William H. Merritt began his career as a clerk in Illinois before managing a branch store in Iowa. He transitioned into politics, serving as an enrolling clerk in the Iowa Territorial Council. Merritt later engaged in mercantile business in New York and returned to Iowa, where he became an editor and surveyor. His career included a stint in California during the gold rush and various roles in banking and public service, including a military appointment during the Civil War. He held local political offices, serving as mayor and postmaster of Des Moines.

William H. Merritt's political identity is marked by an intriguing blend of economic pragmatism and military valor, coupled with a penchant for editorial influence. His advocacy for land sales and banking reforms reveals a calculated approach to economic stability, while his military leadership during the Civil War underscores a commitment to defending regional interests. Notably, Merritt's editorial work with The Statesman suggests a strategic use of media to shape public opinion, hinting at a broader, multifaceted political strategy.