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John Caldwell (Michigan State Representative)
Encyclopedia
John Caldwell was a Republican
member of the Michigan State House of Representatives
from 1897 through 1900. According to the "Michigan Manual" published 1899 by the State of Michigan, John Caldwell served as state representative for Wexford. He was elected to the House of 1897-98 and re-elected to the house of 1899-1900. He was a Republican and a farmer. According to the "Michigan Manual" of 1895-1896 he was preceded by H Frank Campbell a Republican. According to the "Michigan Manual" of 1901 he was succeeded by Dennis Orville a Republican. Originals at University of Michigan. He represented the Wexford district comprising the counties of Wexford
, Missaukee
and Clare
. He was also a respected farmer and knowledgeable timberman of northern Michigan
.
in Orleans County
of New York state on the 4th day of July, 1849. His name given at birth was George Washington Caldwell
as he was born on the anniversary of national independence
. His parents decided a year later to change it to 'John Jr
' after his father's name. He was the fifth in the family of eight boys and one girl, seemingly breaking then the Irish tradition of the third 'born' son receiving the father's name since this name change was an afterthought. He was the third surviving son, however, so could have inherited the name 'John' and suffix
by default. The third and fourth sons died before they were 10 years old and do not show up on any census
records.
Caldwell's parents, John Caldwell Sr and Jane (Thompson) Caldwell, immigrated from Ireland
and arrived separately in the state of New York in the early part of the nineteenth century. They were married in 1840. Their first born was James in 1841, being Caldwell's grandfather's name.
Caldwell came with his parents to Litchfield township
in Hillsdale county in 1856 from upper New York state by way of the Erie Canal
. He worked on his father's farm in the summers and attended school during the winters. While his older brothers and his father were Civil War veterans
, he was too young to enlist during this time period of 1861 - 1865. When he was eighteen years old in the early part of 1868 he went to the woods of Tuscola County
of the thumb area
of Michigan for about two years in his first employment. This was the beginning of his timber
career where he learned the industry. In November 1869 Caldwell then went to Missaukee county
in northern Michigan. He was gainfully employed there for a few years as a land agent for the Mitchell Brothers Company timber development of northern Michigan as one of their key timbermen representatives. He worked with lumberjack
s that used logging wheels
for hauling timber out of the woods.
of 101 acre (0.40873286 km²) of government land in 1875 in Section 4 in Caldwell township of Missaukee County. He later purchased an adjacent 40 acres (161,874.4 m²) land and a nearby 80 acres (323,748.8 m²) parcel. These all contained old growth white pine
timber that was of considerable value for the development of Michigan. Pamphlets on Forestry in Michigan 1898, pp. 4-5, map of white pine forest distribution in the Lower Peninsula in the nineteenth century on page 6. Pamphlets on Forestry in Michigan 1900, p. 36 One of the most important sources of wealth and prosperity to Michigan has been it abundant forests. Pamphlets on Forestry in Michigan 1906, pp. 33-40, 83, 101, 102, 147-149, 169, 178-179. Original manuals at the University of California. Much of this timber was used in the construction of Lake City
, Manton
, Cadillac
and other northern Michigan towns.
Caldwell and his older brother Thomas (1843–1882) were among some of the first settlers in Missaukee County, Michigan
.
The township of Caldwell
within Missaukee County is named in honor of these Caldwells. The township was previously called Quilna and changed by Michigan law no. 308 to "Caldwell" on March 14, 1873. General Acts and Joint and Concurrent Resolutions of the Legislature of Michigan State, published 1873 by Michigan state, pp. 20, 44, 202, 212. The bill to change the name of Quilna Township to Caldwell was introduced by State Senator William H. C. Mitchell. Original at University of Michigan. Both were deeply involved in developing northern Michigan in the later part of the nineteenth century. Thomas was the second son in the family after James. His middle name was "Thompson", their mother's maiden name, following the Irish naming practice. Other Caldwell siblings were William, George, Charlie and Mary Jane.
in 1817 from Ulster
in Antrim County
(Ireland) with some of his ten children a year after his first wife Caroline (born 1778) died. They traveled on the ship Aeolus which sailed out of Derry
and arrived in the port of New York, June 18, 1817. Caldwell's father (John Sr, b. 1805 d. 1870 Big Rapids) was one of those family members. He was an Irish day laborer that worked on the Erie Canal
. Other children of the family that immigrated were John Sr's sisters Eliza (born 1807) and Gertrude (born 1809). They first settled in Connecticut. Caldwell's grandfather lived to be 100 years old and sired at least 24 children with three wives. The other wives of Caldwell's grandfather were Deborah and Margaret.
