During the mid-19th century, seven Merrill brothers resided in a house on Pleasant Street in Athol known as the “Sun Tavern.” With the outbreak of the American Civil War, five of the brothers to include: Isaiah, John, James, Joseph and Henry joined the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) to fight for the North. At the conclusion of the war in 1865, all five of the brothers returned home safely. The boys all worked as stone masons in the local area. Three of the boys — Isaiah, John and James — are buried in a family plot at Doe Valley Cemetery in Athol.
A member of Athol American Legion Post 102 recently located a flag holder designed specifically for veterans of the Civil War. The members of the post decided that it would be most appropriate for the holder to be placed adjacent to the Merrill grave site.
Post 102 member Michael Bjork is shown here putting the final touches on the spot where the flag holder now lays in Doe Valley Cemetery.
— Charles Stone Jr., adjutant, Athol American Legion Post 102