WAUPACA RECORD LEADER

July 29, 1915

 

PIONEER OF THE LAKES PASSED AWAY LAST WEEK

 

Capt. Merriam Succumbs to Long Illness

Was One of First Men to Run Boat on Lakes

 

            Captain C. Merriam, known to every person who visited the Lakes, passed away on last Thursday. Mr. Merriam had been a victim of cancer of the stomach for a number years and although he underwent two operations at the Mayo Brothers hospital, he could not be cured.  The captain piloted one of the first motor boats on the Chain o’ Lakes, and was one of the first men to locate there and engage in the business of motor boats and cottages.  His first boat, which will be remembered by many was “The Lady of The Lake,” and his second, “The Alice R”.  “The Mayflower”, which was his last boat and which is still running, is one of the finest on the Lakes today.

            While the captain has been ailing for the past two years, it was not until about four months ago that he was confined to his bed.  Since that time, however, he has not been able to help himself and a nurse has been in constant attendance.

            Capt. Merriam was sixty-nine years old, having been born in Bangor, Me., in 1846.  He came west when a young man and located in St. Paul.  He came here seventeen years ago, and two years later located at the Chain o’ Lakes.  For years he was known as the best fisherman in this part of the state and some of his records still stand.  His widow and daughter, Miss Bessie, survive him.

            The funeral was held Saturday from the home at the Lakes, Rev. E.B. Earl of the Veterans’ Home officiating.  The choir of the Home sang two beautiful numbers.

            The out-of-town relatives who attended the services were:  Mr. and Mrs. Fred Raschke and Mr. and Mrs. L. Jorgenson of Clintonville; Mrs. Otto Lempke and Mrs. Ed Hendritch of New London; and Edward Nelson of Green Bay.