Bishop Valentine Metzler

“Valentine Metzler, the great-grandfather of Abraham, and the founder of the family in Lancaster county, was born in Switzerland, Feb. 14, 1726, and came to this country in his early manhood. In Lancaster county, where he made his home, he was married Nov. 19, 1749, to Anna Wissler, who was born in the county Dec. 9, 1727, and died March 29, 1793, surviving her husband, who died July 24, 1783. The home was on a farm several miles north of the city of Lancaster, and there they reared the following children: Abraham, Jacob, John, Anna, Henry, Christian, Martin and Elizabeth.” Source: Biographical Annals of Lancaster County. Page 1180.

Note wife’s maiden name above is WISSLER and not NISSLEY. Could be a typo. - Posted 10/9/2013 Dave Metzler

"Bishop VALENTINE METZLER, b. Switzerland, 14 Feb. 1726; minister and bishop in Europe; came to America, 1738; settled West Lampeter (Lancaster) Pa., Willow Street Church, 1738-1783; East Hempfield (Lancaster) Pa., Church at Rohrerstown, 1738-1783; East Hempfield, PA., Church at Millersville, 1757-1783; Mennonite; d. Pequea District (Lancaster) Pa., 24 July 1783, age 57." Source: Colonial Clergy of the Middle Colonies. pg. 104.

Note: Hardly possible he was a minister and bishop in Europe (cited above) when he immigrated to the U.S. at age 12. - Posted 10/9/2013 - Dave Metzler

Burial: The Valentine Metzler Farm, Lancaster Co, PA Religion: Mennonite Bishop, Lancaster Co. PA

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DAR Ancestor A204351 Record:

• Name: METZLER, VALENTINE
• Service: PENNSYLVANIA Rank: PATRIOTIC SERVICE
• Birth: 2-14-1726 SWITZERLAND
• Death: 7-24-1783 MANHEIM TWP LANCASTER CO PENNSYLVANIA
• Service Source: PA ARCH, 3RD SER, VOL 17, PP 657, 773
• Service Description: 1) PAID SUPPLY TAX 1779, 1782
• SPOUSE: 1) ANNA NISSLEY (1) "Rupp’s Collection of 30,000 names of the First Settlers of Pennsylvania” gives minimal data: Valentine was reportedly 12 years old and immigrated with his father, Jost. Valentine settled in Lancaster County, PA and married Anna Nissley.

(2) Mennonite Research Journal, Vol. IX, No. 1 (January 1968) - "Valentine Metzler was born in Switzerland, February 14, 1726, in a Christian home which had undergone much tribulation. As a boy he dreamed of some day entering Hans Herr’s haven in ‘Penn’s Woods.’ Sea horrors, claiming as high as nine of every ten and the loss of all under seven, left him undaunted. At twelve he seized the opportunity and crossed from Cowes, England on the ship Glasgow, landing at Philadelphia on September 9, 1738, with 348 Palatines including Yost Metzler, his father, who apparently died early, leaving him an orphan.”

(3) A great grandson of Bishop Valentine, Peter Metzler, owned a “Martyr’s Mirror.” In it was the following written record: “Grandfather Valentine Metzler was a bishop in the Mennonite Church. He was born in Europe, February 14, 1726, came to America in 1738 and married Anna Nisli December 19, 1749; died July 24, 1783, aged 57 years, 5 months, 10 days. Anna Nisli was born December 9, 1727. My father, Abraham Metzler, was born February 24, 1753 and married Christiana Groff, in Lancaster County, PA.” Signed David Metzler, Age 77.

(4) Daniel “Danny” Metzler 03 Apr. 1903 from his father Jonas Metzler whose father was Daniel B. Metzler. Written out by Jonas’ brother John on 09 Feb 1883: “Valentine Metzler was born 14 Feb 1726 and died 24 Jul 1783. Born in Switzerland. Immigrated with his father Jost in 1738. Orphaned at age 12. Married on 19 Dec 1749 to Anna Nissley or Nisli (b. 3 Nov 1727 d. 29 Mar 1793). Bought land from John, Richard & Thomas Penn on 18 Jun 1752 − 30 acres, 6 perches for 183 pounds & 15 shillings. Later 211 acres for 483 pounds on the north side of Lancaster, PA where the Stehlie Silk Mills are. Ordained as Mennonite minister in 1760 and ordained as Mennonite Bishop in 1778. 10 children - “