Source: Ravelings (1947) Ad:

MERKLE'S NEW HAMPSHIRE RED CHICKS
U.S. Approved/Pullorum Controlled/Guaranteed Livability/Fast Growth
GEORGE MERKLE HATCHERY
Indiana's Largest New Hampshire Hatchery
Rural Route 1    N. Manchester

 Source: Notarized Certificate of Business, Wabash County Partnership Book 1 (1941-1985), p. 213, January 1, 1951:

The George Merkle Hatchery
Hatchery
RFD #1, North Manchester, Indiana
Owners:
George M. Merkle and Edith L. Merkle, RFD #1, North Manchester, Indiana