My Genealogy Hound

ROBERT CALDWELL. The town of Orange has upon its list of citizens many able and representative farmers, among whom we make mention of Mr. Caldwell. He is enterprising, and as a result has been successful in life and is now the proprietor of ninety-seven acres of land, forty of which were included in his father’s farm.

Mr. Caldwell was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, October 20, 1837, and when ten years of age crossed the deep waters of the Atlantic. His parents, William and Nancy (McFettridge) Caldwell, had come to America two years previous to this time, and, deciding to make their home in this state, settled at Sugar Hill, Schuyler County, a short distance from Robert’s farm. The father was in very limited circumstances, and it was for this reason that Robert, together with three others of the family, was compelled to wait in his native land until a home was made ready for them in the New World. William Caldwell was successful in securing about one hundred acres of land, at the cultivation of which he worked industriously, and before his death had the satisfaction of knowing his farm was one of the best cultivated in the town of Orange. He lived here until May, 1883, and at the time of his decease was in his seventy-seventh year. His widow survived him about six years, and was eighty-four years old when she departed this life.

The parental household included twelve children, of whom five are living at the present writing. Robert, who was the third in order of birth, lived at home until a lad of fifteen years, when it was found necessary for him to make his own way in the world. He accordingly began working out for others, and in this manner accumulated the means with which to purchase property of his own. Soon afterward, or in April, 1873, he was united in marriage with Miss Eliza LaFever, of Townsend. Mr. Caldwell then took possession of his present farm, of which forty acres, as above stated, were formerly comprised in the old homestead. On this place he erected a comfortable dwelling and commodious barn, and has placed around him most of the conveniences which make farm work a pleasure. He is quite extensively interested in the manufacture of a fine grade of cheese, having a factory located near his residence, and also devotes a good deal of attention to the raising of Cotswold sheep. To Mr. and Mrs. Caldwell there were born two sons: Grant, who died when two years old; and Robert Lee, who is eight years of age. In religious matters the parents are members in excellent standing of the Presbyterian Church at Sugar Hill, of which Mr. Caldwell is Trustee. In politics he is a Republican, tried and true, and although never an aspirant for office, is always interested in the success of his party and takes great pride in pushing forward all measures set on foot for the betterment of his community.