June 2, 1887: John Merkel Abandons Wife, Heeds the Call "Go West"

By Margaret Leidy Harner from her book One Day at a Time: A Social History of Boyertown, PA.

June 2, 1887: John Merkel, a farmer living near New Berlinville, left home recently on a trip to Philadelphia, saying he would be gone for a few days. Nothing had been heard from him after that until today when his wife got a letter postmarked Kansas City, telling her that he was continuing westward and would never return.

He was thought to be well-to-do, but his wife owns the farm and he is in debt about $1000. He took about $300 with him.

More News from Boyertown

• Rosalie Birt Adds to Belsnickel Figure Collection For over 50 years one family in Boyertown has crafted collectible Belsnickel figures.
• Lighting History: The Story and Symbolism of the Chanukah Menorah For the past eight nights Jewish area residents have had their menorahs on display as part of the celebration of Chanukah.