Joseph John MERKwas born on 14 Feb 1858 in Elsass, Kutschurgan, South Russia.31 ,32 He served in the military between 1879 and 1884 in Strassburg, Kutschurgan, South Russia.33 He appeared in the census in 1881 in Elsass, Kutschurgan, South Russia.13 He emigrated on 13 Dec 1909 from South Russia.34 He lived Province of Santa Catharina in Brazil Jan-Feb 1910.33 ,34 He lived in Est Darragueiera, Argentina between 1910 and 1912.17 He immigrated in 1912 to Regstad Township, McHenry County, North Dakota, USA.35 He appeared in the census in Jan 1920 in Regstad Township, McHenry County, North Dakota, USA.35 In Jan 1920 he was a farmer in Regstad Township, McHenry County, North Dakota, USA.35 He lived on Raleigh Street in Portland, Multnomah County, Oregon, USA in Apr 1930.36 He appeared in the census in Apr 1930 in Portland, Multnomah County, Oregon, USA.37 He died on 20 Nov 1939 in Portland, Multnomah County, Oregon, USA.38 ,39 He was buried on 24 Nov 1939 in Mount Calvary Cemetery, Portland, Oregon, USA.18 He was also known as Joseph Merck.