The father of Byron Metcalf was Ralph M. Metcalf, born in Iowa to Martin D. Metcalf, a soldier with the First Regiment, Dakota Territory Cavalry. Ralph married Dora McNaughton and a family of four children were born in Iowa: Byron, Clarence, Marie (Mrs. Gust Hoffman) and Susie (Mrs. Carl Edlund). In April of 1903 the family homesteaded in Burleigh County, miles from the nearest railroad. Here they lived until 1912 'when they moved to Barnes County.

Ralph, a skilled carpenter and mason, built houses and stores in Driscoll, North Dakota, while on the Burleigh County farm. He also designed a model airplane and received a patent on his design. The Barnes County homestead was traded for property on Granger Hill and a workshop was built where Ralph built several airplanes, the last crashing on its maiden flight. Because of illness, Ralph could not continue and he died not realizing that his dream came true for others later.

Byron and Clarence began farming together on rented land near Oriska. Clarence met and married Theresa Lorenz and the boys began farming separately. Byron married Leila Schroeder on June 9, 1928. They have two daughters: Lola Joyce and Myrtle Eldora. Lola was married to Howard E. Bruns (deceased). They had two boys, John Thomas and Robert Howard. Myrtle is married to Duane Fairfield, a Barnes County native. They and their son, Dusten Case, live near the Metcalf home.

Active in all community activities, the Metcalfs have been members of the Farmers Union for 47 years. Byron also was a member of the State Legislature. His special hobby is architectural drawing.

Source: Barnes County History 1976 Page 157