J. F. Merrill, M.D., a well-known physician of Franklin Falls, Merrimack County, was born in Gilmanton, N.H., June 5, 1856, son of Jacob D. and Sarah (Sanborn) Merrill. His parents are farming people of Gilmanton. Their six children are all living, and are as follows: Ida, who is the wife of Alonzo Caverly, and resides in Lynn, Mass.; George and Frederick, who are engaged in shoe manufacturing in Lynn, Mass., under the firm name of Merrill Brothers; Charles, who still remains with his parents; Addie, who is the wife of George Blanchard, and a resident of Lynn; and J. F., the subject of this sketch.
After acquiring a fair amount of elementary knowledge in the common schools of Gilmanton, the subject of this sketch completed his general studies under a private tutor. He then studied medicine for about four years with Dr. Young, of Pittsfield, preparatory to entering Dartmouth Medical College, where he attended a course of lectures. He was subsequently graduated at the University of Vermont, receiving his degree of Doctor of Medicine from that institution, August 19, 1886. After graduating, he bought out the practice of Dr. J. P. Elkins, of New London, N. H., in which town he remained nearly nine years. He came to Franklin Falls in 1894, and has since been successfully engaged in the practice of his profession here. On January 1, 1879, Dr. Merrill married Miss Elma Perkins, of Pittsfield, N.H., a daughter of Samuel R. Perkins; and she bore him a daughter-Edna, born in August, 1880. Mrs. Elma P. Merrill died December 21, 1882. On June 8, 1885, the Doctor married for his second wife Mrs. Abbie Pillsbury Foss, a daughter of John C. Pillsbury, of Strafford, N.H.
Dr. Merrill is a Republican in politics. While a resident of New London, he served three years as a member of the School Board of that town. He is a member of the New Hampshire Medical Society, and also belongs to Suncook Lodge, No. 10, I. O. O. F. Highly successful in his profession and popular as a man, he may be regarded as a representative citizen of his county. He and his wife are members of the Baptist church at Franklin Falls.