"In 1725 he is reported as having children of school age. His will, dated May 5, 1723, was proved November 9, 1732. He married (first), May 23, 1667, Abigail Hopkins, born in October, 1644, daughter of Giles and Catherine (Wheldon) Hopkins. Giles was a son of Stephen Hopkins, one of the Mayflower Pilgrims. He married (second) Elizabeth, whose surname is unknown. The children of William and Abigail (Hopkins) Merrick were: Rebecca, William, Stephen, Nathaniel, Hannah, Benjamin, John, Joshua and Ruth."
