My Genealogy Hound

Harper Caldwell, a substantial farmer of Pineville Township, McDonald Co., Mo., was born in Botetourt County, Va., on September 15, 1828. His father, Henry Caldwell, now deceased, was also a native of Virginia, and immigrated to Gallia County, Ohio, in 1832. Harper Caldwell received a limited education in his youth by studying at home by the firelight, but since arriving at years of maturity his fund of knowledge has been greatly improved by close observation, much reading and business experience, and he may truly be called a self-made man. In early life he learned the shoemaker’s trade, and afterward learned the carpenter’s and mill-wright’s trades. In 1854 he settled in Newton County, Mo., but could not remain there in safety during the Civil War, neither was he stout enough to go into the army. He accordingly removed to Mount Vernon, Mo., where he remained until the cessation of hostilities, when in the spring of 1866 he came to Pineville and engaged in the saw-mill business. Continuing in the latter occupation for two years he then removed to his present farm, soon after establishing a general store at Galbraith Mills, on Indian Creek, near his present home, which he managed for four years. He first married Mary J. Thomas, a daughter of Meredith Thomas (deceased), by whom he became the father of six children, four now living, viz.: Charlotte, James, Jackson and Douglas. Mr. Caldwell’s second wife was Frances May, a daughter of Paul May (deceased), and to them were born seven children. Those living are Cullin, Sarah G., William H., Frances E. and Clayton. After the death of his second wife Mr. Caldwell married Mrs. Mary A. Carter, by whom he has one child, Lois A. His present wife was Mrs. Mary E. Brooks. Three children have been born to their union, two of whom are living: Daisy M. and Delta. Mrs. Caldwell has two children by her first husband: William and Nancy. Mr. Caldwell has a good farm of 156 acres, and devotes his whole attention to its cultivation. He has never sought political honors, but on the contrary has declined public office.