© Jo Aguirre

Obit for Austin posted by Jo Aguirre

Hennessey Clipper
Hennessey, OK
1 Jul 1915

Dr. A. F. Merrill passed away at his home on South Main street Friday morning, June 25, at nine o'clock, after an illness of several months. Seemingly without a struggle and just as if he was going to sleep, the silent messenger's call was answered.    

Despite the seriousness of his condition, the death summons came suddenly and unexpectedly, shortly after the doctor had partaken of his breakfast. Mrs. Merrill and the nurse had gone to the dining room after fixing his pillows comfortably. Although their absence had been only for a few brief minutes, they found on their return to the sick room that death's summons had preceded them. The spirit had deserted its earthly habitation -- death had come quietly in the youth of the morning.    

The beginning of Dr. Merrill's illness dates back more than a year, when he apparently recovered from a temporary indisposition. His seeming recovery was temporary only, and he was taken ill again about December 1st, last year, suffering with a severe cough that refused to yield to medical treatment. He gradually grew worse and, in an effort, to learn the exact cause of his illness, went to Oklahoma City May the 23rd, where physicians diagnosed his case and decided to extract his teeth, which had become ulcerated. He remained at the St. Anthony hospital in that city for several days after the removal of his teeth, and was brought back to his home here just four weeks preceding his death. He was confined to his bed constantly until the end, but made no complaint and suffered very little pain until within the last few days before his death. He always had a smiling welcome for his many friends who called and appreciated their thoughtfulness, even to the last. The general public and few of his intimate friends realized the seriousness of the illness from which he was suffering and the end seemed sudden and unexpected to all.    

Austin F. Merrill was born at Brunswick, Maine, April 6, 1866. He was educated in the schools of and at an academy near Brunswick. He graduated from the Cincinnati, Ohio College, of dentistry in 1894. In October, 1896 he was married to Miss May L. Terry, at St. Paul, Minn., and shortly afterward went to Spirit Lake, Iowa, where they resided for six years and where the doctor practiced dentistry. They came to Oklahoma in 1902 and in 1904 located at Hennessey. The doctor opened dental parlors immediately upon his arrival and they have since resided here.    
Dr. Merrill was made a Mason and became a member of the Twilight Lodge of Spirit Lake, Iowa, in 1902. He brought his dimit with him to Hennessey and at once affiliated with the local lodge. He was an active member of the lodge, occupying every office within the gift of the brethren. He was a faithful and enthusiastic worker and, with few exceptions, never missed a meeting of the order. The doctor was also a member of the Eastern Star and had twice been elected Worthy Patron of that order, but at his earnest appeal, was excused from serving in his official capacity.    

As a member of the Congregational church, the doctor was an active participant in the work of the church and lived a life consistent with the teachings of the church, to which he contributed of his time and means.    He was a member of the A. O. U. W., of Spirit Lake, Iowa; of the Maccabees, of Port Huron, Mich.; of the Brotherhood of American Yoeman, of Hennessey, and carried a sick benefit with the Inter-Ocean Casualty Co.    He was a devoted and loving husband and father, a true friend, a good citizen, and excellent neighbor and esteemed by all with whom he came in contact.

The devoted wife and one son, Leonard T. Merrill, survive.    

The funeral, held from the home Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock, was very largely attended. Brother Masons and friends from Dover and Kingfisher, gathered with the members of the local Masonic lodge and O. E. S. chapter and the many friends of the family in Hennessey and vicinity, to pay a last tribute of respect to their beloved brother and townsman.

The floral offerings were many and beautiful and were mute evidence of the love and sympathy of friends. Rev. C. G. Murphy, pastor of the Congregational church, of Oklahoma City, conducted the services at the home.

At the cemetery the beautiful Masonic services were conducted by Coronado Lodge No. 56, Will Griffin, of Carnegie, Okla., an old friend of the family, by previous request of the doctor, directed the solemn rites at the grave.    

Fred Ehler, Jones Jones, S. A. Snyder, A. J. Clymans, Joseph Sternberger, and J. E. Gilbert, brother Masons and members of the local lodge, served as pallbearers.    

The passing of Dr. Merrill makes a home desolate and fills many hearts with sorrow.