Obit: Ring, Merritt C. (1850 - 1915)

Contact: Ann Stevens
Email: ann@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Ring, Youmans, Austin, Huntzicker, Zerkle, Prescott

----Source: Neillsville Times (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 7/29/1915

Ring, Merritt C. (30 OCT 1850 - 21 Jul 1915)

Merritt C. Ring was born at Milton, Wis., on Oct. 30, 1850, and died at his home in Neillsville on Wednesday, July 21st. The first six years of his life were spent at his birthplace and in 1856 he went to Madison with his parents. They removed to Sparta a year later and at this place he spent his boyhood and grew to manhood. He received his early education at Sparta and taught in the country schools there for a time, later entering the law department of the state university and graduating in 1873. Soon after he came to Neillsville and entered upon the profession in which he won distinction and renown throughout the state. He became associated with C.A. Youmans in law practice which continued from 1876 to 1891. In 1885 he was elected state senator from this district and 1889 was elected assemblyman. In 1892 he was appointed special statistical agent for the United States Department of Agriculture for Europe with headquarters at London and while there he also acted as Deputy Consul General at London. In 1895 he was appointed attorney for the Chicago & Northwestern Railway Co., and he served this company efficiently and capably throughout his association with them.

On Sept. 13, 1877, Mr. Ring was united in marriage to Miss Ida Austin and he is survived by his wife and the following children: Mrs. Victor Huntzicker, Miss Ethel Ring and Mrs. Earl Zerkle of Ft. Atkinson. He is also survived by a brother, L.B. Ring, of Milwaukee and one sister, Mrs. G.L. Prescott, of Milwaukee.

Mr. Ring was a man of exceptionally strong characteristics. He was strong mentally and vigorous physically and the combination of the two had its effects in all the things he undertook throughout his life. He was true in his friendships and stern in his dislikes yet he held the esteem and admiration of even those whom he opposed politically and professionally. To encompass all this it necessitated that his strength of character be of especial note. Professionally Mr. Ring was one of the keenest lawyers in the state. Politically he became known as one of the leading Republicans of Wisconsin. Personally he presented an attractive side to his nature which won and retained many strong friendships throughout his life. He took great interest in the development of Clark County and for a number of years owned a fine farm east of the city to which he devoted much time and attention, and at the same time found time to interest himself in many other lines of work which were contributory to the development of the community. He was one of the best known Masons in the state and his funeral Friday was conducted according to the Masonic ritual and was attended by the three local branches of the fraternity. Brief services were held at the house and at the grave and Mr. Ring was laid to rest in the family lot in the Neillsville Cemetery.