My Genealogy Hound

FRANK P. CALDWELL. Among the prominent agriculturists of Johnson County who claim Pennsylvania as their native state is Mr. Caldwell, whose estate lies on section 26, township 44, range 26. He was born in Clinton County, Pa., on the 14th of April, 1853, and is a son of Henry and Esther (Will) Caldwell.

The subject of this sketch was a lad of about twelve years at the time of his parents’ emigration to this state. The trip was made by way of the Ohio River until the waters of the Mississippi were reached, when they embarked on a vessel which conveyed them, via the Missouri River, to Boonville, Cooper County. After a year in that vicinity they came to Johnson County, choosing a location in Post Oak Township, where Mr. Caldwell, Sr., has since lived.

Frank P., of this sketch, was fairly well educated in the common schools of his native county, and continued to reside at home for two years after attaining his majority. His services were greatly appreciated in carrying on the farm work, and before he left home his father’s estate was one of the best improved in the vicinity.

In 1876 Mr. Caldwell went to Pueblo, Colo., and for a few months hired out on a cattle ranch. During the haying season he worked for another man, and although he was well paid returned to Warrensburg the same year with but fifty cents in his pocket. His money was used in a good cause, however, paying for the care of a sick friend. In 1877 he again left home and went to Montana, where he engaged in mining for himself. This venture not proving a very successful one, he soon abandoned it and began clerking, not returning to Missouri until 1884. His stay then was of short duration, and one year after purchasing his present farm he returned to Montana, where he made his home for several years, although he regularly visited his relatives here.

Mr. Caldwell and Miss Hannah Thomas were married in this county March 3, 1890. The spring after their union they went to Montana, and on their return here, in March, 1895, made their home on the estate which they now occupy. Two children have been born to them: Mabel, whose birth occurred at Dillon, Mont., in April, 1892; and Margaret, who was born in Post Oak Township, this county, in March, 1894.

Although reasonably successful in his ventures in Montana, Mr. Caldwell has made the most of his means in Johnson County in farming. His place is well improved, and by the intelligent manner in which he cultivates it is made to yield a good income. In politics he is a Democrat and cast his first Presidential vote for Tilden in 1876. While in the West he served as Deputy-Constable, and later filled the responsible office of Sheriff. Socially he is a member of the Odd Fellows’ fraternity, having filled nearly all the chairs in that order, and is likewise a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He is a man honorable in his dealings with all, kindly and social in domestic life, and is regarded with a due sense of esteem by all those about him.