George Merritt

George Merritt (August 14, 1807 – October 5, 1873) was a businessman from New York. He owned the mansion Lyndhurst on the Hudson River, which was sold to financier Jay Gould by Merritt's widow, Julia Merritt, after Merritt's death in 1873. Early life Merritt was born on August 14, 1807, in White Creek in Washington County, New York. He was a son of Benjamin Merritt and Thankful ( Scott) Merritt. Beginning at the age of five, was educated at the Friends Boarding School at Nine Partners. Career Merritt moved to New York City in 1822 and was a dry goods merchant until 1853, residing six years in Georgia. He was Owner and President of the New England Car Spring Co. from 1853 to 1868. Merritt held a patent for a railroad car spring.