Shute & Merchant
the Shutes and Merchants of Cape Ann
Epes W. Merchant
(1804-1887)
Epes W. Merchant, like most of the Cape Ann boys of that period, was practically engaged in the fisheries until his majority, when he became a partner in his father's business under the firm-name of Epes Merchant & Son.
On December 21, 1825 Epes W. married Sally Ellery Ryerson, the daughter of John and Abagail (Ellery) Ryerson of Gloucester.
He and Sally had no children:
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.