John (Metzger) Metzgar (abt. 1813 - 1891)

Born about 2 Aug 1813 in Westmoreland Co., Pennsylvania, USA

Husband of Rhoda Elizabeth (German) Metzgar — married 1843 in Rock Island County, Illinois

Descendants

Died 20 Feb 1891 at about age 77 in Coe Township, Illinois, United States

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Biography

• 78y
• 1835 to Illinois from Westmoreland Co., PA^[1]

John Metzgar, one of the oldest settlers of Coe Township, was born in Pleasant Unity, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania on Aug 2, 1813 and is the second son of Frederick and Mary (Swartz) Metzgar. His father was of Holland descent and his mother of German. He grew to manhood in his native county. When 15 years of age he began to learn the shoemakers trade, and worked at the same until 1835, when he emigrated west, spending the first winter in Pike County, Missouri. In the spring of 1836, he came to Rock Island, then called "Stephenson" where he landed on the first day of April. He was the first shoemaker at this point, building a shop and prosecuting his trade here until 1853. He then purchased 80 acres of land on section 22, and 40 acres of timber on section 31, township 19 north, range 2 east, now known as Coe Township. On this land there was a log cabin, which he occupied with his family until 1859. He then burned a quantity of brick, and built a substantial brick residence which he now occupies.

On Jane 9, 1843 he married Elizabeth German, who was born in Meigs County, Ohio on May 10, 1821; her parents, William and Margaret German, were of Scotch descent. Mr. and Mrs. Metzgar had eight children, six of who are now living,

• Mary,
• David C,
• Martha I,
• Emma B,
• Lucy A and
• William Fred.

Mrs. Metzgar died May 15, 1884.^[2]

Sources

1. ↑ "The Pioneers' Picnic: The Pioneer Death Roll." Rock Island Daily Argus (Rock Island, Illinois). 3 Sept 1891. p5, col2. Chronicling America (Web). Retrieved 4 July 2017
2. ↑ Portrait and Biographical Album of Rock Island County, Illinois, 1885

• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/67744416/john-metzgar: accessed 11 October 2023), memorial page for John Metzgar (2 Aug 1812–18 Feb 1891), Find a Grave Memorial ID 67744416, citing Fairfield Cemetery, Coe Township, Rock Island County, Illinois, USA; Maintained by Whispers (contributor 47982459).