The William and Karl Merkle Home Page

Two brothers, William and Karl Merkle; raised in Weiler, Fortsheim, Baden, Germany; moved to America in 1866 and 1880 respectively. William married Elizabeth Muntzinger before traveling to America. When they immigrated, they joined other Muntzinger's already living in Van Wert County, Ohio. William and Elizabeth had five sons born in America: William, Charles, John, George, and Ernest. Many of their years were spent as members of the Lutheran Church in Harrison Township, Van Wert County, Ohio.
Karl, along with his wife Justina Schaeffer and their four children followed William to America in 1880. Karl and Justina lived in Pleasant Township, Van Wert County, Ohio until Justina died in 1894. Karl then moved to Gladwin, Michigan where he lived with his youngest son Henry. Three of Karl's sons, Charles Jr, Christian, and William established and maintained homes in Van Wert County, Ohio while Henry and Justina, the other two children, lived on Karl's farm in Gladwin, Michigan.

William and Karl both arrived in New York City at Castle Gardens. This was before Ellis Island was used as the port of entry. Castle Gardens was converted to an aquarium when Ellis Island was opened in about 1890.

This page contains information about many of the descendents of William and Karl Merkle.

I hope descendents keep this history current. I will continue to update the history as I get additional information.

Books

• Book: William and Karl Merkle Family