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         NATHAN METZGER, a prominent and influential farmer of Louisa County, residing on section 34, Elm Grove Township, was born in Monroe County, Pa., May 20, 1840, and is a son of Joseph and Susanna (France) Metzger, who were also natives of Pennsylvania. To them was born a family of nine children, six of whom are yet living: Casper, a resident farmer of Monroe County, Pa.; Rudolph, who is engaged in farming in Elm Grove Township; Israel, a farmer of Sedgwick County, Kan.; Isbon, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume; Mary, wife of Emanuel Marsh, who is engaged in farming upon the old homestead in Monroe County, Pa. The father passed his entire life in his native State, dying in Monroe County, in 1874. His wife survived him until 1885, when she too was called to her final rest. Both parents were devoted members of the Lutheran Church, and were earnest workers for the advancement of its interest. Mr. Metzger was a stanch supporter of the principles advocated by the Republican party, and although of a rather reserved nature, had many warm friends in Monroe County, where he was one of the well-to-do farmers and ranked among the highly respected citizens.

Our subject received his education in the common schools of his native State, and his whole life has been spent in farming. He remained under the parental roof until Sept. 3, 1863, when his marriage with Miss Sally A. Fellenser was celebrated. She was also a native of Monroe County, born Dec. 9, 1840, and is a daughter of John P. and Hannah (Clinker) Fellenser, both of whom were also natives of the Keystone State. In 1868 the young couple bade good-by to their many friends and removed to Louisa County, Iowa, Mr. Metzger here purchasing 320 acres of raw land on section 33, Elm Grove Township. He at once began its cultivation and improvement, which, having been carried steadily forward, has developed the wild prairie into one of the finest farms in Louisa County. His home indeed is a thing of beauty. He has had erected an excellent residence, and his barns and out-buildings are all models of convenience. A fine hedge fence of 1,150 rods, nicely trimmed, divides the farm into 20, 30 and 40 acres fields. The stock is all of the best grades, and a never-failing spring supplies the farm with water. On coming to Louisa County Mr. Metzger was in limited circumstances, his cash capital consisting only of about $500, which he invested in wild, uncultivated land. From this small beginning his property has increased until he is now the owner of 480 broad acres of prairie land and seventeen acres of timber land, which have been secured through his own efforts of industry and economy.

By the union of Mr. and Mrs. Metzger nine chil- . . .

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. . . dren have been born: Salona, who wedded Edward Gipple, a farmer of Audubon County, Iowa; Matilda, wife of Ura Beauchan, a farmer of Washington County, Iowa; Lydia Ellen, who married Frank Chamberlain; Jacob, who is at home; Sarah who died at the age of two and a half years; Simon, David, Levi and Edward, who are yet residing with their parents. Mr. and Mrs. Metzger are members of the Evangelical church. He takes an active part in promoting all church and educational interests, and has held various township offices of trust. Politically, he is a supporter of the Republican party, and is numbered among the highly honored citizens of the county.