Holland City News, December 31, 1908

Accompanied by the martial music of drum and fife, the body of Mason R. Merritt, member of the A. C. Van Raalte Post, G. A. R., was carried to Pilgrim Home Cemetery Monday afternoon. Mr. Merritt passed away Christmas morning, aged 78 years, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. M. Harrington. The funeral services were held from the M. E. Church under the auspices of the G. A. R. The old soldiers, preceded by a detachment of the Holland Home Guard, marched at the funeral.

Mr. Merritt enlisted for the War of the Rebellion, August 7, 1862, at Coldwater, and was assigned to Co. H, Nineteenth Michigan Infantry. He made a brilliant record as a soldier and was wounded five times during the war, first at the Battle of Spring Hill, later at Dallas Woods and in other battles. The Nineteenth Michigan saw active service in 17 battles. Mr. Merritt bore the distinction of being an intimate friend of General Shafter.