Caldwell married Martha Babock of Missaukee county on June 29, 1873. She outlived her husband by 32 years and died in 1948 in their Manton home. They had three children that grew to adulthood. They were Florence, Leona, and Frank. Their first child named Ida May died within a year. Florence married a Ed Huested and had one child named Louis. Florence divorced Huested and Louis then lived with his Caldwell grandparents in Manton. She later married a George Whiting. Leona married a Burt Mow and they had four children. Frank, their only son, married a Mary Blue Kennedy and they had one child named George. George ultimately inherited many of Martha's possessions and properties that were once owned by John Caldwell. He married a Lois Crawford of Manton and they had four daughters and one son.
Caldwell's father died in Big Rapids
of Mecosta County, Michigan
, on Christmas eve
in 1872 at the age of 67, although some biographies on Caldwell say his father died when he was 65 years old and on December 26, 1872.
Caldwell's mother (Jane Caldwell) died in Jonesville, Michigan
of Hillsdale county
in 1886 at the age of 67 as is revealed on her tombstone in the Jonesville cemetery (pictured). She was able to get Civil War pension pay due to her eldest son (Caldwell's brother) being killed in the Civil War
, as well as her husband (Caldwell's father) being in the Civil War.
and at Library of Michigan
.
The Escanaba Tribune reports in an article of June 1900 titled "The Tax Detective Here. Representative John Caldwell visits Escanaba in the interest of the Tax Commission"
The article even explains the authority he has from the state of Michigan:
Caldwell gave an assessment of Missakee County in 1900 to the state of Michigan legislature
saying:
He then summarized the forest products and acreage involved with each of these products. The total acreage involved was 339097 acres (1,372.3 km²).
Caldwell took much interest in public matters and served Caldwell township as highway commissioner, township clerk, township treasurer, justice of the peace, township supervisor, and school board officer. He was involved with the township's educational interests and at times filled the school offices, which advanced the educational interests of the community. Caldwell was the county treasurer of Missaukee County for four years and supervisor for ten years.
Caldwell was also involved with the laws concerning hunting deer in northern Michigan.
Caldwell originally acquired a Homestead
of 101 acre (0.40873286 km²) of government land in Caldwell Township
of Missaukee County in 1875. He later added an adjacent 40 acres (161,874.4 m²). From this he cleared 80 acres (323,748.8 m²) of timber that was then worked in an agriculture enterprise. Caldwell had a successful diversified system of farming with multiple substantial buildings for his goods and commonities.
. He built a house (pictured) 2 blocks east of downtown Manton on Main Street, which still exists today some one hundred years later.
His daughter Leona and her husband took over the ownership of his homestead in Missaukee county which they continued to farm for many years.
Caldwell was president of the village of Manton for one term. He often took a walk downtown to associate with the locals during his retirement.
Caldwell died March 7, 1916 at his home and is buried at the Caldwell cemetery.
Republican Party (United States)
The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S...
member of the Michigan State House of Representatives
Michigan State House of Representatives
The Michigan House of Representatives is the lower house of the Michigan Legislature. There are 110 members, each of whom is elected from constituencies having approximately 77,000 to 91,000 residents, based on population figures from the 2000 federal U.S. Census.Members are elected in...
from 1897 through 1900. According to the "Michigan Manual" published 1899 by the State of Michigan, John Caldwell served as state representative for Wexford. He was elected to the House of 1897-98 and re-elected to the house of 1899-1900. He was a Republican and a farmer. According to the "Michigan Manual" of 1895-1896 he was preceded by H Frank Campbell a Republican. According to the "Michigan Manual" of 1901 he was succeeded by Dennis Orville a Republican. Originals at University of Michigan. He represented the Wexford district comprising the counties of Wexford
Wexford County, Michigan
-Tourism:There are many attractions and hot spots in Wexford county to check out. The Manistee National Forest is a great recreation site. The Manistee River is great for fisherman, kayakers and canoers, and other outdoor lovers.-Demographics:...
, Missaukee
Missaukee County, Michigan
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 14,478 people, 5,450 households, and 4,043 families residing in the county. The population density was 26 people per square mile . There were 8,621 housing units at an average density of 15 per square mile...
and Clare
Clare County, Michigan
- Demographics :As of the census of 2000, there were 31,252 people, 12,686 households, and 8,753 families residing in the county. The population density was 55 people per square mile . There were 22,229 housing units at an average density of 39 per square mile...
