Shute & Merchant
the Shutes and Merchants of Cape Ann
Addison Merchant
(1816-1867)
Most of Addison's adult life was spent in the business of "trader", according to some records. Unlike many of his other brothers and Merchant relatives, Addison never went fishing in his life.
On June 18, 1837 Addison married Catherine Marriott Plummer, the daughter of Nathaniel and Sarah (Higgins) Plummer of Blyfield.
He and Catherine had six children:
| Catherine Marriott | 1838 - 1894 | |
| Emma Clifford | 1840 - 1840 | |
| Fitz Henry | 1843 - 1856 | |
| Emma Clifford | 1845 - 1846 | |
| Ann Judson | 1848 - 1856 | |
| Jesse Plummer | 1851 - 1852 |
After the death of his father Epes, Addison and his brothers Gorham and Samuel formed a new firm under the name of Addison Merchant & Company and continued in a similar line of business. This firm remained active, including sending out fishing vessels, until the death of Samuel (Gorham passed shortly after the new firm was formed) in 1860. At this point in time, it is noted that Addison retired from active business.