Biography - THOMAS METCALFE

The death of the late Thomas Metcalfe removed from Macoupin County a citizen who was held in the highest esteem, and one who is recalled by the bar of St. Louis, Missouri, as long one of its ablest members. Mr. Metcalfe was born in 1838 in Kentucky, and was a son of Melville and Amanda (Mclntyre) Metcalfe.

Few names are more distinguished in the State of Kentucky than is that of Metcalfe. Thomas Metcalfe, the grandfather of our deceased subject, served the commonwealth, as a member of Congress, 1819-29, was inaugurated its Governor in 1829, afterwards was sent to the United States Senate, and through a long and illustrious public career reflected only credit upon the honorable name.

The late Thomas Metcalfe was educated for the law and from 1869 to 1876 he was in active practice at Atchison, Kansas, removing then to St. Louis, Missouri, where he became a prominent member of the bar, only retiring from the arena when failing health warned him of his danger. In May, 1901, he became the owner of the magnificent farm of 440 acres, beautifully situated in sections 8 and 9, Shipman township, Macoupin County, Illinois, and with enthusiasm entered upon extensive improvements, converting the residence into a handsome modern home. Here it was fondly hoped by his friends that he would be spared to enjoy many years, but it was not to be. The winter of 1902 found him trying the balmy air at San Antonio, Texas, but it was of no avail and he passed away March 11, 1903, at the age of 65 years, universally regretted.

In 1863 Mr. Metcalfe married Mary Chiles, who is a daughter of Hon. Walter and Caroline (Stith) Chiles, these names being very prominent and influential ones in Montgomery and Hardin counties, Kentucky. Hon. Walter Chiles was a distinguished lawyer, who died in 1861, in his 50th year, after honorably representing his district in the State Senate for three terms. Mr. and Mrs. Metcalf remained on the home farm in Kentucky until they removed to Kansas, in 1869.

Mr. Metcalfe is survived by his bereaved widow and six children, viz.: Carrie Lou; Walter and Melville (twins), the former residing on the estate with his mother, the latter a resident of Topeka, Kansas, who married Belle Ellis of St. Louis, Missouri; Thomas, of Chicago, who married a Miss Bums of Kentucky; Mary, who married James Primrose, of North Carolina, and has one child, Mary — they reside in Indian Territory; and Alice, who lives with her mother. Landon died in 1895.

Mr. Metcalfe was prominent in political, fraternal and religious circles. For a long period he was a consistent member of the Methodist Church, Fraternally he was a Mason, and politically he was a Democrat.

Extracted 2018 May 08 by Norma Hass from Biographical Sketches of Leading Citizens of Macoupin County, Illinois, published in 1904, pages 398-399.