JOHN METCALF is one of the oldest and most highly respected farmers of his neighborhood. He is of Irish descent, his grandfather, Edward Metcalf, being a native of Ireland, who emigrated to America in early days, and settled on a farm of 1000 acres in Jefferson township, Washington Co., Penn. Edward Metcalf reared a family of seven children, of whom his son Edward was the fourth in order of birth. Edward Metealf was born about the year 1800, and trained to agricultural pursuits, which he followed throughout life. He was united in marriage with Miss Margaret McNeely, of Washington county, and to their union were born the following children: Jane, John, William, Nancy, Mary, James, Margaret, Edward, Sarah, Alexander, Judy and an unnamed infant. John Metcalf (subject of sketch) was born October 17, 1821, in a log cabin, and reared in Washington county, remaining on the home farm during his boyhood. On February 8, 1840, he was married to Judy Cole. The young people first settled on the farm where they now reside. He then moved to his father-in-law's farm, lying between Jewett and Scio, in Harrison county, Ohio, where they remained until the death of Mr. Cole. They finally returned to the present home in Jefferson township, this county, where they have since remained. Five children have been born to this couple, namely: Moses, Nancy Jane, Edward, John and Margaret Ann. Mrs. Metcalf's father was a son of Moses Cole, who came from the State of New Jersey and settled in Washington county, Penn. Indians were numerous in those days. Mrs. Moses Cole (the grandmother of Mrs. .Metcalf) says that she has seen twenty-four Indians pass the house at one time, and that she often gave them food and shelter. Mrs. John Cole is now ninety-three years of age, and makes her home with her daughter and son-in -law.

Text taken from page 1058 of: Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893). Transcribed March 1997 by Neil and Marilyn Morton of Oswego, IL as part of the Beers Project. Published March 1997 on the Washington County, PA USGenWeb pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.

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