Born in Staunton, Virginia, Merritt was graduated from Washington College, Lexington, Virginia, in 1848. He moved to Mariposa County, California in 1849, and was county clerk and public administrator in 1850.
Merritt, born in Staunton, Virginia, completed his education at Washington College in Lexington, Virginia, in 1848. He then moved to Mariposa County, California in 1849, taking on roles as county clerk and public administrator the following year.