Samuel Merritt: A Legacy of Care and Commitment
Physician, entrepreneur, mayor, and environmentalist Samuel Merritt, MD, left an indelible mark on Oakland and its community. His diverse roles showcased his commitment as a humanitarian, significantly shaping the East Bay area.
As SMU celebrates its 115th anniversary, it’s clear that Merritt’s life and legacy laid the strong foundation for the mission and values of the university that carries his name.
Born in 1822 in Maine, Merritt moved to California after medical school, where he began his practice. His approach to care was marked by generosity; he often treated sick sailors for free, even before maritime hospitals existed.
Merritt's business acumen flourished in San Francisco, where he capitalized on the booming demand for building supplies and later, established pioneering ventures in the Northwest lumber trade. His move to Oakland in 1857 further diversified his contributions, involving him in construction, finance, and public service.
As Oakland's 13th mayor, he was instrumental in developing the city's infrastructure, advocating for public health, and enhancing civic amenities. His environmental efforts transformed Lake Merritt, creating a vital public and ecological resource.
When Merritt died in 1890, his assets were estimated to be worth between $2 to $3 million in value at the time; in today’s dollars, it would be at least 30 times those figures. Merritt left the bulk of his estate to his sister, Catherine Merritt-Garcelon, and it was “to be devoted to such charitable uses and purposes as she may elect.”
Catherine Merritt-Garcelon’s bequest ensured the hospital would care for those unable to pay, reinforcing Merritt’s lifelong commitment to the community. During his lifetime, Merritt spoke about his hope to build a hospital for the city of Oakland. While he didn’t live to see a hospital built, one was ultimately constructed using the funds from his estate.
Within the hospital was a training school for nurses, which over the years evolved into Samuel Merritt University. And while the school’s structure has changed and expanded over its 115-year history, Merritt’s legacy of commitment to caring for all and building a stronger and healthier community endures.
Check out the digital version of SMU Magazine for the full article.
