Biography
Born in New York and raised in Llewellyn Park, New Jersey, he attended Harvard College, graduating in 1915. World War I prevented him from pursuing an advanced degree in Germany; instead, he joined his father at the company. He was made president of the company in 1925, shortly before his father's death. During the interwar years, he oversaw Merck's involvement in the development of synthetic vitamins, sulfas, antibiotics, and hormones. During World War II, he led the War Research Service, which initiated the U.S. biological weapons program. Merck was on the cover of Time magazine on August 18, 1952, illustrating a story about the American drug industry. He died of a cerebral hemorrhage in West Orange, New Jersey.
In 1951, Merck donated 3100 acres of forest and farmland to be used for public use. This tract of land is in Rupert, Vermont. After his death, the area was renamed the Merck Forest and Farmland Foundation which seeks to educate about sustainable farming and forest agriculture. It is a popular destination for hikers and campers.
Read more about this topic: George W. Merck
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