Daniel Merriman facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Daniel Merriman
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| Born | December 3, 1838 Bennington, Vermont
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| Died | September 18, 1912 (aged 73) Intervale, New Hampshire
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| Occupation | Clergyman |
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Helen Bigelow Merriman
(m. 1874) |
| Children | Roger Bigelow Merriman |
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Daniel Merriman (born December 3, 1838 – died September 18, 1912) was an important American minister and art collector. He was a leader in the Congregational church. With his wife, Helen Bigelow Merriman, he helped start the famous Worcester Art Museum. He was also the museum's very first president.
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Who Was Daniel Merriman?
Daniel Merriman was born in Bennington, Vermont. His parents were Addison and Prudence Merriman. He went to Williams College and finished his studies there in 1863.
Serving His Country and Faith
During the American Civil War, Daniel Merriman served in the army. He was a first lieutenant and helped an Illinois regiment. After the war ended, he studied to become a minister. He went to Andover Theological Seminary and earned a special degree in 1868.
Merriman's first job as a minister was in Norwich, Connecticut. He worked at the Broadway Congregational Church.
A New Home in Worcester
In 1874, Daniel Merriman married Helen Bigelow Merriman. She was an artist and also helped many charities. They had one son, Roger Bigelow Merriman, who later became a historian.
In 1878, the family moved to Worcester, Massachusetts. Daniel Merriman became the minister at the Central Congregational Church. He worked there for 22 years. He and his wife helped build a new church building. It was finished in 1885 and is now called the United Congregational Church.
Starting the Worcester Art Museum
Daniel Merriman was one of the main people who started the Worcester Art Museum. He helped write the rules for how the museum would be run. When the museum opened in 1898, he became its first president. He also served on many important committees.
A Leader for the Arts
After he passed away, the museum's leaders wrote about him. They said that Daniel Merriman helped the museum become well-known and trusted by the public. In 1910, a famous artist named Joseph DeCamp painted a portrait of Merriman. This painting was later given to the museum.
Helping Other Institutions
Besides his work with the church and the art museum, Daniel Merriman also helped other schools. He was a trustee for the Worcester Polytechnic Institute. He also served as a trustee for Williams College and Atlanta University.
Daniel Merriman died in Intervale, New Hampshire, in 1912. He was 73 years old.
