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John Henry Merckens

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John Henry Merckens

Birth	:	12 Oct 1855 New York, USA
Death	:	15 Aug 1914 Fairfield, Jefferson County, Iowa, USA
Burial	:	Evergreen Cemetery, Fairfield, Jefferson County, USA
Coordinate	:	41.0138600, -91.9562100
Plot	:	Old.P.252
Description	:	Note: The family surname can be found with some variations depending on sources, some of which may have been more typographical errors than anything else. The surname as used in the Fairfield Daily Journal obituary and on the family headstones is spelled "Merckens", so that is what is used on this memorial. ---------------- John Henry Merckens was most notably thought of during his latter life as being the "Grand Keeper of Records and Seal of the Grand Lodge, Knights of Pythias of Iowa". Just prior to his death, many officers of the Knights of Pythias from around the state of Iowa came... Read More	Note: The family surname can be found with some variations depending on sources, some of which may have been more typographical errors than anything else. The surname as used in the Fairfield Daily Journal obituary and on the family headstones is spelled "Merckens", so that is what is used on this memorial. ---------------- John Henry Merckens was most notably thought of during his latter life as being the "Grand Keeper of Records and Seal of the Grand Lodge, Knights of Pythias of Iowa". Just prior to his death, many officers of the Knights of Pythias from around the state of Iowa came to Fairfield as part of the annual audit of the books that John kept. A story was published in the Fairfield Daily Journal on Saturday, August 8, 1914 noting this visit. ------------ 1912 Biography - History of Jefferson County, Iowa -- A Record of Settlement, Organization, Progress and Achievement, Vol II, Published 1912, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 314 and 317 John H. MERCKENS has spent the greater part of his life in public office and his career has illustrated his fidelity to duty and to principle, his capability, his energy and his resourcefulness. He is now serving as grand keeper of the records and seal for the Knights of Pythias of Iowa, his labors in this connection occupying his entire time. His birth occurred in New York city, October 12, 1855, his parents being Cord and Helene D. (NIEMANN) MERCKENS, both of whom were natives of Germany. They were born, reared and married near Hamburg and in 1839 came to New York where their remaining days were passed, the mother's death occurring in the same year in which John H. MERCKENS was born. The father was connected with sugar refining throughout the entire period of his residence in the United States. He passed away in 1870, survived by two sons, but the elder, Richard, died in San Francisco, California, in March, 1888. John H. MERCKENS is therefore the only surviving member of the family. Left motherless in his infancy, he remained a resident of New York city until brought to Fairfield by the Children's Aid Society on the 15th of January, 1869. He afterward made his home with Henry Unkrich, a German farmer living near Glasgow, working in the fields until May, 1881. He then secured a clerkship in a general store at Lockridge where he remained until 1890, when he accepted a position in the census department at Washington, D. C. Later he was transferred to the labor department where he continued until 1892. His public service in Jefferson county covers two years in the position of deputy county clerk. He was also state superintendent of census at Des Moines in 1895 and 1896 and in 1898 was elected clerk of the district court for a term of four years. After his retirement from that position he became bookkeeper and clerk for the Lowden Machinery Company with which he remained until 1908, when he was elected to his present position as grand keeper of the records and seal of the Knights of Pythias, to which work he now gives his undivided attention, his ability well qualifying him for the onerous duties that devolve upon him. Under his guidance the work has been carefully systematized and the management of the office is thoroughly satisfactory to the officers of the organization. On the 1st of January, 1882, Mr. MERCKENS was united in marriage in Glasgow, Iowa, to Miss Ida M. EMERSON, who was born in Jefferson county, March 31, 1862, and is a daughter of John W. and Catherine A. EMERSON. Their children are: William C., of Fairfield; Clara E., who died March 13, 1906, at the age of twenty-three years; and Mary C., who is acting as her father's stenographer. Mr. MERCKENS belongs to the Ancient Order of United Workmen and to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is a "standpat" republican. He believes firmly in the principles of the party and the policy followed by its leaders, thinking that both are forces in conserving the best interests of good government. Mr. MERCKENS has the distinction of being what the world calls a self-made man and certainly he deserves much credit for what he has accomplished. Deprived in youth of the advantages that most boys enjoy, including home training and educational privileges beyond that offered by the common schools, he has so shaped his life that each step in his career has been a forward one, bringing him a broader outlook and wider opportunities. His connection with public office has gained him an extensive acquaintance and wherever he is known he has won warm friends. ------------ Obituaries: When John Henry Mercekens died on Saturday, August 15, 1914, a large obituary of sorts was published (with photo of John Henry Merckens) on that same date in which his long association with the K. of P. was detailed. Transcriptions - Fairfield Daily Journal Saturday August 15, 1914 JOHN H. MERCKENS CALLED BY DEATH John H. Merckens, Grand Keeper of Records and Seal of the Grand Lodge, Knights of Pythias of Iowa, died at his home here at 1:05 o'clock this