Grave Marking of Eli Merrell (May 25, 2025)

Veteran of the War of 1812, Citizen of the Republic of Texas

(Dallas, TX – May 25, 2025) – The Craig Austin Rowley Chapter, Society of the War of 1812 in Texas, the John Cavet Chapter, United States Daughters of 1812, and the Collin McKinney Chapter, Daughters of the Republic of Texas will hold a grave marking ceremony for Private Eli Merrell veteran of the War of 1812, in the Merrell Cemetery in Dallas, at 3 PM, May 25, 2025. Records indicate that the Daughters of 1812 had previously marked Merrell’s grave in March of 1935; however, that marker is now missing. 

Private Eli Merrell was born in North Carolina on 29 Oct 1787 and died in Dallas County, Texas on 26 Dec 1849. He is buried in Merrell Cemetery. 

Merrell served in the War of 1812 in Capt. George Neil’s Company, North Carolina. 

On 1 Jan 1811, Eli married Nancy McCrary in North Carolina.  The couple had two sons:  Benjamin and Eli.  Nancy died 15 Feb 1830 in Missouri.  Eli married Mary Ann McCoy on 24 Aug 1837.  The couple had at least six children:  Olivia, Julia, George, Margaret, John, and Thomas.  The family moved from Missouri to Texas in the 1840s.  Research is on-going to determine the exact date of arrival in Texas; however, daughter Margaret’s birth in Texas in 1845 indicates they were here during the time of the Republic of Texas.

Representatives from the Dallas County Pioneers Association and the Merrell Cemetery Maintenance Association will speak at the dedication.  The program will include a brief history of the War of 1812, biography of Private Merrell, memorial wreath laying, and a salute by 1812 color guard.  The press and community, and especially any Merrell descendants, are invited to attend.  Seating is limited and those attending are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. 

For information about the United States Daughters of 1812, visit USDaughters1812.org

For information about the Society War of 1812 in Texas, visit texas1812.org

For information about the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, visit DRTinfo.org