US Marshal Horace Metcalf was shot and killed near Harville attempting to arrest a moonshiner, Pleasant Wynn and his two sons, William and Robert of Wright County. Deputy Metcalf went to Wynn's home to re-arrest him for illicit distilling after the man was released on his recognizance because he was sick. Deputy Metcalf executed the arrest on Pleasant Wynn but was then shot and killed by Pleasant's son William Wynn.

Deputy Metcalf was survived by his wife, Sarah, of Fresno, California. Interred: Hazelwood Cemetery, Springfield, MO.