Seventh Generation

513. James Merkel HIGH^29,56,73 was born on 23 Aug 1846 in Richmond Township, Berks Co., PA. He died on 23 Apr 1920 in Yellow House, Berks Co., PA. He was buried in Oley Cemetery, Spangsville, Berks Co., PA. Born on his father's farm, he was educated at local township schools and later graduated from Kutztown State Normal School. He taught seven terms in the public school system. Shortly after the Civil War he moved with his family to Amity Township where he bought the Mt. Pleasant Mill from his father-in-law, David Dry in 1869. The mill was originally established by Jacob Weaver and was also known as the Yellow House Mill and Amity Roller Mill. He remodeled the mill and operated it in addition to his 40 acre farm. The last operator, for whom the mill is named, was Samuel C. Spotts and his son Russell, from 1917 to 1950. James was also a surveyor for 40 years, and he also served as a school director, Justice of the Peace, notary public and a county auditor.

James Merkel HIGH and Amanda Yoder DRY were married about 1865. Amanda Yoder DRY^56,73 (daughter of David DRY and Susannah YODER) was born on 28 Jan 1843 in Berks County, PA. She died on 16 Aug 1926 in Yellow House, Berks Co., PA. She was buried in Oley Cemetery, Spangsville, Berks Co., PA. Daughter of David Dry and Susanna Yoder. James Merkel HIGH and Amanda Yoder DRY had the following children:

+884	i.	Wilson Dry HIGH73 was born on 2 Jan 1869 in Yellow House, Berks Co., PA. Living in Amity Township in 1920 when his father died, and in Pottstown when his mother died in 1926.
+885	ii.	Maria Dry HIGH56 was born on 19 Jul 1870. She died on 19 May 1932. She was buried in Oley Cemetery, Spangsville, Berks Co., PA.
886	iii.	Annie Dry HIGH73 was born on 7 Aug 1879 in Yellow House, Berks Co., PA. Annie married Edwin H. Schearer, who operated the Yellow House hotel from 1909 to 1962.