William A. Metcalfe a prominent physician of Osborne, was born in Trimble County, Ky., on July 24, 1849. He is the son of Sanford and Louisa A. (Spilman) Metcalfe, natives of Virginia and Kentucky, respectively. The father was a boot and shoemaker by vocation. Late in life he removed to Carrollton, Ky., and established a boot and shoe custom shop, and at the time of his death had a thriving business. He was born in August, 1821, and died on March 3, 1887. The mother is now living in Carrollton, Ky. The father was a Democrat, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. The mother is a member of the same church. Dr. William A. is the oldest of six children. He spent his early life in making boots and shoes, and received a fair education at the common schools. He engaged for a while as a laborer in the woolen-mills at Carrollton. From 1869 to 1875 he was engaged in the mercantile business-four years at Bedford, Ky., and two years at Madison, Ind. While a merchant he gave all his spare time to the study of medicine, and in the fall of 1875 entered the Louisville Medical College, and afterward entered the Kentucky School of Medicine, and received a diploma from both colleges. After his graduation at the latter school in June, 1877, he located at Bedford, Ky., and commenced the practice of his profession. In the spring of 1884 he removed to Osborne, Mo., where he has since built up a large practice. On December 6, 1877, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary B. Duncan, who was born in Clinton County, Mo., on December 29, 1858. They have two daughters: Lizzie A. L., born October 20, 1878, and Joseph W., born July 27, 1885. Dr. Metcalfe is a Democrat. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South.
Source: History of Andrew and DeKalb Counties, Missouri (Chicago: Goodspeed Publishing Company, 1888), pp. 573-574.