family of Albert Elias Merriam
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Albert Francis Merriam
Son of Albert F. Merriam & Adelaide M. Cornell
Born: 1856, New York
Died: 1942 (age 86-87)
Buried: South Lyons Cemetery in Lyons, Wayne Co., New York
Occupation: Laborer
Married: 1874, Adelaide M. “Addie”Cornell
Three of 5 known children: Alice Amelia Merriman, Albert Elias Merriman, Luella Adelaide Merriam
Adelaide M. “Addie” Cornell
Daughter of William Cornell & Adelaide unkn
Born: 1857, New York
Died: Aug 2, 1923 (age 65-66), Newark, New York
Buried: South Lyons Cemetery in Lyons, Wayne Co., New York
Married: 1874, Albert F. Merriam
Three of 5 known children: Alice Amelia Merriman, Albert Elias Merriman, Luella Adelaide Merriam
1. Alice Amelia Merriam
Born: Jul 14, 1879, Newark, Wayne Co., New York
Died: Dec 12, 1915 (age 36), East Palmyra Cemetery in East Palmyra, Wayne Co., New York
Buried: East Palmyra Cemetery in East Palmyra, Wayne Co., New York
Occupation: Box maker
Married: Frank W. Martin
One child: Walter Martin
2. Albert Elias Merriam
Born: Aug 29, 1882, Orleans, Jefferson Co., New York
Died: Apr 6, 1962 (age 79), Wayne Co., New York
Buried: South Lyons Cemetery in Lyons, Wayne Co., New York
Occupation: Assistant Superintendent of Public Works in Newark
Active member of Newark Fire Department Excelsior Hose Co.
Married (1): Jun 20, 1907, Mabelle Lynn Reynolds, Barrington, Yates Co., New York
Divorced
Married (2): Sep 14, 1910, Elizabeth Amelia “Bessie” Allen, Newark, Wayne Co., New York
Four children: Donald Albert Merriam, Rhea Byron Merriam, Howard Elias Merriam, Paul Allen Merriam
3. Luella Adelaide Merriam
Born: 1891, Newark, Wayne Co., New York
Died: Jan 14, 1962 (age 40), Clifton Springs, Ontario Co., New York
Buried: Jan 16, East Palmyra Cemetery in East Palmyra, Wayne Co., New York
Married (1): Dec 20, 1909, Ransom Adelbert Fowler, Newark, Wayne Co., New York
Two children: Ransom Adelbert Fowler, Jr., Kenneth L. Fowler
Married (2): Charles A. Hyman
Two children: Margaret Hyman, Bernice Hyman
Obituary for Luella Adelaide (Merriam) Hyman:
2023. Researched and compiled by Catherine (Clemens) Sevenau. Thank you to Nancy Gould for contributing photos and news articles, and also to Cheryl (Chatfield) Thompson for contributing the newspaper articles.
Note: The cemetery headstone photos from Find A Grave contained herein are the property of those who photographed them.