Matthias Zahniser, II
June 12, 1775 - April 26, 1850

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Matthias II, the oldest son of Matthias I and Mary Lint, was born in 1775. When a boy of fourteen, he was afflicted with white swelling and underwent an operation by which a section of bone six inches long was removed from his leg effecting a complete cure. In 1795 he worked with the surveyors who were opening up a new territory west of the Allegheny River. It is probable that what he saw of the land then led his father to sell in Allegheny County and seek a location in the new territory. In 1797 he settled the tract of land immediately south of his father's, his cabin being erected near the present residence of Jacob M. In Jackson township. In 1800 he married Dorothy Fry, daughter of John M. Fry. In 1807 he sold his farm and removed to Jefferson Township where he bought and improved two hundred acres of land on which he resided till his death in 1850. His descendants have become the largest branch of the family, the most of them still residing in the community where he located at that time. Both he and his wife were people of devout religious life. For some years they were members of the First Presbyterian Church in Mercer from which they transferred their membership to the Unity Presbyterian Church where he became an elder. In later life they were faithful and honoured members till their death.

Married Dorothy Fry.

Children were:
Mary Zahniser Young, married Jonathan Young in 1828.
John Zahiser, married Mary Anne Bernard in 1826.
Matthias Zahniser III, married Elizabeth Jennings.
Michael Zahniser, married Amelia McLean in 1829.
Hannah Zahniser, married James Young.
David Zahniser, married Rachel Tice in 1837.
Julia Zahniser, married James C. Anderson in 1836.
Jacob Zahniser, married Mary Merchant in 1843.
Samuel Zahniser, married Mary W. Walker in 1844.
Susanna Zahniser, married Adam Merchant in 1845.
Catherine Zahniser.

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