My G-G-Grandparents were Sylvanus Merica and Jemima (Rhodes) Merica. Their son was Jerrimiah Virgil (Doc) Merica. He was married to Marjorie Agnes West.
My Grandfather was Jerrimiah Merica married to Lenola (Sitterly?).
My father was Jack W. Merica, Sr.
Can anyone out there shed some light past Sylvanus? He's my brick wall. I found out he and Jemima were married in Indiana in 1856. How about some of you Virginia cousins? Is there a Sylvanus in any closets that may have wandered west? I'd really like to get past him and continue on back. Thanks in advance.

Does anyone know the origin of the surname Merica? I'm in the process of getting some tombstones replaced, one being for Duane Merica in Scott City, Kansas. He's one of Doc Merica's sons. Anyway, the funeral director told me that the story passed to him was that when the family came through Ellis Island, the person who checked them in could not understand what they gave for their name. He reportedly said, "Speak English. You're American now," and the immigrant said, "Merica," in an attempt to repeat the word. So the clerk wrote down "Merica" as the surname. Does this story have any truth? It sounds a bit wild to me. However, if it did happen, maybe that's why there's a brick wall in following the Merica line.

I guess I should have read the rest of the messages before posting this, as I see the subject has been covered. It sounds like a legend, and it doesn't explain why there are Mericas in other countries.

According to the Historic Research Center the name merica originated in spain in the 1600's. It is a combination of words that mean residing close to a pasture..others have said that the name is German..it is also found in English and Irish records of immigartion..also it is thought it may have come from the Earl of Mercia who was lady goduva's husband..the true origin I don't think will ever be known

Carl harbaugh

What county in Indiana were Sylvanus and Jemima married in ?

Indiana Marriage Index 1845-1920

Spouse 1: Jemima A Rhodes
Spouse 2: Sylvanus Menica
County: Allen
Date: 09 Mar 1856
Book: 3
Page: 460


Hope this helps. Karen

this is very old, did you find out everything you needed to know, you may well be in touch with family here by now, through Mrs Zechin in Rapid City, you may have emailed me at some point to. ellenb7580@aol.com