Historical Marker

Eli Todd Merriman

Historical marker location:
Old Bayview Cemetary, Corner of Ramirez and Waco Sts., Corpus Christi, Texas
( The proposed marker will go beside the existing marker, Bayview Cemetary. The proposed marker will be ten yards east and four yards south of the front gate of the cemetary.The marker will be inside that gate.)
Marker installed: 2012
Marker size: 27" x 42"

ELI TODD MERRIMAN

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.

(2012)

MARKER IS PROPERTY OF THE STATE OF TEXAS

As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.

Newspapers
The University of Texas at Austin, founded in 1883, is one of the largest universities in the United States and has produced many notable alumni, including several U.S. presidents.
Texas random facts
Nueces County, located in southern Texas, has a rich and diverse history that spans several centuries. The area first saw human habitation thousands of years ago, with Native American tribes such as the Karankawa and Coahuiltecan peoples inhabiting the region. European exploration of the area began in the 16th century, with Spanish explorers claiming the land for the Spanish crown. However, it wasn't until the early 18th century that the first permanent settlements were established.

In 1828, the Mexican government granted land to Colonel Henry Lawrence Kinney, an American entrepreneur, who founded the trading post of Kinney's Trading Post near the Nueces River. This marked the beginning of Anglo settlement in the area. Nueces County was officially established in 1846, following the Texas Revolution and subsequent annexation of Texas by the United States.

Throughout the 19th century, Nueces County played a significant role in Texas' development. The town of Corpus Christi, which served as the county seat, became an important regional trade center due to its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico. The county flourished as a shipping hub for livestock, cotton, and other agricultural goods.

The county's history was greatly influenced by its participation in several military conflicts. During the American Civil War, Corpus Christi served as a center for Confederate forces, and the county witnessed both Union and Confederate occupation. Additionally, the county played an important role during World War II, with Corpus Christi becoming a major training center for Navy pilots.

In recent times, Nueces County has continued to grow and evolve. The county's economy has diversified, with tourism, oil and gas, and the military being major contributors. The region boasts numerous attractions, including beautiful coastal beaches, cultural sites, and a vibrant culinary scene. Today, Nueces County remains an important and thriving part of Texas' history and economy.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Nueces County, Texas.

  • 1836 - Nueces County is established as one of the original counties in the Republic of Texas.
  • 1845 - Texas becomes a state of the United States, and Nueces County remains part of the state.
  • 1848 - The county seat is established in Corpus Christi.
  • 1850 - The population of Nueces County reaches 756 residents.
  • 1852 - The Corpus Christi Cathedral is constructed, becoming a significant landmark in the county.
  • 1872 - The railroad reaches Nueces County, leading to increased economic development and population growth.
  • 1875 - The Nueces County Courthouse, built in the Renaissance Revival style, is completed.
  • 1900 - A devastating hurricane strikes the county, causing significant damage and loss of life.
  • 1914 - The Port of Corpus Christi is established, becoming a major hub for trade and industry.
  • 1931 - The Nueces County Courthouse is expanded and remodeled to its current appearance.
  • 1940 - Nueces County experiences a population boom, with the county's residents totaling over 101,000.
  • 1987 - Hurricane Gilbert causes widespread destruction in Nueces County and the surrounding areas.
  • Present - Nueces County continues to be a thriving center for commerce, industry, and tourism.