John L. Merriam
John L. Merriam was a Minnesota banker, politician and Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives, representing St. Paul. He was instrumental in helping to organize First National Bank of Minnesota, and he served as vice president of Merchants National Bank.
He began service in the Minnesota House of Representatives in 1870, and was elected speaker that year, serving in the position until 1871. His son, William R. Merriam, later served as speaker of the house in 1887, and was elected governor in 1888.
