Presidents, Soldiers, Statesmen H. H. Hardesty, 1898.
John M. V. Merrifield - A native of West Virginia, was born in Monongalia county, June 16, 1840, and came to Wetzel county, same state, in 1880. Belinda C. Floyd became his companion on life's journey March 22, 1866, in Marion county, W. Va. She was born there May 30, 1848, and was a daughter of Thomas J. Floyd, deceased, and Catherine (Eddy), still living. To them were born the following children: Clarinda B., Richard E., Henry M., Alva L., Huldah L., Sophrona O., Essie O., Mary J. and Martha A. When the war of the rebellion was inaugurated he became impressed with a desire to take an active and leading part. He was 21 years of age when he was enrolled from Wheeling, W. Va., Oct. 20, 1861, as a private in Co. H., 1st W. Va. V. I., and soon made Corp. In the winter of 1861-2 he was ill in hospital at Cumberland, Md., four weeks with fever. In 1862 he was again treated in hospital at Strausburg one week with bronchitis. May 19, 1862, he was honorably discharged at Catlett Station, Va., on account of physical disability. When able he re-enlisted Sept. 3, 1864, at Wheeling, W. Va., in Co. D, 17th W. Va. V. I. In November, 1864, he was detailed to act as scout and also as provost marshal. He was actively engaged in the battles of Winchester, Strausburg, Blue Gap and several skirmishes. He was granted his final honorable discharge June 12, 1865, at Wheeling, W. Va. He had two brothers in action, Richard and Zebekiah; the former was captured and died in Libby prison. His wife's brother, Asel served in W. Va. V. I.; his grandfather, Richard Merrifield, served in the Continental army during the Revolutionary war. Ou subject's son, Richard E., enlisted in the standing army in 1889 and served one year. Our subject is a member of G.A.R. at Logansport, W. Va., and his address is Brink, W. Va., near which place he is successfully engaged in farming.
