Richard Metz

Occupation: Merchant, Business Owner

Born: 1849?

Birthplace: Germany

Death: February 8, 1893

Marcus Metz

Occupation: Merchant

Born: ?

Birthplace: ?

Death: ?

Rachael Metz

Occupation: Housewife?

Born: 1854?

Birthplace: New York

Death: ?

A. Metz

Occupation: ?

Born: 1876?

Birthplace: ?

Death: ?

Alexander Metz

Occupation: Clerk

Born: ?

Birthplace: ?

Death: ?

Joseph Metz

Occupation: ?

Born: ?

Birthplace: ?

Death: ?

Rose Metz

Occupation: ?

Born: 1877?

Birthplace: ?

Death: ?

Rubie Metz

Occupation:

Born: 1880?

Birthplace: Leadville?

Death:

Ellis Metz

Occupation: Clerk

Born: ?

Birthplace: ?

Death: ?

Richard Metz was a merchant and recognized business owner in Leadville. Metz was born Germany around 1849. His wife, Rachael, was born in New York sometime around 1854. [1] It is unclear when the couple arrived in Colorado. It appears that Metz resided in Chicago prior to his arrival in Leadville. [2]

Preceding Richard’s entrance into the Cloud City, Metz & Powell was an established boots and shoe retailer started by the Metz family and Herman Powell. The retailer was active in Leadville beginning in 1880 and was located at 311 Harrison Avenue.  [3]

Metz’s relatives, Marcus and Joseph, were associated with the firm before Richard and appear to have been engaged in the business while still in Chicago. [4] Richard first appeared in Leadville city directories in 1883. [5] In 1885, Richard and Rachael Metz were living at 123 West Fourth Street. [6]

The Metz had three children – two boys and a girl. A. Metz was born sometime during 1876, Rose sometime during 1887. Finally, Rubie was born sometime in 1880. [7] Metz also had a family member by the name of Alexander Metz working at the business as a clerk during 1885. [8]

The Metzs were active Jewish society members. In 1885, Metz attended a conference regarding the election of officers at Temple Israel. [9] During the conference, Metz was elected treasurer of the congregation. In 1888, the family attended a picnic and field day with Temple Israel society members. [10]

It appears that Metz changed the location of his business from 311 Harrison Avenue to 317-319 Harrison Avenue during 1886. [11] In 1887, another relative by the name of Ellis Metz appeared in Leadville. Ellis worked as a clerk forr Metz & Powell at the time. Tragedy struck Metz during the same year. Richard’s brother, Fluery Metz, was visiting from Chicago when he caught a cold that led to pneumonia. Fluery passed away in Leadville on November 23, 1887. [12]

In early 1888, Metz announced that he would ultimately begin to transition his business from Leadville to Denver. It was decided by both Metz and Herman Powell that it was no longer practical to remain at their current location. A local news source mourned that “the city loses one of its best known and most reputable business houses in the camp.” [13] In 1890, Metz announced his decision to withdraw from Metz & Powell completely:

It is true that we intend to leave Leadville and at a very early date – not later than the seventh of July next. I say it with sincere regret, for if I were to consult my personal inclinations and desires, I would remain here indefinitely.  [14]

When Metz was asked to further elaborate on the conditions of his relocation, he replied:

There has never been a time since we opened our house when the outlook to me has seemed brighter or more assuring than it is today. Indeed, I regard Leadville as being on the eve of a more prosperous career than it has ever before known. No, there is no other reason why any other businessman should feel faint hearted today. And in addition to my faith in the future of this place, I have found a fondness for its people, and shall sever my relations with them with a great deal with reluctance. [15]

Metz received $30,000 in cash for his share of the business. [16] Subsequently, Metz shifted his attention to stock investment in Denver. It appears he visited more than a few times and kept up with his friends in Leadville. He made his last recorded appearance in the city during 1892. [17]

Tragically, on February 8, 1893, Metz committed suicide at his residence in Denver. [18] After telling Rachael he felt unwell, Metz retreated to his room. Without any explanation or letter, he hung himself. A local newspaper reported that Metz may have been experiencing financial troubles that influenced his decision. In addition to his possible financial woes, Metz’s father had also chosen the same fate years earlier. Metz’s father had walked out on the platform of a moving train car. [19]

Regretfully, further information regarding Metz’s family following these events is not available.