William Hamilton Merritt

William Hamilton Merritt
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 (1793-07-03) Bedford, New York, U.S.
Died	July 5, 1862(1862-07-05) (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.