. He was also a respected farmer and knowledgeable timberman of northern Michigan
Northern Michigan
Northern Michigan, also known as Northern Lower Michigan , is a region of the U.S. state of Michigan...
.
Early life
John Caldwell was born at RidgewayRidgeway, New York
Ridgeway, New York is a town in Orleans County, New York, United States. The population was 6,886 at the 2000 census. The name of the town is derived from "Ridge Road," an important highway in the 19th century....
in Orleans County
Orleans County, New York
As of the census of 2000, there were 44,171 people, 15,363 households, and 10,846 families residing in the county. The population density was 113 people per square mile . There were 17,347 housing units at an average density of 44 per square mile...
of New York state on the 4th day of July, 1849. His name given at birth was George Washington Caldwell
George Washington (name)
George Washington was the Commander-in-Chief of Continental forces in the American Revolution and the first President of the United States after the war of independence.Many people have been named after him, including:...
as he was born on the anniversary of national independence
Independence Day (United States)
Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain...
. His parents decided a year later to change it to 'John Jr
Patronymic
A patronym, or patronymic, is a component of a personal name based on the name of one's father, grandfather or an even earlier male ancestor. A component of a name based on the name of one's mother or a female ancestor is a matronymic. Each is a means of conveying lineage.In many areas patronyms...
' after his father's name. He was the fifth in the family of eight boys and one girl, seemingly breaking then the Irish tradition of the third 'born' son receiving the father's name since this name change was an afterthought. He was the third surviving son, however, so could have inherited the name 'John' and suffix
Suffix (name)
A name suffix, in the Western English-language naming tradition, follows a person's full name and provides additional information about the person. Post-nominal letters indicate that the individual holds a position, educational degree, accreditation, office, or honor.- Academic :Academic suffixes...
by default. The third and fourth sons died before they were 10 years old and do not show up on any census
Census
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
records.
Caldwell's parents, John Caldwell Sr and Jane (Thompson) Caldwell, immigrated from Ireland
Immigration to the United States
Immigration to the United States has been a major source of population growth and cultural change throughout much of the history of the United States. The economic, social, and political aspects of immigration have caused controversy regarding ethnicity, economic benefits, jobs for non-immigrants,...
and arrived separately in the state of New York in the early part of the nineteenth century. They were married in 1840. Their first born was James in 1841, being Caldwell's grandfather's name.
Caldwell came with his parents to Litchfield township
Litchfield Township, Michigan
Litchfield Township is a civil township of Hillsdale County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 969 at the 2000 census.The City of Litchfield is surrounded by the township, but is administratively autonomous.-Geography:...
in Hillsdale county in 1856 from upper New York state by way of the Erie Canal
Erie Canal
The Erie Canal is a waterway in New York that runs about from Albany, New York, on the Hudson River to Buffalo, New York, at Lake Erie, completing a navigable water route from the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes. The canal contains 36 locks and encompasses a total elevation differential of...
. He worked on his father's farm in the summers and attended school during the winters. While his older brothers and his father were Civil War veterans
American Civil War
The American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...
, he was too young to enlist during this time period of 1861 - 1865. When he was eighteen years old in the early part of 1868 he went to the woods of Tuscola County
Tuscola County, Michigan
-Highways:* M-15* M-24* M-25* M-46* M-81* M-138-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 58,266 people, 21,454 households, and 15,983 families residing in the county. The population density was 72 people per square mile . There were 23,378 housing units at an average density of 29 per...
of the thumb area
The Thumb
The Thumb is a region and a peninsula of Michigan, so named because the Lower Peninsula is shaped like a mitten; thus the Thumb is the area that looks like the thumb of the mitten. The Thumb is generally considered to be in the Mid-Michigan area of the state, located east of Flint/Tri-Cities...
of Michigan for about two years in his first employment. This was the beginning of his timber
Timber
Timber may refer to:* Timber, a term common in the United Kingdom and Australia for wood materials * Timber, Oregon, an unincorporated community in the U.S...
career where he learned the industry. In November 1869 Caldwell then went to Missaukee county
Missaukee County, Michigan
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 14,478 people, 5,450 households, and 4,043 families residing in the county. The population density was 26 people per square mile . There were 8,621 housing units at an average density of 15 per square mile...
