1. Johann Heinrich¹ METZENDORF was born in Schlitz, Hessen, Germany on 21 July 1807. Heinrich died on 25 March 1874 in Heppenheim, Starkenburg, Hessen, Germany, at 66 years of age.⁽¹⁾

He married Sophie SCHADE circa 1832 in Schönberg, Hessen, Germany.⁽²⁾ Sophie was born on 22 December 1809 in Schönberg, Hessen, Germany. Sophie died on 18 April 1881 in Heppenheim, Starkenburg, Hessen, Germany, at 71 years of age.⁽³⁾ According to his "Wanderbuch", Heinrich Metzendorf began his travels from Schlitz on 16 March 1829. He went by way of Friedberg to Frankfurt and worked there until 12 April 1829. On the 13th of April he reported that he was in Darmstadt where he worked until 16 December 1830. He apparantly went back to Schlitz, perhaps because it was winter and there was no work. On 19 February 1831 he began his travels again. It is assumed that he went directly back to Darmstadt. From there he must have gone to Schoenberg; perhaps the Darmstadt registration was good for the entire province of Starkenberg. In any event, by this time, he must already have met Sophie Schade in Schoenberg. On 8 May 1832 is an entry for Darmstadt: "Worked here and conducted himself well". This was perhaps his notice of departure. On 9 May 1832 his first son, Anton, was born in Schoenberg. The official marriage was on 30 June 1833. Evidently he stayed after May in Schoenberg and worked in Heppenheim because of the sandstone to be found there. An extract from the Citizens Register for Schoenberg notes that he was a citizen since April 1833. The last entry in his "Wanderbuch", without location noted, but perhaps from Heppenheim, says "Heinrich Metzendorf, as a stranger to the town, paid the legal entry fee with one 'Gulden'". In the Schoenberg Citizens Register his entry is stricken with the remark: "Removed to Heppenheim in the year 1834". The date is not definitely readable. The latest year would be 1836 when his son, Johann Heinrich, was born in Heppenheim.

Johann Heinrich METZENDORF and Sophie SCHADE had the following children:

+ 2 i. Anton² METZENDORF was born on 9 May 1832.

+ 3 ii. Maria METZENDORF was born on 5 March 1834.

4 iii. Johann ("John") Heinrich METZENDORF was born in Heppenheim, Starkenburg, Hessen, Germany on 8 June 1836.⁽⁴⁾ Johann died after 1890 in USA. He was inducted into the military on 16 May 1861 in Washigton, D.C.. Johann worked as machinist. It was reported that nothing further was heard of Johann Heinrich Metzendorf after he emigrated to the United States. However, so reasonable evidence has been found for his presence in THE united States. A John (i.e., "Johann") Metzendorf enlisted in Company C, 5th Inf. Regiment of New York on 16 May 1861 at Washington, D.C. at the age of 25. Since Johann Heinrich Metzendorf was born on 8 June 1836 this would seem to be the same person. A review of the roster of the 5th Regiment indicates that practically all members were of German extraction. John Metzendorf was mustered out in New York City on 7 August 1861. His Civil War pension file indicates that his wive was Katherine and guardian was Frank Nuss. John Metzendorf is listed in the New York City Directory of 1869 as a Machinist at 80 Elm Street with his home at 394 Second Avenue. A William Metzendorf is also listed as "trimming" with home at 172 Delancey. This is perhaps his brother Wilhelm who is said to have gone to America and then returned to Heppenheim, as there is no later evidence of a William Metzendorf. Wilhelm Metzendorf was a glazier, so this could explain the "trimming" description. Also, his first child was born in Germany in 1879, so he was most likely in America in 1869. John is also listed in the 1890 Directory as a Machinist with his home at 746 E. 170th Street. Interestingly, in the same directory, a Sophia Metzendorf is listed with her home at 394 Second Avenue, John Metzendorf's former address in 1869. No further information has thus far been found on John ("Johann") Metzendorf, but a review of his Civil War pension file should produce further details.

+ 5 iv. Heinrich METZENDORF was born on 28 July 1838.

+ 6 v. Wilhelm METZENDORF was born on 13 November 1840.

+ 7 vi. Adam METZENDORF was born on 8 December 1842.

+ 8 vii. Martin METZENDORF was born on 13 January 1845.

9 viii. Barbara METZENDORF was born in Heppenheim, Starkenburg, Hessen, Germany on 10 January 1851.⁽⁵⁾ Barbara is deceased.

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