Gooawiii.] "^"^ [Uec. 1(5, 



The road was soon after completed, and its bonds, that were issued 

 with Mr. Merrick's name, have long been at par. 



Nor did his labors in the cause of the public improvements of the State, 

 and for the enlargement of the business and prosperity of Philadelphia 

 end here. To his vigorous and wise counsels it has been, in a large de- 

 gree, due, that the affairs of the Catawissa Railroad have been retrieved 

 from a condition of imminent ruin. The road owes it to him that it now 

 rests upon a solid basis, and has a promise of permanent prosperity and 

 usefulness. The regard in which he was held by the Managers of that 

 road will appear from the resolution adopted by them on the occasion of 

 his decease. 



"The death of our late associate, Samuel V. Merrick, Esq., who for fourteen years 

 has been a Director of this Company, the value of whose counsel all appreciated, has 

 been announced to us so unexpectedly, in the midst of current business, in which his 

 energies were actively engaged, that we fail to realize the extent of our loss. 



" The character of Mr. Merrick needs no eulogy at our hands ; his long and useful 

 life has been spent in ' good works.' The mention of his name in connection with any 

 enterprise has always inspired confidence and respect. In relation to this Company, 

 the interest of which appeared to be his special pride— through the period of its darkest 

 history, he always manifested a cheerful conlidence that time and energy would re- 

 lieve it of all dihiculties ; and we rejoice that he lived to see his prediction verified." 



In the eleemosynary institutions of the City, Mr. Merrick took a deep 

 and active interest, and particularly in anything that jiromised to help 

 the poor and weak to help themselves. He was among the founders, and 

 most efficient managers of the Western Savings Fund ; and to him is 

 largely due the safe and solid character of this beneficial institution. Its 

 Managers have given expression to their deep sense of his wisdom and 

 worth in the following testimonial : 



" Resolved, Tliat it is with profound sorrow the Managers of the Western Savings 

 Fund Society record the unexpected demise of Samuel V. Merrick. 



" By this sad memorial they will perpetuate the recollection of a man associated 

 with the Institution from its foundation, who was distinguished by remarkable traits 

 of character, that rendered him eminently useful to the world, and made him univer- 

 sally honored in every position he was called to till. Wise in council, broad and com- 

 prehensive in his views, libei'al and good in his deeds, and, above all, crowned with 

 the possession of a truly Claristian and Catholic spirit, his loss to society, and especially 

 to his friends, will be long and keenly felt." 



At the time of his decease, Mr. Merrick, besides an active connection 

 with many other of the public corporations, and most of the leading 

 charities of the city, was a prominent member of the Board of Trade, 

 one of the Port Wardens of Philadelphia, and a member of the Board of 

 Commissioners for the erection of the South Street Bridge. 



Immediately upon his demise, the following expression was adopted by 

 the last mentioned body : 



" Whereas, This Board, and the City of Philadelphia, have suffered a great loss by 

 the death of our colleague, 



Mr. SAMUEL V. MEREICK, 

 who for many years devoted his abilities, services and time, in promoting the interests 

 of the municipal, charitable and scientiflc institutions of Philadelphia. 



Resolved, That the President be requested to communicate to Mr. Merrick's family 

 our sympathy and condolence in their affliction." 