in northern Michigan. He was gainfully employed there for a few years as a land agent for the Mitchell Brothers Company timber development of northern Michigan as one of their key timbermen representatives. He worked with lumberjack
Lumberjack
A lumberjack is a worker in the logging industry who performs the initial harvesting and transport of trees for ultimate processing into forest products. The term usually refers to a bygone era when hand tools were used in harvesting trees principally from virgin forest...
s that used logging wheels
Michigan logging wheels
Michigan logging wheels, also known as big wheels, high wheels, logging wheels, logger wheels, lumbering wheels, bummer carts, katydids or nibs, are a type of skidder. It extended the season in which the logging industry could extract timber from the North Woods of Michigan, by removing the need...
for hauling timber out of the woods.
Adult
John Caldwell obtained a homesteadHomestead (buildings)
A homestead is either a single building, or collection of buildings grouped together on a large agricultural holding, such as a ranch, station or a large agricultural operation of some other designation.-See also:* Farm house* Homestead Act...
of 101 acre (0.40873286 km²) of government land in 1875 in Section 4 in Caldwell township of Missaukee County. He later purchased an adjacent 40 acres (161,874.4 m²) land and a nearby 80 acres (323,748.8 m²) parcel. These all contained old growth white pine
Eastern White Pine
Pinus strobus, commonly known as the eastern white pine, is a large pine native to eastern North America, occurring from Newfoundland west to Minnesota and southeastern Manitoba, and south along the Appalachian Mountains to the northern edge of Georgia.It is occasionally known as simply white pine,...
timber that was of considerable value for the development of Michigan. Pamphlets on Forestry in Michigan 1898, pp. 4-5, map of white pine forest distribution in the Lower Peninsula in the nineteenth century on page 6. Pamphlets on Forestry in Michigan 1900, p. 36 One of the most important sources of wealth and prosperity to Michigan has been it abundant forests. Pamphlets on Forestry in Michigan 1906, pp. 33-40, 83, 101, 102, 147-149, 169, 178-179. Original manuals at the University of California. Much of this timber was used in the construction of Lake City
Lake City, Michigan
Lake City is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 836. Known as the "Christmas Tree Capital", it is the county seat of Missaukee County.-Geography:...
, Manton
Manton, Michigan
Manton is a city in Wexford County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 1,221 at the 2000 census.-Geography:*According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , of which, of it is land and of it is water....
, Cadillac
Cadillac, Michigan
Cadillac is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan and is the county seat of Wexford County. As of the 2000 census, the city population was 10,000. The city is situated at the junction of US 131, M-55 and M-115...
and other northern Michigan towns.
Caldwell and his older brother Thomas (1843–1882) were among some of the first settlers in Missaukee County, Michigan
Missaukee County, Michigan
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 14,478 people, 5,450 households, and 4,043 families residing in the county. The population density was 26 people per square mile . There were 8,621 housing units at an average density of 15 per square mile...
.
The township of Caldwell
Caldwell Township, Michigan
Caldwell Township is a civil township of Missaukee County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 1,363 at the 2000 census.-Geography:...
within Missaukee County is named in honor of these Caldwells. The township was previously called Quilna and changed by Michigan law no. 308 to "Caldwell" on March 14, 1873. General Acts and Joint and Concurrent Resolutions of the Legislature of Michigan State, published 1873 by Michigan state, pp. 20, 44, 202, 212. The bill to change the name of Quilna Township to Caldwell was introduced by State Senator William H. C. Mitchell. Original at University of Michigan. Both were deeply involved in developing northern Michigan in the later part of the nineteenth century. Thomas was the second son in the family after James. His middle name was "Thompson", their mother's maiden name, following the Irish naming practice. Other Caldwell siblings were William, George, Charlie and Mary Jane.
Genealogy
Caldwell is of Irish - Scottish descent. Caldwell's grandfather (James Jr) immigrated from northern IrelandIrish diaspora
thumb|Night Train with Reaper by London Irish artist [[Brian Whelan]] from the book Myth of Return, 2007The Irish diaspora consists of Irish emigrants and their descendants in countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, Argentina, New Zealand, Mexico, South Africa,...
in 1817 from Ulster
Ulster
Ulster is one of the four provinces of Ireland, located in the north of the island. In ancient Ireland, it was one of the fifths ruled by a "king of over-kings" . Following the Norman invasion of Ireland, the ancient kingdoms were shired into a number of counties for administrative and judicial...
in Antrim County
County Antrim
County Antrim is one of six counties that form Northern Ireland, situated in the north-east of the island of Ireland. Adjoined to the north-east shore of Lough Neagh, the county covers an area of 2,844 km², with a population of approximately 616,000...
