Adam Merdian

     Adam Merdian was born on 25 August 1859 at Ottersheim, Germersheim, Bavaria, Germany.^1,2 He was the son of Conrad Merdian and Apollonia Wolff. Adam Merdian immigrated on 12 September 1881 On 12 September 1881, he sailed with his parents on board the SS Stella from Amsterdam to New York City.^1,3

Adam Merdian married Catherine Glatz, daughter of Anton Glatz and Madaline Hoffman, in 1883.



Adam Merdian was naturalized on 25 August 1888 at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, He petitioned for naturalization on 25 August 1888.⁵ Adam, age 40 years, and Catherine, age 34 years, appeared on the US Census of 1900 at 3 High Street, Etna, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.¹ According to the Federal Census in 1900, Adam was a carpet weaver.¹ According to the Federal Census in 1910, Adam was a water tender in a blast furnace.⁶ Adam, age 50 years, and Catherine, age 44 years, appeared on the US Census of 1910 at 104 Penn Street, Sharpsburg, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.⁶ According to the Federal Census in 1920, Adam was a laborer in a steel mill.⁷ Adam, age 60 years, and Catherine, age 54 years, appeared on the US Census of 1920 at 104 Penn Street, Sharpsburg, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.⁷ Adam, age 70 years, appeared on the US Census of 1930 at 211 Powers Alley, Sharpsburg, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. Living with his son, louis. Adam was a widower.⁸ He was listed in the 1934 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, City Directory as living on 31 South Strauis Street.⁹ He died on 20 January 1939 at Sharpsburg, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, at age 79.² Adam's obituary was published on 21 January 1939.¹⁰ He was buried on 23 January 1939 at Saint Mary's Cemetery, Sharpsburg, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.^10,2

Adam "billed" himself as the seventh son of a 7th son. As such he felt he had special powers. He would read the Bible over someone and lay hands on them and they would be healed. He believed that he could heal Mike Nolan of his epilepsy, but Mike would not let him try.³