My Genealogy Hound

FRED H. METZGER, so long identified with the best interests of the town of Fayette, Seneca County, yet lives and will long live in the hearts and memories of his friends, neighbors and the general business community, by whom he is much beloved and highly respected. His life history is well known, but a brief recital here may more firmly establish the record of his honorable, upright and useful life.

Our subject was born in Dauphin County, Pa., October 1, 1824. His parents were Martin and Catherine (Eshenour) Metzger, the father of Holland-Dutch ancestry, and the mother of German descent. The parents became residents of this county as early as 1832, locating at once in the town of Fayette, where Martin Metzger purchased a tract of one hundred acres of land. They became the parents of a large family of children, of whom six grew to mature years. Of these, Martin died when twenty-four years old, and our subject is the eldest member of the household now living.

Fred H. Metzger received a common-school education, and, having a talent for vocal music, attended a singing-school and received instruction which soon enabled him to teach. When old enough to be of service to his father, he was allowed to cultivate the farm, having for his own whatever he could make out of it. Very soon he abandoned this occupation, however, and learned to graft trees, this being a very profitable business. He was employed by the farmers and nurserymen of the surrounding country, and followed it for several years with success, or until the death of his father, when he formed a partnership with his brother George and operated the old homestead, in addition to which they ran a threshing-machine and sold farming implements. They were the first to introduce the use of the steam thresher into Seneca County, and to them was also given the credit of selling the first fertilizer in the community. Mr. Metzger still has in his possession thirty-five acres of valuable land, which he operates in connection with selling farming machinery.

The lady to whom our subject was married in 1880 was Miss Barbara Beary, of the town of Fayette. To them were born two children: Rhoda, and one who died in infancy. Before she could talk the former, who is now thirteen years of age, was able to point out the letters of the alphabet when asked. She was a good reader when four years old, and on commencing school had mastered all the lessons in the Fourth Reader. She is now well versed in United States history, and also advanced in all other studies.

Mr. Metzger inherits his principles in politics from a long line of Whig ancestors, and has voted the Republican ticket ever since the organization of that party. For several years he was Inspector of Elections, and in January, 1895, assumed the duties of Postmaster of West Fayette. Industry and enterprise are numbered among his chief characteristics, and by his honorable dealings and uprightness he has won prosperity, which he justly merits.