John Merrimack, former local resident, and one of the three 
original founders of the Slovak Lutheran  church in Old No. 3, 
died today at his home in Pontiac, where he has resided for a 
number of years.  His death followed an illness of long duration 
   Funeral services are to be held at 2:30 o'clock Wednesday 
afternoon from the church in Old No. 3, with Rev. John Daniel of this city in charge.  Burial will be made in Moon Cemetery. 
   The decedent was born in Austria on October 15, 1852, 
coming to this country and settling in Streator when a young 
man.  Fifty years of his life was devoted to coal mining in this 
locality.  He was married 58 years ago to Helen Gosda of this 
city, who preceded him in death last year. 
   Surviving her are the following children, Charles of Pontiac, 
Mrs. Louise Shurr, and Mrs. Rose Jobst, of Pontiac, George of 
Loda, Ill., and John of Chicago.  He also leaves two sisters, Mrs. Mary Ch?izmar of Indiana Harbor, Ind., and Mrs. Susie Havier of 
Lakefield, Minn. 
   Mr. Merrimack was well and favorably in Streator and vicinity, where many friends will learn of his passing with genuine sorrow.
   He was one of three men who built the historic Slovak 
Lutheran church which still stands in Old No.3, and which was 
the object of much attention recently on the part of Century of Progress officials. They sought to have it moved to the World's 
Fair grounds in Chicago, but Merrimack objected vigorously, and the request was denied.  The church upon completion, had 
been donated to the congregation.