An Illustrated History of the State of Washington, by Rev. H.K. Hines, D.D., 
The Lewis Publishing Co., Chicago, IL., 1893, pages 466-467

	JOSEPH W. METCALF, one of the successful lawyers of Clarke county, was born
in Trenton, Grundy county, Missouri, September 5, 1864, a son of Daniel and Mary
A. (Crews) Metcalf. The father had the distinction of being the first male white
child born in Grundy county, where he grew to manhood, and later was recognized
among the leading lawyers of the State. His death occurred January 4, 1880. His
wife, who still survives, is a native of Kentucky and a lady of rare literary
ability. She was the founder of the Lamar Sparks, of Powers county, Colorado,
having owned and ably conducted that journal four years. She afterward
established the Corpus Christi Sun, of Texas, which she still edits. The
Metcalfs are of the old and honored American families, their advent to this
continent antedating Revolutionary days. The grandfathers of our subject on both
sides participated in the Revolutionary and war of 1812, and one, who held the
rank of Captain, lost his life in the defense of the Colonies at the famous
Braddock defeat.
	Joseph W. Metcalf, the subject of this sketch, and the eldest of two
brothers, was reared in his native State until fifteen years of age. He then
removed to Colorado, where he become connected with journalism, having been
associate editor of the Lamar Sparks about three years. Mr. Metcalf became a law
student at the Missouri State University, and gradated at the Law Department of
that institution in 1885. Returning to Powers county, Colorado, he followed his
profession there four years, and was the first District Clerk of the county.
After residing for a time in Stockton, California, he came to Vancouver,
Washington, in 1890, and engaged in the practice of law in the following year.
Mr. Metcalf entered into partnership with his brother, W.H., under the firm name
of Metcalf & Metcalf, which continued until January 1, 1893.
	In Colorado, September 28, 1889, our subject was united in marriage with
Miss Laura M. Black, a native of Pennsylvania. Their first child died in
infancy. Their second and last, a boy, was born February 26, 1893, at Vancouver.
	In political matters, Mr. Metcalf is active in the Democratic ranks, and
socially affiliates with the Red Men and the A.O.U.W., having passed the
official chairs in the latter order. In this line of action Mr. Metcalf has
followed excellent example, and. his few years of steady work have been
productive of good results. Well read in the law in the beginning, he has the
necessary practice, is painstaking and careful, and in court his aguments are to
the point and convincing.

Submitted to the WA. Bios Project in October 2003 by Jeffrey L. Elmer

* * * * 

Notice: These biographies were transcribed for the Washington Biographies
Project. Unless otherwise stated, no further information is available on the
individual featured in the biographies.