(Ireland) with some of his ten children a year after his first wife Caroline (born 1778) died. They traveled on the ship Aeolus which sailed out of Derry
Derry
Derry or Londonderry is the second-biggest city in Northern Ireland and the fourth-biggest city on the island of Ireland. The name Derry is an anglicisation of the Irish name Doire or Doire Cholmcille meaning "oak-wood of Colmcille"...
and arrived in the port of New York, June 18, 1817. Caldwell's father (John Sr, b. 1805 d. 1870 Big Rapids) was one of those family members. He was an Irish day laborer that worked on the Erie Canal
Erie Canal
The Erie Canal is a waterway in New York that runs about from Albany, New York, on the Hudson River to Buffalo, New York, at Lake Erie, completing a navigable water route from the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes. The canal contains 36 locks and encompasses a total elevation differential of...
. Other children of the family that immigrated were John Sr's sisters Eliza (born 1807) and Gertrude (born 1809). They first settled in Connecticut. Caldwell's grandfather lived to be 100 years old and sired at least 24 children with three wives. The other wives of Caldwell's grandfather were Deborah and Margaret.
Caldwell married Martha Babock of Missaukee county on June 29, 1873. She outlived her husband by 32 years and died in 1948 in their Manton home. They had three children that grew to adulthood. They were Florence, Leona, and Frank. Their first child named Ida May died within a year. Florence married a Ed Huested and had one child named Louis. Florence divorced Huested and Louis then lived with his Caldwell grandparents in Manton. She later married a George Whiting. Leona married a Burt Mow and they had four children. Frank, their only son, married a Mary Blue Kennedy and they had one child named George. George ultimately inherited many of Martha's possessions and properties that were once owned by John Caldwell. He married a Lois Crawford of Manton and they had four daughters and one son.
Big Rapids, Michigan
Big Rapids is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2000 census, the city population was 10,849. It is the county seat of Mecosta County. The city is located within Big Rapids Township, but is politically independent.-Geography:...
of Mecosta County, Michigan
Mecosta County, Michigan
Mecosta County is a county in the U.S. state of Michigan. The county is named after Chief Mecosta, the leader of the Potawatomi Native American tribe that once traveled the local waterways in search of fish and game. Chief Mecosta was one of the signers the Treaty of Washington in 1836. The easily...
, on Christmas eve
Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve refers to the evening or entire day preceding Christmas Day, a widely celebrated festival commemorating the birth of Jesus of Nazareth that takes place on December 25...
in 1872 at the age of 67, although some biographies on Caldwell say his father died when he was 65 years old and on December 26, 1872.
Caldwell's mother (Jane Caldwell) died in Jonesville, Michigan
Jonesville, Michigan
Jonesville is a village in Fayette Township, Hillsdale County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 2,337 at the 2000 census.-Geography:...
of Hillsdale county
Hillsdale County, Michigan
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 46,527 people, 17,335 households, and 12,550 families residing in the county. The population density was 78 people per square mile . There were 20,189 housing units at an average density of 34 per square mile...
in 1886 at the age of 67 as is revealed on her tombstone in the Jonesville cemetery (pictured). She was able to get Civil War pension pay due to her eldest son (Caldwell's brother) being killed in the Civil War
Sultana (steamboat)
The SS Sultana was a Mississippi River steamboat paddlewheeler whose destruction in an explosion on April 27, 1865 was the greatest maritime disaster in United States history. An estimated 1,800 of the Sultanas 2,400 passengers were killed when three of the ship's four boilers exploded and the...
, as well as her husband (Caldwell's father) being in the Civil War.
Political career
John Caldwell was elected in 1897 on the Republican ticket as a representative for the state of Michigan. Two years later he was reelected to the legislature receiving 3,173 votes to 1,888 votes for Joseph Yarnell (Democratic People's Union silver certificate). According to the "Michigan Manual" of 1899-1900, John Caldwell served as state representative for the Wexford district. He was elected to the House of 1897-98 and then re-elected to the house of 1899-1900. Original of the "Michigan Manual" at the Capital Area District Library, Lansing, MichiganLansing, Michigan
Lansing is the capital of the U.S. state of Michigan. It is located mostly in Ingham County, although small portions of the city extend into Eaton County. The 2010 Census places the city's population at 114,297, making it the fifth largest city in Michigan...
and at Library of Michigan
Library of Michigan
The Library of Michigan and Historical Center is a state-run library and historical center located in Lansing, Michigan. The current building opened in 1989....
