The Merritts of Troy, New York, descend from New England ancestry. Henry Merritt, born in New Haven, Connecticut, removed to Troy, where he was in business for many years. He married Ann Anderson, who died at the age of eighty-eight years, and with her husband is buried in Oakwood cemetery, at Troy. Children:
- Charles B., died in Troy, in 1896;
- David,
- Alonzo,
- Henry A.,
- Addie.
(II) Henry A., son of Henry and Ann (Anderson) Merritt, was born in Troy, New York, February 17, 1837, and died there February 17, 1894. He received his education in the Troy schools. He determined to become a lawyer, and left no means untried in his efforts to obtain the necessary education to enable him to carry out his cherished ambition. He was well prepared when called for examination, and passed with honor. He was admitted to the bar and became a most successful practitioner, continuing until his death. He stood high among his brethren of the profession, and was trusted implicitly by his numerous clientage. He was successful also as a business man, and acquired considerable property. He was converted a member of the Catholic church two years before his death, and lived a consistent Christian life, respected and honored among his fellows. He was a man of kind impulse and gave freely to the support of church and charitable institutions. His private charity was bestowed when needed in so modest and quiet a way, that none but those receiving it were the wiser. In political faith he was a Democrat, but did not take an active part in city affairs. He married Sarah Ryan, born in Ireland, who survives him, a resident of Troy. They had no children, but Mrs. Merritt has adopted two nieces, Mary and Elizabeth, children of her brother James, deceased. She is engaged in charitable work, and is a warm friend and supporter of the orphan asylum, one of her husband's favorite charities. She is a daughter of Daniel Ryan, born in Ireland, where he married Ann Walsh. A few years after her marriage he came to the United States with his wife and three children, settling in Troy. He first followed farming, but later operated a woodyard in Troy. He and his wife are both buried in St. Mary's cemetery, Troy. Children:
- A child who died before leaving Ireland.
- James, married Nellie McNamara, and left two daughters, Mary and Elizabeth.
- Sarah, married Henry A. Merritt.
- Anna.