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Obituary of Anthony Metcalf
Gunnison, Utah, Thursday, April 3, 1934 Early Pioneer Is Called to Reward. Solemn and impressive funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon for Anthony Metcalf at the Relief society hall. In the presence of a host of friends and relatives, which taxed the hall, words of praise for the deceased, and words of sympathy were spoken for the bereaved wife and children. Mr. Metcalf died at his home in this city last Friday morning at 6 o'clock. Death was due to a paralytic stroke, which Mr. Metcalf suffered a little more than a year ago, and which resulted in making him helpless ever since.The services Tuesday afternoon for Mr. Metcalf were conducted by Adolph Peterson and at the opening the choir sang "I Know That My Redeemer Liveth," and following invocation was offered by A. E. Park. Patriarch John Larson and former bishop, Joseph Christensen, were the speakers at the services. Both Mr. Christensen and Mr. Larson were intimate acquaintances of the deceased, having known him for some fifty years. In the eulogies paid the deceased his life for more than fifty years was rehearsed. The high character, the kindly acts and the generous and hospitable ways of the one called were spoken of in the highest terms. Clean, wholesome and upright was the way in which the speakers referred to Mr. Metcalf.The music was especially impressive, the selections by the choir, "Oh, My Father," and the "Vacant Chair" together with the impressive duet "Resignation" by Mesdames Halverson and Metcalf, made the services extremely solemn. Following the benediction by Joseph Larson the remains were taken to the city cemetery and to the final resting place. Mayor Christiansen dedicated the grave. The pall bearers were grandsons of Mr. Metcalf. [next line unreadable because of wear to the clipping] Caldwell, J. C. Metcalf and Leo Anderson bearing the body. Anthony Metcalf was born at Belfast, Ireland, September 5, 1842. His parents were of English birth. At the age of 9 Mr. Metcalf, with his parents, came to America. The long trip across the plains on foot to Utah in 1851 was borne with fortitude by Mr. Metcalf and it was a great pleasure to him to be able to recall many of the incidents and hardships encountered. Arriving at Utah the family settled at Salt Lake for a time and later moved to Springville. While at Springville Mr. Metcalf married Sylvia E. Sanford, the ceremony being performed in June, 1863. Later Mr. and Mrs. Metcalf removed to Fayette and in 1866 they removed to Gunnison, where the deceased had resided continually since. Mr. Metcalf, during his youth, joined the L.D.S. church. In 1884 he went to New Zealand on a mission, but owing to ill health was unable to complete the allotted tome assigned to him and returned to the states and his home. During the early days when the Indians were troublesome Mr. Metcalf served as a warrior and fought with his comrades in the Black Hawk Indian Wars. Anthony Metcalf was one of the progressive citizens of Gunnison during the early days. When the city was organized as a town he was chosen as the first town president. He served in this capacity and when the city was incorporated he was chosen as the first mayor. He served faithfully and was foremost in advancing the upbuilding of the city. Mr. Metcalf, though 80 years of age at his death, showed remarkable vitality and it was only a short time before his death that he became unconscious. Anthony Metcalf is survived by his wife, Sylvia E. Metcalf, and seven daughters, Mrs. Mary E. Chew of Jensen, Utah; Mrs. Sylvia E. Caldwell of Centerfield; Mrs. Melissa E. Nay of Centerfield: Mrs. Clara E. Ludvigson, of Gunnison: Mrs. Emma E. Brown and Mrs. Ina Nielson of Springville; Mrs. Jane A. Nielson of Axtell, and two sons, William Metcalf of Arko, Idaho and Arthur V. Metcalf of this city. A brother, William Metcalf and a sister, Mrs. E. R.S. Bartholomew of this city, 50 grandchildren and 60 great-grandchildren and many relatives are left to mourn the death. The floral offerings at the funeral services were very profuse, friends from Springville and this city contributing emblems of love and respect. Relatives attending the funeral from outside points were: Mr. and Mrs. I.S. Brown, Mr. and Mrs. Ezra Nielson, Mrs. Melissa Messenger and Mrs. Anthony E. Metcalf of Springville, Mrs. H.S. Hunt, Snowflake, Ariz., C. G. Sanford, Paul, Idaho, and Mrs. Mary Metcalf of Manti.
Contributed by rjsheffer@juno.com
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