Thomas Ralph Merton, 1888-1969

Abstract Thomas Ralph Merton, scientist, inventor and connoisseur of the fine arts was born on 12 January 1888, and died on 10 October 1969 after a long, useful and exceptionally happy and harmonious life. He was born at Wimbledon, the only son of Emile R. Merton and Helen, daughter of Thomas Meates, a descendant of Sir Thomas Meutas, Secretary to Sir Francis Bacon. E. R. Merton was for a time in the family metal trading business as a partner in Henry R. Merton & Go. which was started in London by his eldest brother in 1860. Another brother, William, founded the Metallgesellschaft in Frankfurt-am-Main in 1881, which became at one time the second largest company in Germany. The two companies worked closely with each other and also with the American Metal Company in New York.