.
The Escanaba Tribune reports in an article of June 1900 titled "The Tax Detective Here. Representative John Caldwell visits Escanaba in the interest of the Tax Commission"
The article even explains the authority he has from the state of Michigan:
Caldwell gave an assessment of Missakee County in 1900 to the state of Michigan legislature
Legislature
A legislature is a kind of deliberative assembly with the power to pass, amend, and repeal laws. The law created by a legislature is called legislation or statutory law. In addition to enacting laws, legislatures usually have exclusive authority to raise or lower taxes and adopt the budget and...
saying:
He then summarized the forest products and acreage involved with each of these products. The total acreage involved was 339097 acres (1,372.3 km²).
Caldwell took much interest in public matters and served Caldwell township as highway commissioner, township clerk, township treasurer, justice of the peace, township supervisor, and school board officer. He was involved with the township's educational interests and at times filled the school offices, which advanced the educational interests of the community. Caldwell was the county treasurer of Missaukee County for four years and supervisor for ten years.
Caldwell was also involved with the laws concerning hunting deer in northern Michigan.
Farming endeavors
John Caldwell and his wife were members of Missaukee Grange # 918 of the Patrons of Husbandry. Caldwell was also the Master of Pomona Grange # 56 of Missaukee county in 1903 when it was organized.Caldwell originally acquired a Homestead
Homestead principle
The homestead principle in law is the concept that one can gain ownership of a natural thing that currently has no owner by using it or building something out of it...
of 101 acre (0.40873286 km²) of government land in Caldwell Township
Caldwell Township, Michigan
Caldwell Township is a civil township of Missaukee County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 1,363 at the 2000 census.-Geography:...
of Missaukee County in 1875. He later added an adjacent 40 acres (161,874.4 m²). From this he cleared 80 acres (323,748.8 m²) of timber that was then worked in an agriculture enterprise. Caldwell had a successful diversified system of farming with multiple substantial buildings for his goods and commonities.
Retirement and death
Caldwell retired in 1909 and lived the last seven years of his life in MantonManton, Michigan
Manton is a city in Wexford County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 1,221 at the 2000 census.-Geography:*According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , of which, of it is land and of it is water....
. He built a house (pictured) 2 blocks east of downtown Manton on Main Street, which still exists today some one hundred years later.
Caldwell was president of the village of Manton for one term. He often took a walk downtown to associate with the locals during his retirement.
Caldwell died March 7, 1916 at his home and is buried at the Caldwell cemetery.
Primary sources
- Orleans County Vital Statistics, Orleans County, Town of Medina, State of New York.
- 1901 Annual Report By Michigan Board of State Auditors. Original at University of Michigan.
- A History of Northern Michigan and Its People by Lewis Publishing Company (1912), University of Michigan.
- Michigan Biographies, 2 v. Lansing, Michigan Historical Commission, 1924, page 140, University of Michigan.
- Biographical History of Northern Michigan by B. F. Bowen, 1905. "John Caldwell" - at University of Michigan.
- United States Census for 1850 enumerated on September 23, town of Pendleton, New YorkPendleton, New YorkPendleton is a town on the southern edge of Niagara County, New York, United States. It is east of the city of Niagara Falls and southwest of the city of Lockport. The population was 6,397 at the 2010 census.- History :...
, County of Niagara.
- United States Census for 1860 enumerated on June 13, town of Litchfield, MichiganLitchfield, MichiganLitchfield is a city in Hillsdale County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 1,458 at the 2000 census.Litchfield Township surrounds the city, but the two are autonomous municipalities.-Geography:...
, county of Hillsdale and 1870 on June 22.
- Michigan Manual published in 1899 by the State of Michigan. Original at Capital Area District Library, South Capitol, Lansing, Michigan.
- Michigan Manual published in 1901 by the State of Michigan. Original at University of Michigan and at Capital Area District Library (above).
Secondary sources
- Michigan Genealogy: Sources & Resources By Carol McGinnis, Genealogical Publishing Commercial 2005, ISBN 0806317558
- Encyclopedia of Michigan By Beth Blenz by Somerset Publishers (1990), ISBN 0403099730. Original at University of Michigan.