The eighth son and tenth child of Howard and Mary Willson - Merrill attended the public school in Leal until 1933 when he went to New Salem, North Dakota, and graduated from New Salem High School. Returning to Leal, Merrill farmed with his dad on the old home place for a number of years.
The summer of 1936 was the hottest summer with the temperature over 100 degrees for many days. People did only the necessary chores, and would find refuge from the heat at night by sleeping in the basement.
In 1943, Merrill rented the Anton Christ farm until 1951, when he purchased a farm in Uxbridge township, one-half mile from where the first post office was located. Merrill and Bev. still live there with their family. Besides growing grain, they also have dairy cattle.
Merrill played independent basketball until the age of 39, refereed for 22 years, served on the Leal School Board, was the first bus driver for North Central of Barnes School District, and worked for Federal Crop Insurance.
Bev. was 4-H leader, Sunday School teacher, Barnes County Homemaker's Treasurer, and held offices in Homemakers and WSCS.
Source: Barnes County History 1976 Page 270