- ALEXANDER H. CALDWELL, a prominent and progressive farmer
of Janesville Township
- residing on section 3, was born in Scotland on the 12th day
of April, 1819. He is the youngest in a family of seven children
who were born to John and Catherine (TELFORD) CALDWELL, who were
also natives of the same country. His father followed the occupation
of farming throughout his life, his death occurring in Scotland
in 1826, when about thirty years of age. His excellent wife survived
him many years and sometime after the death of her husband, came
to America and made her home with her children. She departed
this life in Rock County in September, 1847, at the advanced
age of seventy years. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. CALDWELL
were David, who married and resided in Rock County until 1878,
when his death occurred; William always resided in his native
land where he died about twenty years ago; James was married
and settled on the farm adjoining that of our subject, where
he died in 1868, while his widow still resides in Janesville;
John died in Scotland in 1840; Andrew died in childhood; Helen,
now Mrs. STAFANSKI, is living in New Jersey.
- Our subject was reared to manhood in his native land and
in the common schools of Scotland
- received his education. In his youth he learned the shoemaker's
trade, which he followed for several years in the old country.
In 1840 he was united in marriage with Miss Helen HISLOP, their
union being celebrated at Dalkeath, Scotland, of which country
she was a native. Her parents, Robert and Jeannette (CALDWELL)
HISLOP were also born in Scotland, and in that country her father
engaged in farming. Accompanied by his family he came to America
in 1842, settling on section 34, Janesville Township, where he
resided for several years. In 1866, he continued his journey
westward to Minnesota and made his home in Blue Earth County.
His wife died in Rock County in 1864, when eighty years of age,
and was laid to rest in the beautiful cemetery at Janesville.
About two years later, Mr. HISLOP departed this life, his death
occurring in 1867, at the advanced age of eighty-five years.
The following named children were born unto them: Thomas, who
is married and now resides in Minnesota; Jane, widow of James
ROCHESTER, who makes her home in Rockford, Ill.; and Mrs. CALDWELL.
- After his marriage, Mr. CALDWELL worked at his trade of shoemaking
until 1842, when,
- thinking that the new world would furnish a better field
for his labors, he emigrated to America. Boarding a sailing vessel
at Glasgow, after a voyage of two months on the broad Atlantic
he reached the new world, and then proceeding by the Great Lakes
to Chicago, he continued his journey overland to Janesville which
was then but a small village. Purchasing land of the government
on section 34, Jamesville Township, he began the improvement
of the farm, but after two years had passed purchased a timber
claim which now forms his present fine farm. He immediately began
to clear the land, to improve and cultivate, until now eighty
broad acres pay tribute to the care and cultivation which he
bestows upon it. Many improvements he has made since those early
days and his farm is stocked with a good grade of horses and
cattle. Mr. CALDWELL takes an active interest in political affairs,
supporting the Republican party both by his influence and ballot,
and has been honored by his fellow-citizens with various local
offices of trust. For several years, he held the position of
School District Treasurer, and was also elected and served as
District Clerk. In 1852 he made the perilous journey across the
plains to California, and at length reaching his destination
engaged in mining. After seven years spent on the Pacific slope,
he returned to Wisconsin in 1859, and again resumed farming,
which occupation he has since followed without interruption.
- By the union of Mr. and Mrs. CALDWELL eight children have
been born, but only three are now
- living - Caroline, widow of Cornelius KETTELL, is living
in Rock County; Jeannette, wife of William JUDE is living on
Buff street, in the city of Janesville; Helen is at home with
her parents; Robert died in July, 1847, when an infant; another
child died in infancy, as did also Elizabeth; and Lavena died
March 14, 1855. Mr. CALDWELL is numbered among the honored pioneers
of Rock County. Nearly forty-five years have passed away since
his arrival in the county, which was then an almost unbroken
wilderness. He has shared the trials and privations which form
a part of the life of every early settler and has borne no inconsiderable
part in the development of the county. Though many were the inconveniences
to be endured, the obstacles to be overcome, those early days
also brought their pleasures. Almost every home was the abode
of hospitality, and as wild game of all kinds abounded, the taste
for hunting could be freely indulged. Living a life of economy
and industry during his earlier years, Mr. CALDWLL can now enjoy
the fruits of his labor and rest from the more active duties
of this life.
-
- Taken from "The Portrait and Biographical Album of
Rock County, Wis." (c)1889, pp. 296-298.
-
- Courtesy of Carol
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