Metcalf, John Edwards 1829-1900

METCALF, RICHARDS, ROY, MOREY, DEMUTH, MCFARLAND, HARPER

Posted By: Geo Clinton (email)
Date: 6/2/2016 at 09:52:38

Storm Lake Pilot Tribune - December 28, 1900 - John Edwards Metcalf, a prominent, old and respected citizen died very suddenly of heart failure at his home in this city last Sunday evening, Dec 23, 1900 at 5 o'clock at the age of 71 years and 9 months. The sudden and unexpected calamity not only prostrated those who were nearest and dearest to the deceased but it shocked the entire community. But the day previous he had been seen upon our streets apparently in the best of health. He talked and chatted almost joyously with his friends and acquaintances as he was wont to do. But a few hours thereafter, he lay cold in death.

During the day Sunday he had frequently complained of feeling unwell. He had a severe pain in the region of the stomach, which was supposed indigestion. At 1 o'clock he laid down and had a short sleep and arose feeling much better. Mr H.R. Cutts, an old friend, called and was shown by Mr Metcalf through the interior of his fine residence which he recently erected and had the pleasure of occupying for a time at least, before his death.

Soon after Mr Cutts left Mr Metcalf again complained of the severe pain in the stomach. He was feeling so badly that he decided to undress and go to bed. He had partially done this, being assisted by Mrs Metcalf, when he sat upon the bed with Mrs Metcalf by his side and her arms about him. She had been rubbing him to relieve if possible the severe pain when, mistaking the approach of death for the return of health, he whispered, "I am better now." These were his last words. He gave two gasps and all was over. His spirit took his flight to the God who gave it. He died in the arms of her who had been to him a kind and lovable helpmate, a true and devoted wife.

At the time of his death only Mrs Metcalf and Mrs L.J. Metcalf were present. All of the other members of the family were elsewhere in the city except Mr and Mrs Morey and Mrs Lottie DeMuth, who were on their way here from Des Moines to attend the family reunion on Christmas day at the Metcalf home.

To Mr Metcalf this reunion was to be the crowning event of his life. He had made elaborate preparations for it and looked forward to the occasion with almost boyish anticipation. The children of his youth and grandchildren were to celebrate with him this historical day, the memories of youth were to be revived. Cruel fate however, decreed otherwise, and instead of a reunion his loved ones were called to mourn the death of a loving father and grandfather.

Funeral services were held at the residence at 11 last Wednesday. The remains were interred in the family lot in the Storm Lake cemetery and were followed to their last resting place by a large concourse of relatives and friends.

John Edwards Metcalf was born in the state of Maryland, March 23, 1829 and was therefore at the time of his death in the seventy second year of his age. When about 14 years old he removed with his parents to a farm near Plattville, Wisconsin. Here he remained for about four years performing diligently the arduous duties incident to farming. Just then the excitement over the discovery of gold in California had caused an unparalleled tide of immigration to flow into the golden state from the Atlantic and middle states, Mexico, South American and even from Europe and China.

He eventually, unlike thousands of others who perished on so perilous a journey, reached the goal of his ambition and landed safely in the gold region of the then undeveloped state of California. He at once engaged in mining and was remarkably successful for within a period of two years he had accumulated a sufficient quantity of the yellow metal as to justify his leaving the trials, dangers, and vicissitudes of a miners life upon the western frontier.

Upon his return he went to Galena, IL, where he again embarked in the mining business. This time, however, he engaged in the mining of lead and was so occupied for a period of about 3 years.

On the 8th day of Dec 1852 he was united in marriage to Miss Clarette Richards at Hazel Green, a country village situated near the city of Galena. This worthy couple embarked upon life's tempestuous age, surrounded by all the environments incident to a happy and prosperous voyage.

Soon after their marriage they settled on a farm near Elk Grove, WI, where they lived happily for about 13 years. During this time Mr Metcalf, as a result of his mining accumulations, was thereby enabled to farm upon a large scale, dealing extensively in stock of all kinds. They removed to a large farm near Darlington, which Mr Metcalf had purchased specially for stock raising purposes. Here he became noted as one of the most extensive stock dealers in southern Wisconsin, having each season as many as two to three thousand head of cattle in preparation for market.

In the fall of 1877 he sold out his interests at Darlington and removed with his family to Storm Lake, where they have ever since resided, he having previously purchased a large tract of land embodying about 5000 acres, most of which was situated in Fairfield township, this county and the western part of Pocahontas county. He is credited with having shipped the first mammoth train load of cattle through to Chicago over this line of the Illinois Central. In the latter years of his life he was wholly occupied in caring for his large real estate interests.

On the 13th day of August 1881, Mrs Metcalf died and her remains were gently laid to rest in Storm Lake cemetery. She left to mourn her departure the husband and a family of 6 children: Mrs Dora Roy of Darlington, WI; Mrs Janette I Morey, Louis J, W.C., and the Misses Lottie and Ida, of this city. The two latter are now Mrs Lottie DeMuth of Des Moines and Mrs Ida McFarland of Chicago.

Since then Mrs Roy has crossed the fabled river but the others remain to mourn the loss of both a beloved father and mother.

On the 4th day of Feb 1883, Mr Metcalf was united in marriage to Mrs Nellie Harper. Of this union two children were born, both of whom died in infancy.

Thus ends the career of another pioneer citizen, another exemplary and upright character.