U.S. Army · United States 
John Merget
1892
John Merget served the U.S. Army.
How He Died
Manner
Homicide
Cause
Gunshot wound
Mechanism
Firearm
What Happened
Policeman John Merget was shot and killed in a shootout with three tramps whom he and another officer were attempting to arrest as they stole items from a boxcar near Tamaqua Borough, Pennsylvania.
The men had fled from Barnesville after being caught breaking into several homes and businesses. Barnesvile officials notified officers in Tamaqua that the men were heading towards that town. Policeman Merget and another officer started walking the railroad tracks towards Barnesville when they encountered the men in the boxcar near the freight depot.
The subject opened fire on the officers, killing Policeman Merget. They fled the scene but were captured by a posse the following day. Two of the men were convicted of second degree murder.
Policeman Merget was a Union Army veteran of the Civil War.
No passage of time can ever erase your service and sacrifice. Rest in peace always.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)
March 16th, 2021
The men had fled from Barnesville after being caught breaking into several homes and businesses. Barnesvile officials notified officers in Tamaqua that the men were heading towards that town. Policeman Merget and another officer started walking the railroad tracks towards Barnesville when they encountered the men in the boxcar near the freight depot.
The subject opened fire on the officers, killing Policeman Merget. They fled the scene but were captured by a posse the following day. Two of the men were convicted of second degree murder.
Policeman Merget was a Union Army veteran of the Civil War.
No passage of time can ever erase your service and sacrifice. Rest in peace always.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)
March 16th, 2021
Service Record
U.S. Army
Also Served
Pennsylvania Coal and Iron Police Department
Policeman
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtnpghjc448tnxs7yhdxs
Record added
August 2, 2026
neuraweb.nw
Stewarded by
neuraweb.nw
Last updated
August 2, 2026
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew John. Claim this record.
Be the first to honor John.
Leave a Tribute