William Hamilton Merritt | |
|---|---|
.jpg) | |
| Member of the Legislative Assembly of Upper Canada for Haldimand County | |
| In office 1832–1841 | |
| Preceded by | John Warren |
| Succeeded by | Position abolished |
| Member of the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Canada for Lincoln North | |
| In office 1841–1860 | |
| Preceded by | New position |
| Member of the Legislative Council of the Province of Canada for Niagara | |
| In office 1860–1862 | |
| Preceded by | New position |
| Succeeded by | James G. Currie |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 3, 1793 Bedford, New York, U.S. |
| Died | July 5, 1862 (aged 69) Cornwall Canal |
| Resting place | Victoria Lawn Cemetery, St. Catharines, Ontario |
| Spouse | Catharine Prendergast |
| Children | Four sons and two daughters, including Thomas Rodman Merritt, M.P. (son) William Hamilton Merritt III (grandson) |
| Occupation | Landowner, businessman |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Britain |
| Branch/service | Upper Canada militia |
| Unit | 2nd Lincoln Militia |
| Battles/wars | Battle of Queenston Heights Battle of Lundy's Lane |
William Hamilton Merritt (July 3, 1793 – July 5, 1862) was a businessman and politician in the Niagara Peninsula of Upper Canada in the early 19th century. Although he was born in the United States, his family was Loyalist and eventually settled in Upper Canada. Merritt fought in the War of 1812, was captured by the invading American forces, and held as a prisoner of war. After the war, he returned to the Niagara region and began a career in business. He was one of the founders of the Welland Canal. He was a supporter of the Abolitionist cause to end slavery in the U.S., and of the settlement of escaped slaves in St. Catharines.