My Genealogy Hound

THOMAS B. CALDWELL, who is a well-to-do and influential farmer of Johnson County, is the proprietor of a tract of two hundred broad and well cultivated acres, lying on section 27, township 44, range 26. He is a native of Pennsylvania, and was born in Clinton County, October 28, 1854, to Henry and Esther (Will) Caldwell. The father is still living, making his home in Post Oak Township, this county. Just two years after coming to this county, in 1869, Mrs. Caldwell was killed in a storm, the dwelling being overturned by the wind, and she was so severely injured that she died soon afterward. Her son Nelson, who was then a lad of ten years, was also killed.

Henry Caldwell was a blacksmith by trade, following his business for many years in Salona, Clinton County, Pa. Thomas B. took advantage of the opportunities given him for securing a good education, attending both the schools of his native place and Johnson County. When nineteen years of age he entered the State Normal, having earned the money to pay his tuition by working at whatever he could find to do. Two years later he secured a position as teacher, and for three successive winters taught school, in the summer season working on the farm. He made his home with his father during that time, but in 1880 began to do for himself, cultivating one hundred acres of land, on which he had made the first payment.

Mr. Caldwell and Miss Maggie C. Whittaker, of Post Oak Township, were married March 7, 1880. The lady was born February 20, 1861, in St. Clair County, Ill., and was the daughter of J. B. and Sarah (Gregg) Whittaker. The young people at once began housekeeping on the one-hundred-acre tract, and four years later our subject added thereto forty acres. For three years he conducted the farm and then, getting a good offer, sold it and bought one hundred and twenty acres. He now has under cultivation two hundred acres, improved with good buildings and all the accessories and conveniences of a model farm. In 1894 he erected on his estate a substantial residence, which is finished and furnished in a manner which indicates the good taste of the occupants.

To our subject and his estimable wife there were born three children, of whom the eldest, Altha, died in infancy; Joseph Ely was born on the home farm August 17, 1884; and Oris Henry was born September 23, 1891. In politics Mr. Caldwell is a Democrat, having voted that ticket ever since casting his first ballot, in 1876. He has led a very useful life, and as a result of his untiring labors is now well-to-do.