RALPH METCALF
Honored and respected by all, the business record of Ralph Metcalf is such as any man might be proud to possess, for throughout his entire identification with financial interests in Greene county he has commanded the unqualified confidence of the business community, never making an engagement that he has not met or incurred an obligation that he has not filled. The position which he occupies today as a financier and business man is creditable alike to himself and the community which he represents. He has for twenty years been closely associated with banking interests in Greenfield and it was in this locality that he first opened his eyes to the light of day, his birth having occurred four miles east of Greenfield in Macoupin county, Illinois, on the 8th of December, 1861. He is a son of Richard J. Metcalf, and a brother of Hon. George B. Metcalf and of E. K. Metcalf, both of whom are mentioned elsewhere in this volume.
His youth was passed in the city of Greenfield, its schools affording him his educational privileges, and he advanced through successive grades until he became a high school student and finished the course there by graduation with the class of 1880. After completing his studies he engaged in teaching school for three year, spending two winters in Macoupin county, while for one term he was a teacher in Greene county. He then accepted a position in the bank of Metcalf & Johnson, becoming the first cashier of that institution, which position he filled until the bank sold out to the firm of Sheffield & Company. Mr. Metcalf became a stockholder in the Sheffield Bank, with which he has been continuously connected since the sale of the firm of Metcalf & Johnson. His identification therewith dates from 1891 and he is thus closely associated with financial interests of the county, capably assisting in controlling the affairs of the institution. In addition to banking he has extended his efforts to the field of real estate operation, purchasing and improving considerable farm property in Greene county.
On the 8th of October, 1884, Mr. Metcalf was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Rives, a daughter of Judge J. H. Rives, one of the prominent farmers and business men of Greenfield, now deceased. Her father died at his home on the farm June 24, 1904. He was an extensive landowner and left a large estate, of which by the terms of the will Mr. Metcalf became one of the executors and he is now settling up the estate.
In his political views Ralph Metcalf is a Republican, firm and unfaltering in his support of the principles of the party. He served for fifteen years as school treasurer in Rubicon township and has also been city treasurer, yet has never been active in seeking public office, nor has he desired such a reward for party fealty.
Mr. Metcalf purchased a plat of eight or nine acres of ground in the north part of Greenfield, upon which he erected an attractive and commodious residence, built in modern style of architecture. It is indeed one of the most pleasing homes of Greenfield and it is celebrated for its gracious hospitality. Mr. and Mrs. Metcalf have two children. Merrill B., who is now a student in the Culver Military Academy at Culver, Indiana; and Mary E. who is attending the Greenfield high school.
The parents hold membership relations with the Greenfield Methodist Episcopal church and Mr. Metcalf is one of its official members, now serving as church treasurer. His liberal contribution to the building fund at the time of the erection of the new house of worship showed his deep interest in the cause. he is also a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to the lodge and chapter at Greenfield and to the commandery at Carrollton, thereby becoming a Knight Templar Mason. He served as master of Greenfield lodge for five years and as high priest of the chapter for three years and has represented each respectively in the grand lodge and in the grand chapter. He has given his financial, material and moral support to other enterprises calculated to benefit his community. His connection with any undertaking insures a prosperous outcome of the same, for it is in his nature to carry forward to successful completion whatever he is associated with. He has earned for himself an enviable reputation as a careful man of business and in his dealings is known for his prompt and honorable methods which have won him the deserved and unbounded confidence of his fellow men.