morning. Death was due to a tumorous growth and to a complication of diseases. Mr. Merckens is known all over Iowa and to Pythians throughout the United States. His career is one that well illustrates the opportunities afforded a poor boy in America. A son of Cord Merckens he was born in New York City, October 12th, 1854 (sic. 1855 per headstone inscription), but as an orphan he was taken by the Children's Aid Society and was transported to Iowa where a home had been found by correspondence, for the 14-year old boy. In this manner he became a resident of Lockridge, Iowa, and was reared in the Gus Unkrich home there. He clerked in the store of Melcher Bros. there and later worked in stores at Perlee and Fairfield. All the time making his own way, his spirit of pluck and energy coupled with a genial nature brought him recognition in his new home. He was connected with the Fairfield newspapers and at various times had been identified with newspapers elsewhere as correspondent. He was a writer of ability and had wide knowledge of public affairs. Mr. Merckens was Knighted on March 12th, 1884, and has been an active member ever since. He was also a member of the A.O.U.W., the Odd Fellows, and the Elks. In all these orders he was a willing and efficient worker and was often honored by them. Since 1898, he has always had an important part in the Pythian Grand Lodge, either as committee chairman or as Grand Lodge officer. Oct. 1st, 1903, he was chosen Assistant Grand Keeper of Records and Seal. H. D. Walker of Mt. Pleasant, familiarly known as "Dad" Walker at that time holding the office, although in such poor health as to be unable to transact the volume of business passing through it. The brunt of the work fell upon Mr. Merckens and upon the death of the former Mr. Merckens was appointed Grand Keeper in July, 1908. At the next Grand Lodge meeting, held in Oskaloosa, in the following September he was elected to the position and each succeeding Grand Lodge has re-elected him. In all this time his popularity has increased because of his complete system of accounts and records, which he installed, and because of his careful and efficient administration. Under him the condition of the lodges throughout the state has had careful consideration with the result that the weak lodges were strengthened and the state membership increased in a phenominal (sic) manner. Mr. Merckens lived in Des Moines from 1895-96, being one of the superintendents of the state census then being taken. During the term of President Harrison, he was for four years in Washington, D.C., as an auditing expert in the Department of Labor. In 1898 he was elected on the Republican ticket as Clerk of Jefferson county, Iowa, and was re-elected in 1902. January 1st, 1881 (sic. 1882 per Ida's obituary), he was married to Miss Ida May Emerson, near Glasgow and to them were born three children, Clara who died in March, 1903 (sic. March 13, 1906, not 1903), W. Cortland, and Mary C., who with their mother and a wide circle of friends are left to mourn his loss. The son, Courtland (sic), has been his father's able assistant for some years. While Grand Keeper of Records and Seal, Mr. Merckens established the Iowa Pythian News, and has been for four years its editor. This spicy little publication has infused energy into the lodges throughout the state. His visits have been uninterrupted until last month, Mr. Mercken's health compelling it's suspension. Mr. Merckens has not been in good health for the past months. In May he spent two weeks at Excelsior Springs, Mo., but did not seem benefitted. July 5th, he went to Chicago, where on the 13th he was operated upon, but relief was only on temporary nature. The funeral will be held on Monday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock. It is anticipated that the service will be one of the most impressive and largest attended ever held here, as Mr. Merckens had a state and nation wide acquaintance. The funeral will be in charge of Rev. W. A. Wolgemuth of the English Lutheran church, in which Mr. Merckens was confirmed in childhood. Hon. Ben I. Sallinger of Carroll, prominent in the Knights of Pythias and a close personal friend of Mr. Merckens, will also have a part in the service. All of the Grand Officers of Iowa Pythianism will be present, as well as past officers and officers from various other states. Interment will be in Evergreen cemetery here. -------------- Fairfield Daily Journal Tuesday, August 18, 1914 Pg. 4 Col. 2 MANY ATTEND LAST SERVICE Funeral of John H. Merckens Was Attended By Many Prominent Men. A large number of Fairfield and out of town friends paid their respects to the late John Merckens yesterday afternoon when the funeral services conducted by Rev. W. A Wolgemuth, was held at the residence at half past two. Hon. B. I. Sallinger of Carroll, delivered a memorial address. This accomplished gentleman who is a candidate for Supreme Judge, made a touching and scholarly address. He spoke in the highest terms of Mr. Merckens who was liked by all who knew him. The services at the grave were in charge of the Grand Lodge officers, and the body was escorted to the cemetery by the members of the local K. of P. lodge, the Odd Fellows and the Elks. The floral tributes from the friends and heads and members of the order were exceptionally beautiful and numerous. Mr. Merckens was known and loved throughout the Knight of Pythias not only as a Grand Officer of the organization, but as a personal friend to hundreds of members of the lodge. The State officers and a great many members of the order from out of the city were in attendance at the funeral. Among them were: (Note: this listing of names omitted as there were literally several dozen mentions made, beyond the scope of this memorial. Obviously there were very many prominent members of the various organizations Mr. Merckens belonged to, and the omission of their names on this memorial in no way diminishes their role during the funeral service)

