My name is Georgina (Gina) Laurel Merlin and I am the daughter of Raymond Arthur Merlin (1932 - 1996), second son of George Merlin (died ~1978) and Mary (Mariott, died ~1976). I am only just beginning to research my family history, but I do have an interesting piece of recorded Merlin history that I literally stumbled across about seven years ago in the book called Vanishing Halifax (Petheric Press, 1969) by historical artist L.B. Jenson. You'll find the sketch I'm referring to about 10-12 pages from the back of this book.

The drawing is of the "Little Dutch Church - 1954" (a misnomer for Deutsche) and it features an engraving of the gravestone of one George Merlin who died in 1787 at the age of 69. This engraving carries various symbols that tell of George Merlin's life. These symbols indicate that he was a mason and that he was likely a member of the Freemasons (cross bones beside skull). Next to these symbols is something that looks like a flag or crest of some sort). With wings stretched over these symbols is the body of a bird (raven?) with the head of a man. There are rosette-like embellishments on either side of the bird.

I am from the Halifax area and have been to this gravesite and can tell you that it is located flat on the grass in the north corner of the property, in the shadow of the church. I can also say that it's told in family stories that this man applied his masonry skill on the erection of this church. The book reads:

" THE LITTLE DEUTSCHE CHURCH

In 1749 a Proclamation was distributed from Whitehall in London inviting German (Deutsche) families to settle in Nova Scotia. Many accepted and arrived in Halifax in 1750 flollowed by others in 1751 and 1752 making a total of more than 600 settlers. Most of these permanently settled in Lunenburg in 1753, but about 20 families remained in Halifax. One of the earliest efforts of those who stayed was the erection of a house of parayer. This was consecrated as St. George's but through the years became known as "The Little Dutch Church." It was the first Lutheran Church in Canada. Among the graves in the cemetary of this unique and delightful little church is that of the foster sister to the Princess Royal of England."

We know that George Merlin's family, with his wife Marguerite was one of the 20 that stayed in Halifax.

In my father's family, father George and mother Mary raised upwards of eight children including those they adopted or fostered in their home in Spryfield (Halifax) including older brother Gerard (a roadie for Hank Snow), sister Ruth (formerly Labia, 3 or 4 children), brother Michael and sister Francis/Frannie (resides near Sambro, two children). George's youngest brother Harold (same age as Gerard) was raised by Mary, as were Gerard's son Stephen Merlin (resides in Toronto, two children) and adopted sister Barbara. George Merlin (my grandfather) was very creative, a hobby artist and did the detailing work to repair damage to the St. Mary's Basillica on Spring Garden Road at Barrington Street following the Halifax Explosion.

My father Ray was in the rodeo in Western Canada, owned ranches in the foothills of Alberta and later in Manitoba. He owned harness race horses. Later he owned a series of successful transport companies including Mermac Trucking, NFLD-NS Auto Transport and Cheapest Way to Move.

... I am a writer. I hope this satiates your natural-born Merlin curiousity! I'd be glad to learn of more Merlin links and tidbits. Please forward them to Gina at <media_crafters@hotmail.com>

Thanks,

Georgina (Gina) Laurel Merlin
Born 1975.