EARLY DAYS IN GREENBUSH
BETHUEL MERRIS
Bethuel Merris was born in the state of Ohio, July 9, 1826. He was a son of John B. and Eliza Merris, both natives of Ohio. He came to Scott county, Illinois, about, the year 1845. He was married at Naples, Illinois, to Mary Crawford, July 5, 1846. She was born in Ohio, August 7, 1825. They moved to Greenbush, Warren county, Illinois, in the fall of 1852, where they resided up to the time of their death.
To them were born the following-named children:
John B., born October 23, 1849.
Almira, born March 21, 1852; married James Garland Ray, December 3, 1871.
Eliza Ellen, born January 29, 1855; married Joshua Coates Ray, April 2, 1874.
Flora A., born January 5, 1859.
Melissa, born February 2, 1867.
Mr. Merris was by occupation a farmer. In politics he was a democrat. In religion he and his wife were members of the Christian church. He died March 7, 1891; his wife died December 24, 1898.
