Leonidas was the s/o Thomas "Old Stonehammer" Metcalfe former Governor of Kentucky [1828-1832]. He was one of five children and grew up at "Forest Retreat" the home of his parents in Nicholas County. He served in the Mexican War, listed as Capt. in the Kentucky Third Regiment of Foot. He served as the Commanding Officer of the 7th Kentucky Volunteer Cavalry, U.S.A. from September 1861 till just after the Battle of Richmond, Kentucky 30 August 1862. He resigned in disgust and frustration because of the way in which the 7th was shattered and dispersed in the action at Big Hill, Kentucky. He retired to Cincinnati, Ohio. He also achieved some notoriety when he fought a duel with the former Mayor of Maysville, Kentucky on a Ohio River beach near Dover, Kentucky. His choice of weapons was a Colt .56 caliber revolving rifle five shot cap and ball, one chamber loaded and William T. Casto was his victim. This happened May 8th, 1862. It was the result of resentment felt against Col. Metcalfe for having been the agent of the Federal government in Mr. Casto's earlier incarceration in October 1861 for being one of six "active secessionists" in the Maysville area.
SCOURCE: "Famous Kentucky Duels", by C. Winston Coleman, Jr., copyright 1969, Henry Clay Press, Box 116, Lexington, Kentucky. Library of Congress #70-91639, Standard Book #87692-006-4, Library #394.8.

Col. Metcalfe remains may have subsequently been removed to "Forest Retreat".

Leonidas was the s/o Thomas "Old Stonehammer" Metcalfe former Governor of Kentucky [1828-1832]. He was one of five children and grew up at "Forest Retreat" the home of his parents in Nicholas County. He served in the Mexican War, listed as Capt. in the Kentucky Third Regiment of Foot. He served as the Commanding Officer of the 7th Kentucky Volunteer Cavalry, U.S.A. from September 1861 till just after the Battle of Richmond, Kentucky 30 August 1862. He resigned in disgust and frustration because of the way in which the 7th was shattered and dispersed in the action at Big Hill, Kentucky. He retired to Cincinnati, Ohio. He also achieved some notoriety when he fought a duel with the former Mayor of Maysville, Kentucky on a Ohio River beach near Dover, Kentucky. His choice of weapons was a Colt .56 caliber revolving rifle five shot cap and ball, one chamber loaded and William T. Casto was his victim. This happened May 8th, 1862. It was the result of resentment felt against Col. Metcalfe for having been the agent of the Federal government in Mr. Casto's earlier incarceration in October 1861 for being one of six "active secessionists" in the Maysville area.
SCOURCE: "Famous Kentucky Duels", by C. Winston Coleman, Jr., copyright 1969, Henry Clay Press, Box 116, Lexington, Kentucky. Library of Congress #70-91639, Standard Book #87692-006-4, Library #394.8.

Col. Metcalfe remains may have subsequently been removed to "Forest Retreat".