Samuel Merrill (Iowa)

Samuel Merrill ( born August 7, 1822 in Turner, Androscoggin County, Maine; † August 31, 1899 in Los Angeles, California ) was an American politician ( Republican) and 1868-1872 of the 7th Governor of the State of Iowa.

Early years

Samuel Merrill attended the local schools of his home in Maine. After that he wanted to become a teacher. Therefore, he moved to the south, where he met with his views on the abolition of slavery with strong opposition. He was then working as a dealer in 1847 with his brother in Tamworth, New Hampshire. Together they operated a company. In 1856, Merrill moved to McGregor, where he opened a branch of the company.

Political rise

Already in 1854, Merrill was a member of the House of Representatives from New Hampshire. In his new home, Merrill was politically active. In 1859 he was elected to the House of Representatives from Iowa. During the American Civil War, he rose in the army of the Union up to the Colonel. After several injuries he had to give up his military service in summer 1864. Thereafter, Merrill President of First National Bank of McGregor. In 1867 he was elected governor of his state.

Governor of Iowa

Samuel Merrill took up his new post on January 16, 1868. After a re-election in 1869, he could remain in office until 11 January 1872. In this time of railway construction in Iowa was promoted and revised the laws regulating the insurance industry and drawn up the plans for a new building of the parliament building.

Further CV

After the end of his tenure, Merrill withdrew from politics. He went back to his private affairs and was president of the Citizens National Bank of Des Moines. In August 1899 he suffered a stroke in Los Angeles, the consequences of which he died a few days later. He was buried in Des Moines. Samuel Merritt was married three times and had four children.