ISBON METZGER.

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         Among the enterprising and highly successful agriculturists of Elm Grove township must be numbered the late Isbon Metzger, who was born in Pennsylvania, on the 23d of February, 1837. While still in his early youth he came to Iowa, settling in Louisa county in 1853. Here he engaged in general farming and stock-raising and being an industrious, persevering and thrifty man he was soon able to acquire a tract of land. He kept extending his holdings from time to time as he was able until at his demise he owned seven hundred and forty acres, all located in Elm Grove township.

         Mr. Metzger was twice married, his first wife being Miss Lydia Heller, and of their union there were born eleven children. The mother passed away in 1892, and in the 11th of September, 1895, Mr. Metzger was married to Mrs. . . .

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. . . Amelia Strauss Darrell. Mrs. Metzger had been married twice before, her first husband being Perig Simmons, and of their union there were born two children: Calvin, who is deceased; and Lottie, the wife of Walter McRoberts, of Louisa county. Mr. Simmons passed away in 1890, and the following year his widow married Duke Darrell. By her second husband Mrs. Metzger had one son, Everett Dale Darrell, who was born on the 2d of February, 1893. He is now operating his mother’s farm, which contains forty acres of land.

         The religious affiliation of Mr. Metzger was with the Evangelical church and he gave his political support to the democratic party. He never was an office-seeker, however, always having been too deeply engrossed in the development of his farm to take part in public affairs. He passed away on the 29th of January, 1903.