G. S. MERKLING, marble dealer, is a native of France. In 1831, he came to America with his parents; they located in New York, where they remained for about one year, subsequently emigrating to Wayne County, Ohio, where they settled permanently. Our subject lost his father when twelve years of age, and was bound out to a farmer. When sixteen years of age he commenced learning the shoemaker's trade, subsequently learning the marble cutter's trade, at Wooster. This trade was his principal occupation until 1863, when he came to Noble County and engaged at farming in Wayne Township, at which he continued until 1873, when he came to Kendallville and inaugurated his present business, which he has by skillful management, brought up to an extensive trade. He has the reputation of carrying the largest and finest stock of marble and granite between Toledo and South Bend. Employing also skilled and artistic workmen, he is prepared to compete with all opposition. He is also in association with T. M. Evans, engaged in the undertaking business. Mr. Merkling is a member of Kendallville Blue Lodge, Chapter and Council, F. & A. M. He was married in 1852, to Miss Mary A. Miller, a native of Lancaster County, Penn. She died in December, 1872, leaving five children--Lewis, Rachel, Della, Luther and Otis. In 1874, he was united to a second wife, Mary Smith, of De Kalb County, Ind.
Counties of La Grange and Noble, Indiana, Historical and Biographical, Chicago: F. A. Battey & Co., Publishers, © 1882, Part 2, p. 310.
Transcribed by Denise Wells, May 2013.