Merrill E. Dikis was born September 8, 1895 and died May 2, 1898 at the family residence on South Clay Avenue, Jacksonville, Illinois.

For the past year our little one has been afflicted but bore all his suffering with exceeding patience.

"Little Merrill's gone away,
for he came not here to stay,
his days to stay on earth were numbered
and with the dead so soon he's slumbered.

To say "Good-Bye" tis, Oh so hard!
To one we love so dear.
Our feeling showed be not thus marred
the way to him was clear.

He's now at home with those we love
God called him there, he knew what's best
Let us each strive to meet him above
where there's no pain, but all is rest.

The funeral service was conducted by Rev. Wm Hart at the Baptist Church at Nortonville May 4, 1898 for the text "Of such is the Kingdom of Heaven."

Written by Louanna Dikis, Palmyra, Illinois May 6, 1898