Henry Merritt Camp Memorial

The memorial at Greenlawn Cemetery is dedicated to Lieutenant Colonel Henry Merritt, a Marblehead native and well-known Salemite who served during the American Civil War. He was born on June 4^th, 1819 to David and Anne (Ashby) Merritt. In his early years, he became an apprentice of watchmaking under Mr. Jesse Smith of Salem. On March 14^th, 1836, he enlisted into the Salem Mechanic Light Infantry. He would go on to serve as First Sergeant and eventually commissioned a First Lieutenant within the unit. He would also be the Adjunct of the 6^th Massachusetts Volunteer Militia as well as its Brigade Major and Inspector. With the rank of Major, he would serve as the Major of the 23^rd Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry until he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in 1861.

On November 11^th, 1861, the 23^rd M.V.M. was called upon by the Union to muster in its defense. That day, the unit left for Annapolis, Maryland; Lieutenant Colonel Merritt amongst them. Thereupon it became a part of Foster’s Brigade. Lieutenant Colonel Merritt with the 23^rd M.V.M. took part in the Battle of Roanoke Island on February 8^th, 1862. The men under his command noted his coolness under fire and cheery demeanor in their struggle through the swamp. On March 14^th, 1862, during the Battle of New Bern, Lieutenant Colonel Merritt was tragically shot in the abdomen and killed on the front line.

In 1886, the Sons of Union Veterans erected and dedicated the memorial in his honor.