Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1914-09-02
DEATH SUMMONS
COMES To DAVID
S. METzCAR AT 81
Port Byron Pioneer Probably
the Oldest Man in
the County.
OF PENNSYLVANIA STOCK
Had Been Leading Business Man Of
His Home Village Since Be-
fore the Civil War.

David SwartZ Metzsar. without doubt
the Oldest man in Rock Island county.
and a resident OF this community since
1883, died at o'clock this morning
at HIS home in Port Byron. He was
% years OF age. For a long period he
had been in poor health, the ravages
OF time gradually undermining the
rugged constitution which had enabled
him to survive far beyond his genera
ton.
Mr. Metzgar was born May %. 1917,
IN Westmoreland county. Pennsylva-
mia. He was OF German descent, his
parents having been of that national
ity. though also born in Pennsylvania.
At the age of his father died, and
when 10 years OF age he was appren-
ticed TO a tailor. serving five years.
At the end OF that time he embarked
in business for himself at Mt. Pleas
ant, continuing for u years. Then he
traded his property for a farm and
shortly afterward opened a store a.
Pleasant Unity, Pa.
Visits the West.
In 1883 he came west on q trip OF
inspection. He shipped a horse and
light vehicle by boat 10 St Louis. leay-
ing the river there and driving through
Illinois to Port Byron, where he had
relatives In 1859 he removed to Port
Byron and opened a store there. The
river offered an inviting field for his
activities. however. and he soon pur-
chased an interest in a steamboat.
This proved a poor investment, and
he was compelled to sell out, going
back 10 merchandising with slender
capital. He later secured the aid of
relatives in the east. who provided him
with a liberal stock, and then, the
civil war coming on, values became
inflated and business was brisk, and
his fortunes were soon on a satisfac-
tory basis.
As years passed. Mr.. Metzgar branch
ed ont, building a store and warehouse
and engaging in the buying of grain
and live stock.
IN 1872 he retired from mercantile
pursuits. and so long as he was able to
look after his affairs ne engaged in
the manufacture and sale Of lime. be
ing associated with his sons and hav-
ing kilns at Port Byron and Cordova.
He also was interested in farming and !
the raising of fine stock. The Metz
gar farm home is one OF the prettiest !
and most substantial GROWING the bluffs |
which overlook the Mississippi valley 4
year Port Byron. In 1854 he built an /
jlher home in the village. which he |
has occupied since.
Four Sons Survive.
Mr. Met;gsr was twice married. !
His first wife was Mary A Crumbaugh /
and they were married in 1888. Six 1
children resulted from the union, /
four sons surviving They are Mar
cellus r. OF Moline. George A. Of Chi /
cago. Charles OF Los Angeles and Ho- ,
mer c OF Port Byron. The surviving .
widow. who was Mrs. Jennie Vain
wright. Is critically i'll.
Mr Metzgar was a member Of the
Methodist church and OF the old set
tiers association. He was a democrat,
having voted the party ticket in ma
tional elections since 1870.
The funeral will be held Friday az
.ernocn at . o'clock. with services at
he Port Byron Methodist church. Rev
Harry T. Russell officiating, and inter
nent being made in the Port Byron
cemetery.