John Merriken Life Sketch

(abt 1653 - abt 1679)

John Merriken was born about 1653 likely in England. It is not known if John married. John Merriken died about 1679 in Anne Arundel County, British Colonial Maryland.

Merriken also spelled: Merrikin, Merekin, Merrica, Merikin, Merrekin, Merican, Maricken, Merrican


John Merriken was born about 1653 likely in England, the oldest son of John and Christian Merriken. John was a child when in 1659 his mother transported him and his family to Anne Arundel County in the Province of Maryland. When John's father died, John as oldest son, was heir at law to a 100 acre part of “Scotland” and “Merrikin”. John sold “Merrikin” to William Drury, his mother's second husband.

John lived on the plantation “Scotland” with his brothers Hugh and Joshua. It is not known if John ever married.

John died before 1679 likely in Anne Arundel County, British Colonial America.

Apparently John died without heirs since after his death, “Scotland” was possessed by his brothers Hugh and Joshua.

After John's death his brother Hugh petitioned the Chancery court for possession of the land “Merrikin”. The petition stated that John never received payment from William Drury.

Genealogical Research and Life Sketch Completed: September 2020


Sources:

Maryland State Archives. “The New Early Settlers of Maryland”. Compiled by Dr. Carson Gibb. MSA SC 4341.

Maryland State Archives. Proceedings of the Court of Chancery. Liber CD Folio 277.

Maryland State Archives. Maryland Land Records. Anne Arundel County. Liber IT 5, Folios 46-50.

John Merriken genealogy research