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Notes on James Mettlin

From the Oelwein Register, October 31, 1895.

He Is Dead
          As was feared when we went to press last week, the death angel came and called the spirit of James Mettlin from its tenement of clay, last Thursday. Deceased was born in Pennsylvania, August 24, 1824, and was therefore past 71 years of age. He was a resident of Iowa for many years, coming to Cedar county in 1856. He moved to Fayette county and located on the farm south-east of town, where he died, in 1865. He was married in November 1859. Their union was blessed with the birth of seven children, all of whom survive him, his wife having died about two years ago. Mr. Mettlin was well known and highly respected by residents of this vicinity. The funeral services were held at the family residence Saturday forenoon, being largely attended, and the remains were buried in Otsego cemetery.
Obituary:
          James Mettlin, an old settler of Fayette county, breathed his last Thursday morning, Oct. 24th, aged 71 years and 2 months. The funeral services were held at the family residence Saturday, conducted by Rev. Noel, of Dubuque, and Rev. Conybeare, of this city, and were very beautiful and impressive. Thus is another home completely broken. More than two years ago the mother was called to that better world and now the father has gone to join her there. A large concourse of sorrowing friends gathered to pay their last sad respects to the memory of the departed one. Mr. Mettlin was universally admired and respected for his many sterling qualities. He was a kind and loving father and a good neighbor. No one ever asked a favor of him that was in his power to grant that he did not, even though he himself was put to inconvenience. Seven children survive him, viz, A. J., of this city, Mrs. Frank Kerwin, who resides in Wyoming, Mrs. Albert Brownell, of Stanley, and Edith, Charles, Prentiss and Nellie at home. All except Mrs. Kerwin were with him during his illness and ministered with loving hand to his every want. On the absent one will the sorrow fall with double force as she must bear the burden alone. She has not brother and sister near with whom to blend the sympathizing word or tear.
          Mr. and Mrs. Mettlin have left behind them a rich heritage in their children, for all possess the rare virtues and noble principles of true manhood and womanhood inculcated there by father and mother.

                    "Lives of great men all remind us
                              We can make our lives sublime,
                    And departing leave behind us
                              Footprints on the sands of time."
                                        --M. C. S.
Research Notes:
          James Mettlin, age 56, appears on the 1880 census in Jefferson Twp., Fayette Co., Iowa. Also on that census are Sam Mettlin, 53, and Henry Mettlin, 46. All three Mettlins give their birthplace and the birthplace of both their parents as Pennsylvania. There is some indication they all may have lived in Cedar Co., Iowa, for a while before coming to Fayette Co.

          Richard W. Smith
          21 May 1999
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