Ripley ,Cnty. In. 1840 Merrick /Van Zile

I recently attended a Merrick family reunion in East Rochester, Ohio.My cousin informed me that she has letters from a John Merrick in Ripley County, Indiana.(Around 1839-1840)Until this time I was unaware that our ancestor, William Merrick (1776-1853) had a brother John.Their parents names were John Merrick (1750-1780)and Letitia Huey (1752-1839).William ended up in West Township, Columbiana County, Ohio with his wife Jane Lefever and 4 surviving children. (John,William,Eleanor and Jane).
John was married to Hannah.He refers to Hannah as his wife in the letters.A list of marriages before 1850 in Indiana lists Merricks in Ripley County, marrying the following surnames: Funkhauser, Ramer, Richardson, Thomas, Van Zile, and Walters. Any information would be helpful. I find it a strange coincedence that you have a descendent named Lettie.Is this short for Letitia?