frequently asked questions (FAQ):

Where is John Henry Merckens's memorial?
John Henry Merckens's memorial is located at: Evergreen Cemetery, Fairfield, Jefferson County, USA.
When did John Henry Merckens death?
John Henry Merckens death on 15 Aug 1914 in Fairfield, Jefferson County, Iowa, USA
Where are the coordinates of the John Henry Merckens's memorial?
Latitude: 41.0138600
Longitude: -91.9562100

Family Members:

Spouse

Ida May Emerson Merckens

(1862 - 1929)

Children

Clara E Merckens

(1883 - 1906)

Flowers:

Nearby Cemetories:

1. Evergreen Cemetery
Fairfield, Jefferson County, USA
Coordinate: 41.0138600, -91.9562100

2. Old Fairfield Cemetery
Fairfield, Jefferson County, USA
Coordinate: 41.0148000, -91.9598000

3. Memorial Lawn Cemetery
Fairfield, Jefferson County, USA
Coordinate: 41.0068000, -91.9805000

4. Switzer Cemetery
Fairfield, Jefferson County, USA
Coordinate: 41.0368996, -91.9096985

5. Bradshaw Cemetery
Jefferson County, USA
Coordinate: 40.9766998, -91.9032974

6. Roth Cemetery
Fairfield, Jefferson County, USA
Coordinate: 40.9589005, -91.9574966

7. Bethesda Cemetery
Fairfield, Jefferson County, USA
Coordinate: 41.0019000, -91.8796000

8. Smith Family Cemetery
Libertyville, Jefferson County, USA
Coordinate: 40.9972416, -92.0362857

9. Wheeler Cemetery
Jefferson County, USA
Coordinate: 41.0797000, -91.9185500

10. Galliher Cemetery
Glasgow, Jefferson County, USA
Coordinate: 40.9666892, -91.8835038

11. Upper Richwoods Cemetery
Salina, Jefferson County, USA
Coordinate: 41.0602989, -91.8807983

12. Jefferson County Poor Farm Cemetery
Libertyville, Jefferson County, USA
Coordinate: 40.9416900, -91.9996200

13. Perlee Cemetery
Perlee, Jefferson County, USA
Coordinate: 41.0805750, -91.8993380

14. Pattison Cemetery
Fairfield, Jefferson County, USA
Coordinate: 40.9444008, -91.9049988

15. Moorman Cemetery
Fairfield, Jefferson County, USA
Coordinate: 41.0452995, -92.0622025

16. Wright Cemetery
Fairfield, Jefferson County, USA
Coordinate: 40.9524000, -91.8728000

17. Antioch Cemetery
Fairfield, Jefferson County, USA
Coordinate: 41.1002998, -91.9147034

18. Moyer Cemetery
Fairfield, Jefferson County, USA
Coordinate: 41.1046982, -91.9330978

19. Cumberland Cemetery
Jefferson County, USA
Coordinate: 40.9248000, -91.9903000

20. Gregg Cemetery
Jefferson County, USA
Coordinate: 41.0078011, -92.0811005

21. Salina Cemetery
Salina, Jefferson County, USA
Coordinate: 41.0419006, -91.8330994

22. McCleary Cemetery
Jefferson County, USA
Coordinate: 40.9892006, -92.0805969

23. Brooks Cemetery
Jefferson County, USA
Coordinate: 41.0635986, -92.0693970

24. Thompson Cemetery
Jefferson County, USA
Coordinate: 40.9155998, -91.9772034