Anton (Tony) Mervar was born on July 11, 1885 in the village of Škrjanče, Slovenia to Franciscus Mervar and Maria Šmajdek.

At the age of 19 Anton left his home, Gostilna na Hribu (Inn on the Hill) near Škrjanče, to join his older brothers, Joseph and Frank, in the United States of America. According to Ellis Island records, Anton Mervar departed from Havre, France on the ship S.S. La Touraine on February 4, 1905. He arrived at the port of New York on February 11, 1905.

Anton’s final destination in the U.S. was Indianapolis, Indiana, where he was going to join his brother, Joseph Mervar, residing at 720 Warman Avenue. Anton’s occupation - laborer. He was able to read and write. He was in possession of $75.

On February 15, 1909 Anton married Marija (also Maria, Mary) Pregelj (also Pregl, Preglj, Prigel) in Marion County, Indianapolis. Maria was born on May 11, 1886 in a village near Idrija, Slovenia. She immigrated to the United States in 1907.

According to his relatives (2012), Anton was the most successful and enterprising of the four Mervar siblings who immigrated to America. He owned a tavern in Indianapolis.

Anton and Marija lived at 710 N. Holmes Avenue from around 1910 through at least 1917.

On April 15, 1910 Anton Mervar (24) and his wife, Mary, (24) lived in a rented home at 710 Holmes Avenue. They had only one child, daughter Emma. Besides the three of them there were also seven boarders, foundry molders, and one (female) servant of the boarding house – all immigrants from Slovenia. Among the boarders was John Mauser, Martin Mauser’s brother.

He was able to speak English, she was not. Anton was a saloon keeper working for himself, and Mary was a boarding housekeeper. Both Anton and Mary were able to read and write.

In 1912, for instance, Anton Mervar and his family lived at 710 Holmes Avenue and Martin Mauser (Josephine Mervar) and his family at 701 Holmes Avenue, and Joseph Mervar and his family lived at 714 Holmes Avenue.

Anthony Mervar died suddenly from heart disease on June 24, 1925 at the age of 40. Fr. Casimir. Buried on June 29, 1925 at the St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

Mrs. Mary Mervar died on August 15, 1929 at the age of 43. Buried on August 19, 1929 at St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Fr. Casimir OMC.

Anton and Maria Mervar had seven (7) children:

1. Emma Mervar (April 20, 1909)
2. Alexander Mervar (February 4, 1911 - died as a baby)
3. Anton (Anthony/Tony) L. Mervar (October 6 or 7, 1912 - August 29, 1986)
4. Olga Mervar (August 1, 1914)
5. Antonia Mervar (July 7, 1917)
6. Mary (Mitzy) Mervar (July 5, 1919)
7. Angela Mervar *Moos* (April 18, 1921)

While living in Indianapolis, Anton and Maria Mervar were good friends with Frank and Angela Grabner. Maria and Angela were sisters. 

When Frank Grabner married Angela Pregelj on May 8, 1911 in Indianapolis, Anton Mervar was one of the groomsmen.

Anton and Maria were godparents to the following children of Frank and Angela Grabner: Karolina (1912), Franciscus (1913), Emma A. (1915), and Angela M. (1917).

Frank and Angela were godparents to the following children of Anton and Maria Mervar: Anton (1912), Olga (1914), and Antonia (1917).

On April 22, 1930 when the fifteenth census of the U.S. was conducted, the Mervar family lived at 1089 N. Holmes Ave., without parents. Emma A. Mervar, at the age of 21, was the head of the family. They lived in their owned home, valued at $4,500. Other members of the family: Anthony (17), Olga (15), Antonia (12), Mary (10), Angela (8). Their life must have been tough since none of them worked. They lived at 710 N. Holmes Ave.

Anthony L. Mervar died on August 29, 1986 from lung cancer (heavy smoker).

Olga Mervar married Adelbert Patrick Culp on April 15, 1933.

Antonia Mervar married Adolph Medley on October 20, 1945 in Holy Trinity Church.

Mary Mervar married Frank Berkopes.

Angela Mervar married Bernard L. Moos on November 10, 1950.