Merrifield Ancestors & Kin

"Notes From an Unfinished Study of Fannin and His Men"
by Harbert Davenport, 1936

Back to Texas By-Way-of-Kentucky Merrifields

...William J. Merrifield was a member of Duval's original company, and was paid as its second lieutenant from December 25, 1835 to March 27, 1836.  Henry A. Read, as attorney for Alexander Merrifield, his heir-at-law, (and probably father) collected his pay. John C. Duval says that Merrifield was responsible for Captain Duval's Company being called the "Mustangs." "Our Second Lieutenant was a man of great physical powers, but withal one of the most peaceful and genial of men when not under the influence of liquor.  But occasionally he would get on a spree, and then he was as wild as a March hare, and perfectly uncontrollable.  The Mexicans seemed to know him and to fear him also, and when he was on one of his 'benders,' they would retreat into their houses as soon as they saw him and shut the doors.  This proceeding, of course, was calculated to irritate M., and he would forthwith kick the door from its hinges. On a certain occasion he battered down the doors of half a dozen houses in one street, and from that time the Mexicans called him the'Mustang,' and finally the name applied to the company"[Early Times in Texas, p. 30, CMSR No. 74, State Library]. The T&TR roll of Fannin's men, and an AGO certificate that follows it, have Merrifields initials "J.Z." Note: Lieutenant William Jefferson Merrifield and his entire regiment was captured and executed by the Mexican Army at Goliad, Texas 27 March 1836. More information can be found in the Notes portion in the Surname Database of this site.

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