Philip C. Metzler

Philip C. Metzler, of Columbus, manager of the Columbus Vitrified Brick Company, was born at Marine, Illinois, February 4, 1869, and is a son of C. G. and Margaret (Healy) Metzler.

The father of Mr. Metzler was born in Hessen-Darmstadt, Germany, in 1844, and died at Columbus, Kansas, in 1898. When 16 years of age he came to America, and learned and followed the brick manufacturing business at St. Louis, Missouri. In 1874 he came to Weir City, Kansas, and went to work in the clay department of one of the zinc companies, where he was engaged in the manufacture of retorts, tile, etc., until 1881, when he removed to Columbus and established the above named brick plant. He commenced the manufacture of building brick and drain tile, and the products of his establishment were used exclusively in the building of the first houses in Columbus. He was the pioneer in this line here, and until his death supplied most of the bricks used here for building purposes. His widow survives, with two children,—Philip C. and Catherine (Mrs. George Gallagher), of Columbus. Two children died young. Mr. Metzler was a member, in good standing, of the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Select Knights.

Philip C. Metzler was reared and schooled at Columbus. In 1889 he became associated with his father in the brick-making business, which he has continued alone since his father's death. His practical knowledge of brickmaking contributes to his efficiency as manager of the Columbus Vitrified Brick Company.

Mr. Metzler was married at Galena, in the fall of 1903, to Lillian Balch, of that city. Politically, Mr. Metzler is a Democrat, and a very zealous and influential member of his party. He served as president of the Bryan Club during the presidential campaign of 1900 and has been a member of the Democratic County Central Committee and a delegate to numerous conventions. His fraternal and social connections are with the Modern Woodmen of America; Degree of Honor; Royal Neighbors; Select Knights and Ladies of Honor; and the Ancient Order of United Workman, in which he is master workman. He belongs also to the Anti-Horse Thief Association. In religious belief, he is a Catholic.

History of the Cherokee County Kansas and its representative citizens, ed. & comp. used by Nathaniel Thompson Allison, 1904, transcribed by Brandon Plott, student from USD 508, Baxter Springs Middle School, Kansas, 2-26-97.