She was the author of A Unique Method for Preserving the Inscriptions in our Historic Burial Grounds and Present-day Beliefs in Some Medical Superstitions.

Sarah (or Sara) Julia Newcomb was born in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada, 9 May 1844.

She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution by virtue of her great-grandfather, Simon Newcomb, having, with others, instigated rebellion in Nova Scotia.

In her earliest childhood, she played at teaching, and when barely nine years of age, offered her services to a missionary as a teacher for the Mi'kmaq of Nova Scotia.

Through the financial assistance of her oldest brother, she remained there till 1867, when she was graduated in the Girls' High and Normal School.

Hearing of Texas as a new opportunity for teachers, she removed there and taught at the Freedmen's Bureau School for Colored Children.

[6] Her investments in real estate in San Antonio proved profitable, and Merrick was considered a good business woman.