# William Rush Merriam *American politician and banker; 11th governor of Minnesota (1889–1893)* William Rush Merriam (July 26, 1849 – February 18, 1931) was an American banker and politician. A member of the [[Republican Party (United States)]], he was the 11th [[Governor of Minnesota]], serving from 1889 to 1893.[^1] Under President William McKinley he became the first director of the [[United States Census Bureau]].[^1] Merriam came to the governorship from the speakership of the [[Minnesota House of Representatives]]. He was nominated in 1888 in place of the sitting Republican governor, [[Andrew Ryan McGill]].[^2] He won re-election in 1890 against a Farmers' Alliance candidate, with a reduced plurality. The Australian ballot was adopted while he held office.[^2] ## Life and career Merriam was born in Wadham's Mills, New York. His parents were Mahala Kimpton (Delano) and [[John L. Merriam]], a speaker of the Minnesota House.[^3] The family relocated to St. Paul, [[Minnesota]], in 1861.[^3] Merriam held a seat in the state House in 1883 and again in 1887, and was its Speaker in the latter year.[^3] In 1884, during his legislative service, the Merchants' National Bank elected him its president.[^3] His term as governor ran from January 9, 1889, to January 4, 1893.[^3] ### As Governor The 1888 gubernatorial nomination reflected a division within the state Republican Party. Rather than back McGill, the incumbent, most of the party's stalwarts supported Merriam, then a St. Paul banker and Speaker of the House.[^2] In 1890 Merriam sought a second term against a challenge from the Farmers' Alliance. This third party was made up of disaffected Republicans and Democrats and promoted the commercial and social interests of agrarian America.[^2] Merriam defeated the Alliance's candidate, although the third party's showing reduced his plurality.[^2] Wikipedia's account characterizes his administration as directed more toward limiting spending than toward legislative reform.[^2] During his term the Australian ballot was adopted, a system under which citizens could vote in comparative privacy.[^2] The same account says he was keen on sports and owned horses. It also quotes a description of him as possessing "good nature, gracious manners, and an attractive personality."[^2] ## Later Life Merriam directed the twelfth national census. He afterward persuaded Congress to create a permanent Census Bureau, and he served as the bureau's first director.[^4] He did not return to Minnesota. He retired to Florida and died at Port Sewall at age 81.[^4] ## Remains Adolfo Müller-Ury (1862–1947), a Swiss-born American artist, painted a three-quarter portrait of Merriam in 1892. It was exhibited in St. Paul that year together with a portrait of Merriam's wife.[^5] A smaller, bust-length portrait is now in the collection of the Newport Preservation Society in Rhode Island. It was previously held by Jessica Dragonette and by the University of Wyoming.[^5] Müller-Ury is also known to have painted the couple's son, Amherst Merriam, as a baby.[^5] Merriam is buried in Rock Creek Cemetery in Washington, DC.[^5] ## Notes [^1]: Wikipedia contributors, *William Rush Merriam* (lead section, revision 1369861414, retrieved 2026-10-25) — birth and death dates, Republican affiliation, service as 11th governor 1889–1893, first director of the Census Bureau under McKinley. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Rush_Merriam [^2]: Wikipedia contributors, *William Rush Merriam* ("As Governor" subsection, revision 1369861414, retrieved 2026-10-25) — 1888 nomination over McGill, 1890 Farmers' Alliance contest, characterization of the administration, Australian ballot, quoted personal description. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Rush_Merriam [^3]: Wikipedia contributors, *William Rush Merriam* ("Life and career" section, revision 1369861414, retrieved 2026-10-25) — birthplace, parents, 1861 move to St. Paul, House service 1883 and 1887, speakership 1887, bank presidency 1884, exact term dates. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Rush_Merriam [^4]: Wikipedia contributors, *William Rush Merriam* ("Later Life" section, revision 1369861414, retrieved 2026-10-25) — twelfth census, permanent Census Bureau, retirement to Florida, death at Port Sewall. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Rush_Merriam [^5]: Wikipedia contributors, *William Rush Merriam* ("Remains" section, revision 1369861414, retrieved 2026-10-25) — Müller-Ury portraits, their exhibition and present location, burial at Rock Creek Cemetery. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Rush_Merriam