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- The death date of 22 December 1868 given in History of Frederick County, Maryland (citation details below) is probably just a typographical error; his gravestone clearly says "Dec. 2. 1868". It is of course possible that the stone is itself in error.
He appears to have been, in 1861 when it was possible that Maryland might secede, an opponent of secession; Roy H. Wampler's book includes an account of a large public meeting in Frederick County in May 1861, presided over by William Metzger, that passed a vigorously anti-secession resolution.
From the History of Frederick County, Maryland (citation details below):
William Metzger, [...] a prominent business man of Myersville, Md., was born at Manchester, York County, Pa., July 17, 1809. He attended the public schools of Manchester, Pa., and completed his education in Pennsylvania College, Gettysburg, Pa. After leaving college, Mr. Metzger removed to Myersville, Md., where he was a successful teacher of Public Schools for sixteen years. Failing health obliged him to give up teaching, and he purchased a small farm near Myersville, the property of Mr. Samuel Toms. Mr. Metzger passed the rest of his life on this place engaged in cultivating and improving it. In 1860, he was nominated, on the Democratic ticket, for county commissioner of Frederick County, and was the only Democratic commissioner elected. This position he filled with credit. During his term of office, the new court house was built in Frederick City. He was a land surveyor. Also Postmaster of Myersville for many years, which position he filled until his death. A short time before his death. Mr. Metzger was appointed one of the school commissioners of Frederick County, and discharged the duties of his office to the entire satisfaction of his fellow-citizens, whose respect and confidence he always enjoyed. [...]
Mr. Metzger and his wife were members of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Myersville, Md. He was active in building the church at Myersville, contributed liberally to the building fund, and served the congregation as deacon and as elder for many years.
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