Isaac Merrill settled south of the river from Sterling in 1837, on the claim where L. H. Woodworth now lives, which he sold to him in 1840. He then purchased Wright Murphys claim, where he resided until 1849, when he sold out to James L. Crawford and went to California. He was a shoemaker, which occupation he pursued in connection with farming.
Bent & Wilson History of Whiteside County IL 1877
