Ernst Merkle was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, July 7, 1832. He came to America in 1854, landed at New York. He went at once to Cincinnati, Ohio; remained there one year, then to St. Louis, Mo., and one year later came to Clayton County, this being in 1856. He settled on section 22, Buena Vista Township, where he has lived most of his time since. He has 200 acres of good land well improved. He is the present School Secretary, and has held the offices of School Director and Township Clerk, and various other offices. He is a Catholic in his religious views. He votes the Republican ticket. He was married to Magdalena Southeimer, April 16, 1857. She was born in Germany, July 2, 1829. They have no children of their own, but have adopted two--John and Lizzie. Mr. Merkle is also running a lumber yard, and has been for over ten years, and is doing a good business. He is one of the representative citizens of the township. source: History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 680 |