JAMES CALDWELL, a well-known farmer of Hanover township, is of Irish descent. His grandfather, James Caldwell, was born, reared and married in Ireland, and finally immigrated to America, located in Hanover township, near Paris, Washington county, Penn. In the midst of a wild and lonely forest his cabin was erected, and he passed the remainder of his life as a "tiller of the soil." He and his wife died, and they were buried in the Paris cemetery. James Caldwell was a prominent man, highly respected by all, and was elected a justice of the peace by the Democratic party, of which he was an enthusiastic supporter. The children of this family were as follows: Samuel, who owned, lived and died on a little farm now owned by John McClurg, adjoining the home farm on the north; William, who lived in Carroll county, Ohio; Joseph, who resided in Hanover township, this county; Elizabeth, married to Matthew Russell, of Hanover township; Thomas, of whom further mention is made; Jane, Mrs. Parks; Andrew; Robert and James; all are now deceased. Thomas Caldwell was born in 1805, near Paris, Hanover township, Washington county, Penn., on the farm where his father first located, on his arrival in the county. He was reared on the home farm, and attended the subscription schools. In early manhood he was married to Jane, daughter of Samuel Carlson, a native of Ireland, who came to America with her parents when very young, and they located in Carroll county, Ohio. Thomas and Jane Caldwell located on the home farm, near Paris, this county, where he successfully followed agriculture during the remainder of his active life. He was a popular citizen, took an active interest in elections, and during almost every political demonstration his wagon and horses bore an enthusiastic load of Democrats to the meeting. He passed away in 1875, and in 1885 the wife of his youth was laid to rest by his side in Paris cemetery. James Caldwell, son of Thomas and Jane Caldwell, was born January 26, 1841, on the same farm which he now owns and resides upon. He attended the common schools, and when a young man began to learn the carpenter trade under David McClurg. After serving his apprenticeship he followed his business until his marriage, February 17, 1876, to Amanda Elizabeth Freshwater, who was born March 4, 1852, daughter of Archibald Freshwater, of Hanover township, this county. After his marriage he located on the old Caldwell homestead near Paris, where he is yet living, devoting his attention to general farming and stock raising. In politics he has always been a Democrat, but gives his personal business the greater portion of his time. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church at Paris, which he has served in various offices. His children are: Charles, Elizabeth, James L., Jenny, Robert C., Grover C., Mina, Clara Bell and Donald D., of whom Robert C. and Grover C. died when young.

Text taken from page 1092 of: Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893). Transcribed February 1997 by Karen Souhrada of Pittsford, NY as part of the Beers Project. Published February 1997 on the Washington County, PA pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.

[ [Back to Beers Table of Contents] [Back to Beers Project Page]