Corpus Christi in Nueces County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Eli Todd Merriman

Photographed by James Hulse, September 1, 2021

1. Eli Todd Merriman Marker

Inscription. Born the son of a doctor, Eli Todd Merriman (1852-1941) was a major contributor to the growth and development of Corpus Christi. The Merriman family migrated to Corpus Christi from Connecticut in 1838 by way of Bastrop, San Marcos, Edinburg and Banquete, finally arriving in their final destination in 1865. In 1870, Eli, at the age of 18, began working as a typesetter for the Nueces Valley, a weekly publication. He would soon become a foreman and later a reporter. Eli later moved on to the Galveston News during a brief separation from Corpus Christi but later returned to work for the Corpus Christi Gazette. In 1876, Eli and William H. Maltby, an experienced publisher, created and published the Corpus Christi Free Press. Eli, who held the responsibility of securing subscriptions, traveled by horseback as far as the Rio Grande Valley. After Maltby's death in 1880, Eli became sole proprietor.

In 1883, the paper was sold to the Caller Publishing Company, which in turn renamed the paper the Corpus Christi Caller. Today it is called the Corpus Christi Caller-Times. During his stint, Eli earned the nickname "Dean of Texas Newspaper Men" as the Caller was one of the most influential papers in Texas. Retiring from the newspaper did not slow Eli down. He employed himself in real estate and insurance. His main efforts were to create a deep-water port for Corpus Christi and to repair and preserve the Old Bayview Cemetery, where he is now buried. Eli worked tirelessly to fundraise for these causes. In 1941, at the age of 88, Eli Todd Merriman passed away leaving a legacy for his three children of community pride and responsibility. The state honored him with a resolution affirming his astounding contribution to Texas.

Erected 2012 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 17228.)

Topics. This historical

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marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Communications • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1838.

Location. 27° 48.069′ N, 97° 23.992′ W. Marker is in Corpus Christi, Texas, in Nueces County. It can be reached from the intersection of Ramirez Street and Padre Street. The marker is located in the northwest section of the Old Bayview Cemetery. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1150 Ramirez Street, Corpus Christi TX 78401, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American South

and on the Gulf Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: John Dix (a few steps from this marker); William DeRyee (a few steps from this marker); Anna Moore Schwein (a few steps from this marker); Reuben Holbein (within shouting

The Eli Todd Merriman Marker and gravestone image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, September 1, 2021

2. The Eli Todd Merriman Marker and gravestone

distance of this marker); Matthew Nolan (within shouting distance of this marker); Louis de Planque (within shouting distance of this marker); James Downing (within shouting distance of this marker); William Henderson Maltby (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Corpus Christi.

The view of the Eli Todd Merriman Marker in the cemetery image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, September 1, 2021

3. The view of the Eli Todd Merriman Marker in the cemetery

Credits. This page was last revised on October 3, 2021. It was originally submitted on October 2, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 404 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 2, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.