ROBERT S. CALDWELL. The lives of our forefathers are full of interest to the modern citizen, not alone for their historical value, but as example and inspiration to the present generation, for truly has the poet said: "We are the same that our fathers have been;" and although surroundings may differ, yet the essential conditions of human life are ever similar, and every man can learn from the success of others, if he will heed the obvious lessons of their history. Robert Caldwell (grandfather of the gentleman whose name opens this sketch) was born in Maryland, of Scotch parents. He crossed the mountains in an early day, settling in Hopewell township, this county, on the farm adjoining the present home of his grandson. Two children were born to him: Samuel and Mrs. Touchill. Samuel Caldwell was born in 1787, on the old place in Hopewell township, and was reared to manhood on the farm. In early life he was united in marriage with Jane, daughter of the Rev. Thomas Marquis, who preached the Gospel thirty-nine years. He was married to Jane Parks, who was born in 1750 and died in 1841, having been preceded by Mr. Marquis in 1827, in his seventy-ninth year. The Parks family were often forced to leave their home and flee to the fort for safety from the hostile Indians. On one occasion James Parks, a brother of Jane, was working in the harvest field, when he was surrounded by Indians and killed before he could escape. To the union of Samuel and Jane (Marquis) Caldwell children were born as follows: Thomas M., Robert S., Samuel, William S., Mary, Jane and Sarah, two of whom are now living: William S. (in Donegal township, this county) and Robert S. The father was an active politician of the Whig party, and in religious connection was a member of the Presbyterian Church of Buffalo, this county. Robert S. Caldwell was born on the old homestead, and assisted with the farm duties during his youth. In early manhood he was married to Margaret Templeton, who died seven months afterward. Some time afterward he chose a second wife in the person of Caroline, daughter of Hon. William Vance, a prosperous farmer and ex-representative of Washington county, Penn. Five children were born to this union, viz.: Hannah J., Margaret, William, Samuel and Carrie (deceased in infancy). His third wife was Nancy, daughter of James, and granddaughter of George Work, who was born and reared in County Londonderry, Ireland, and on March 3, 1780, was united in wedlock with Martha Dunlap, a native of Old Erin. Two children were born to their union: Alexander, born February 11, 1781, and Jane, born May 9, 1783. A few years after their birth the father determined to seek a home in the New World, and on July 24, 1789, he and his family boarded the brig "Keziah," at Londonderry, Ireland. After a stormy voyage of eight weeks they landed at Wilmington, Del., and in 1795 pushed farther westward in search of a cheap home. The long, tedious journey was made by wagon, the family arriving in Hopewell township, Washington county, Penn. They located in a log-cabin near Buffalo village, where he became a successful farmer. Three children were born after they arrived in America: Mary, born November 8, 1790; James, born September 12, 1792, and John D., born November 14, 1794. The parents both died in this county. James Work was born in Wilmington, Del., and when three years of age was brought by his parents to the farm in Hopewell township, this county. He received a meager education in the subscription schools, and followed agricultural pursuits during his early youth. On February 7, 1822, he was married to Grizzilla, daughter of Robert Tweed, who bore him two children: Elizabeth Grizzilla, born December 20, 1823, and George T., born April 7, 1825. The mother of these children was called to her rest January 27, 1827, and on July 3,1828, James Work was married to Margaret Caldwell, the following children being born to their union: Martha L., born June 1, 1829; Agnes A., born November 17, 1831; Sarah J., born October 14, 1832; Mary B., born May 8, 1834; Clarissa E., born November 8, 1835; Samuel C., born July 16, 1838; Maria I., born August 11, 1840; Margaret E., born October 26, 1842; and Sophia M. A., born March 6, ]846. Politically Mr. Caldwell is a true-hearted Republican, and in religious connection is a member of the Buffalo Presbyterian Church, to which he gives a liberal support.

Text taken from page 1435 of: Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893). Transcribed January 1997 by Neil and Marilyn Morton of Oswego, IL as part of the Beers Project. Published January 1997 on the Washington County, PA pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.

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