September 29, 1865 – June 30, 1911
Division Colonel 1893
Descended from Stephen S. Merrill; Co. D, ME. D. Coast Guard.  Mustered in January 1, 1865.

Obituary

Many Tributes to Auburn Man
Scores of Friends Honored Chas. E. Merrill – Masonic Funeral

Hundreds of friends paid their last tributes Sunday to Charles E. Merrill of Auburn, who was characterized by the officiating clergyman as the most widely known resident of that city.  Mr. Merrill, who was a member of the firm of Plummer and Merrill, died Friday, aged 45 years, after a life spent among Auburn’s people.

During the hours of 12 and 1:30 o’clock Sunday, the house was open for friends to call and many who desired to attend the funeral availed themselves of the opportunity of passing by the form of one they had known for years.

The body rested in a beautiful silver grey broadcloth couch in the bay window.  All about were flowers, the parlor being practically filled with the silent tributes, making, with one of two exceptions, the largest collection ever seen at an Auburn funeral.

The Maine Undertakers’ association, eight Masonic bodies, Kora Temple, Mystic Shrine, Friendship Colony, of the the Pilgrim Fathers, the Ancient Order of the United Workmen, Auburn Gran, P. of H., the Lewiston and Auburn Gentlemen’s Driving Club, Lewiston and Auburn Cornroasters, Waseca Club, and the Lake Auburn Boat Club – all these organizations to which Mr. Merrill belonged sent magnificent set pieces.  It required one large vehicle to carry the set pieces to the grave and the flowers sent by individuals filled the hearse.

The service, which was private, was attended only by the family, a few intimate friends, and the Masons.  A large delegation from Tranquil lodge, F. and A. M. of Auburn marched to the Morrill home at 39 Union Street, with Lewiston Commandery, Knights Templar, doing escort duty.

Shortly after 2:30 o’clock with the house filled to overflowing, Rev. Charles S. Cummings, a personal friend of Mr. Merrill, began the service, reading a portion of scripture and offering prayer.  Mr. Cummings paid a most fitting tribute to the deceased, who he said was the best known and most beloved man in Auburn.  Non one ever thought of calling him “Mr. Merrill, but always, Charlie” – so intimate was everyone’s friendship with him.

Some men, the speakers said, are widely known because of the public offices they hold and because of their faces often appearing the in the newspapers but in the case of Charlies Merrill, it was vastly different.  He was known because all the people in the community felt that he was their personal friend.  He had a peculiar nature which at once attracted people and made them his friends ever after.  He was born diplomat and though he often disagreed with his friends, he had the faculty of never making them his enemy.  Charlie Merrill has left a place in the community that will be hard to fill, for he will be missed as few other citizens would be.

Offices of Tranquil lodge, including Arthur A. Pike, master; John S.P.H Wilson, senior warden; Rev. H.P. Woodin, Chaplin, then passed into the parlor and performed the Masonic burial service.  A guard of honor from the commandery, with drawn swords, formed an arch of glittering steel over the silent commanders, Will J. Burnham, Albert M. Pentey, James P. Hutchinson, and John H. Merrill.

With “the muffled drums and roll,” the Masons marched from the house to Dennison street, where the carriages went on their way to Mount Auburn Cemetery, were all that were mortal of Charlie Merrill was committed to earth.

The body bearers were John H. Merrill, representing the commandery; E.S. Doe, the blue lodge; Frank L. Beals and John Folsom, A.C. Pray camp, Sons of Veterans.

A number of friends were present from out of the city including Mr. & Mrs. George Merrill of Turner, an uncle and aunt, also Mr. and Mrs. E.S. Doe of Minot.

Burial at Mount Auburn Cemetery, Auburn, Maine

Find A Grave Memorial# 112472275