In the book's own words, not ours, with obvious scanning errors fixed. Families often supplied these stories to the publisher, so check key dates.
From History of Wapello County, Iowa (1914)
Mrs. Denison B. Merrill, well known and highly esteemed throughout the city of Ottumwa, was born in Albany, New York, on the 20th of February, i86r, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Watkin Herbert, who gave her the name of Fannie. Her education was acquired in the public schools of Ottumwa and on the 19th of May, 1885, she gave her hand in marriage to Denison B. Merrill of this city, who was a son of Mr. and Mrs.
J. H. Merrill. They became the parents of one son, Charles Greenleaf Merrill, who was born in Pasadena, California, April 17, 1888, and on the 28th of September, 1911, wedded Miss Mary Garner, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Garner of Ottumwa, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Charles G. Merrill have a son, Charles Greenleaf Merrill, Jr., who was born in Ottumwa on the 18th of October, 1913. The widow of Denison B. Merrill still makes her home in Ottumwa, where she has a very extensive circle of warm friends. She is a devoted member of the First Presbyterian church and in her daily life exemplifies its teachings.
As printed in History of Wapello County, Iowa (1914). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.
Named in this biography: J. W. Garner
The printed record stops around 1914. We trace your line from there down to you, with every source cited.