John Merrifield1 married Catherine Simmons, moved from Columbia, Yates county, N. Y., and lived in Benton subsequent to 1820. He removed to Potter in 1832 and settled on a farm since belonging to Charles Bodwell's estate. He finally went to Coloma, Mich., where he died in 1851, aged 64. The mother lived with her children in Yates county until old age. Children:

1. JOHN,2 b. in 1809; m., in 1832, Sarah, dau. of John Crank, of Benton, N. Y. These lived on the home farm in Potter, of which he was joint owner with his father; subsequently returned to Benton, where he lived on several farms. In 1848 he owned a farm consisting of 160 acres, to which he added until he owned 400 acres. He began life poor, but by good management acquired a large estate. He was a leading citizen and enjoyed the full confidence of all he had dealings with; was supervisor and served with credit to himself and satisfaction to his townsmen. Two children:

I. JOHN W.,3 m. Elvira, dau. of William M. Crosby, of Benton, and settled in Vineland, N. J.
II. MARY D.,3 m. James M. Lowe, of Jerusalem, and lived on parental homestead.

2. ROBERT,2 m. Eliza, dau. of Josiah Rudd, of Italy, and removed to Michigan. Six children.
3. GEORGE C.,2 m. Mary A. Parks, of Benton, N. Y., and lives at Wishawaka, Ind.; teacher and fruit grower; has represented county in the state assembly and held office of U. S. revenue assessor.
4. CHARLOTTE,2 m. Culver S. Barber, of Potter, N. Y.
5. JACOB,2 m. Emily, dau. of James P. Robinson, of Potter, N. Y., and removed to Wishawaka, Ind., where his wife died leaving three children. He m. again and was living at Decatur, Mich.; fruit grower and Universalist minister.
6. WILLIAM H.,2 m. Emily Paul, of Coloma, and resided there as farmer. Five children.
7. ELIZABETH,2 m. Ira Potter, of Potter, N. Y.
8. SARAH A.,2 m. Charles Bostwick, a physician, of Coloma, Mich., and settled at New Troy.
9. PETER S.,2 m. Sally A. Dayton, of Welshville, Ohio; farmer and teacher. One son.
10. HANNAH C.,2 m. Charles Reading, of Coloma, Mich., where he d. leaving issue. She m. second, Franklin Vinton, of Carlisle Hill, Ind.
11. THOMAS J.,2 m. Paulina Skinner, of Valparaiso, Ind.; lawyer; has been mayor of the city; represented Potter in state assembly.

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