Thomas Hazen Merrill

Thomas Hazen Merrill was born June 11, 1859 in Bountiful, Utah to Marriner Wood and Sarah Ann Atkinson Merrill. Thomas is a Pioneer of Richmond. Thomas was on the committee to establish the Richmond Library.

History

Church Responsibilities

Missionary

Thomas was called to serve a mission to the Southern States in 1881. Thomas was ordained an Elder and set apart by Apostle Franklin Dewey Richards. Thomas served his mission until 1883.

Bishop

Following his father's footsteps, Thomas served as Bishop of the Richmond Ward from 1900-1917. They were the first father-son bishops in Richmond. Thomas was the last Pioneer to serve as a bishop in Richmond.

Richmond Library

In June 1912, Herbert A. Adamson presented a petition signed by 67 individuals to the Richmond City Council about constructing a library in Richmond. An election was held about its construction and was in favor 95-12. The city appointed a Board of Directors for the library. Members were Charles Z. Harris, President; Mayor Samuel W. Hendricks, Vice-President; George G. Hendricks, Secretary, with other members James W. Funk, George M. Thomson, Thomas H. Merrill, and Herbert A. Adamson. The Board sent a letter to receive a grant to construct the library,1 asking for $10,000, but received only $8,000 for its construction, and was approved. The Richmond Carnegie Library was constructed in 1914.

Political Endeavors

State Representative

Thomas H. Merrill was appointed as Representative of the Second District for the State of Utah. He served from 1903 until an unknown year.

Member of the City Council (1921-1922)

Thomas H. Merrill served as a member of the City Council for a single term. He is the last Pioneer to serve in the Council.

Military Service

Around 1895, Thomas served in the Utah State Militia. He was relived from active duty as  Lieutenant.1

Epilogue