School: Maryland
Frederick Census records reveal that Jacob Metzger, Sr., was born during the mid 1760s and was learning the gunsmith trade in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, probably with Jacob Groff, during the Revolution. His shop was located on East King St., near DeMuth’s Tocacco Shop. On January 15, 1788, he purchased lot No. 5 in Fredericktown. His wife, Christiana, was born in Lancaster County on July 14, 1766. A son, Jacob Jr., was born to them on January 1, 1789. Jacob Sr.’s last will and testament was written on June 19, 1826, and the will was probated on October 9, 1837. Jacob Metzger, Jr. may have followed his father’s trade bacause, in 1856, a gunsmith by the name of Jacob T. Metzger, who may have been a grandson to Jacob Sr., was working in Lancaster on North Queen Street above Orange Street. By 1863 that man was working in Hamilton, Ohio, and in 1879 Montgomery County, Indiana. For further reference, see Arms Makers of Maryland. Jacob Metzker, 1 male 10-16, 1 male 26-45, 4 females under 10, 1 female 26-45. {1800 Frederick County census} Jacob Metzker, 2 males under 10, 1 male 10-16, 1 male 45 & up, 2 females under 10, 1 female to 26, 1 female to 45, 1 female 45 and up. {1820 Frederick County census, District 3} For additional information see Maryland Longrifles Hartzler/Whisker.
