Photos
Grave Marking of Eli Merrell, 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
Merrell Cemetery Annual Picnic 2024
Merrell Cemetery Maintenance Association annually gathers its members with a picnic on the grounds of the cemetery. The 2024 picnic was held on June 22. The weather was hot but the members represented descendants of the founding families. There were about 30 in attendance regardless of the temperature. Members drive from over 100 miles away to attend and some pick up cousins along the way to reminisce.
As a long standing custom, barbecue and tea are provided. Members bring a covered dish or desert to share. This has been tradition for well over 50 years. Chairs and tables are provided by the cemetery. In the past you brought your own chair or quilt to sit upon and enjoy your picnic basket. There was a healthy competition over contents of the baskets. I remember my Mother would fuss over her basket for days. In years past we all had to use a muslin pouch filled with sulfur to keep the chiggers off. We were quite the sight, but the chiggers were hungry and a nuisance.
Everyone enjoys the stories told about our ancestors across the table. We stay personally connected to each other through the picnic and our web page. The old style and the new intertwining.
June Jordan Time: August 14, 2024
Spring Picnic 2014
The Spring 2014 Picnic on the grounds was well attended with approximately 30 members with family members attended. The Crump family made this picnic a mini-reunion. The Martiarch MinnieMae Crump Hall was surrounded by her extended family.
It was also an opportunity for all to see the newly purchased trees and signage indicating the donor and cause. These beautiful trees will be planted shortly. The grounds were very well maintained (thank you Randy Griffin) and the day was beautiful and sunny. Genealogy information was exchanged between newer members and older members. We hope to see you all return and bring your families.
Luna Family
This information came with the photo:
(to) Mary (Cook),
I found this among the pictures Anna Brown had. Her mother, my Aunt Nannie, when she was a young girl was a friend of the Luna’s. In fact one of the young men may have been a beau of hers. I don’t know any of the Luna’s now, but I couldn’t throw this picture away. It is so ‘cute’ don’t you think? I thought you might know some of the family.
(from) Anna Cockran
Summer 1998 note from Mary Cook
Standing R – L Annie Luna Welch; James – Jim – Luna; Mrs. Thorp; White Luna
Seated R – L Emmit Luna; Oldest daughter; Gramma Luna; youngest daughter
On back of photo: Luna Family
Some of the children: James, Annette, White
2/6/2012
