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The original Merion family settled in Columbus in 1809, on 1800 acres of land. William Merion married Sarah Walt in 1809 the newlyweds settled into home in the vicinity of Moler and South High Streets. By the 1830s, canals were opening new markets for Ohio farmers and, ever the opportunist, William developed "Merion’ s Landing" - a port of entry to the local canals. The venture made his family very wealthy. Millie Merion-Morrill and her husband settled near the Scioto River, in the general area of Woodrow and High. Like her brother’s family - and thanks to a successful brickyard business - Millie’s family also prospered financially. Charles Merion, of a later generation, married Mary Fisher whose most famous descendants was Columbus icon and world-acclaimed novelist James Thurber. Other members of the Merion clan also made a name for themselves as well. In fact, scanning the Merion genealogy is like taking a brief course in Columbus history, as one encounters names like Stewart, Innis, Morrill, Clickenger, Sheldon, Walton, Kienzle, Obetz, Dering, etc. Sadly however, the William Merion family is no longer, though allied families are still on the scene. Interestingly, the Merion’s original 1800 acres act as the approximate the boundaries of the present-day Merion Village. The family holdings were Reinhard Avenue to the South High Street viaduct; from the Scioto River to Lockbourne Road. The Merion Village boundaries span currently from the Scioto River to Parsons Avenue; from Rt. 104 to Whittier Street. Not all, but most neighborhood groups define a geographical area, but it's fitting to name Merion Village for bona fide early settlers of early Columbus history. The Merions were not afraid to visualize the future and they seized all their opportunities to better the family fortune. They were dreamers and doers... the same sort of people have made their homes in that original 1800-acre tract owned by the Merions. If you have historic photos or tales of your family from the formative years of Merion Village, please email us. We'd love to share your story.
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