L. Alexander Caldwell

L. ALEXANDER CALDWELL, one of the leading business men of Galena, where he is engaged in a livery business is also one of the best known stock-raisers of Cherokee County. Mr. Caldwell was born January 9, 1853, and is a son of Robert and Lucy (Wallace) Caldwell.

Robert Caldwell, father of our subject, was born at Belfast, Ireland and came to Canada prior to his marriage. In 185O he removed to the United States, settling at Ogdensburg, New York, where our subject was born, three years later. Robert Caldwell was a scholar and for a number of years followed the profession of teacher. He was the first teacher employed in Winchester township, County Dundas, Canada. After his removal to Ogdensburg, he engaged in merchandising. He married in Canada and became the father of nine children, of whom four sons are the only survivors, viz: James, who is a farmer in Arenac County, Michigan; Robert, who has been a member of the Dominion of Canada Parliament for the past 30 years; L. Alexander; and George, who is a resident of Detroit, Michigan.

L. Alexander Caldwell received a good, common-school education in the public schools of Ogdensburg, completing his schooling when 19 years of age. He served an apprenticeship to the carriage-maker's trade, worked a short time as a journeyman and then located at Saginaw, Michigan, where he conducted a large establishment, from 1881 to 1885, employing 22 men. In the latter year he moved to Standish, Arenac County, Michigan. where he engaged in a lumber business until 1895, and then went to the South, where he lived from 1896 to 1900, engaged in a tea and coffee business at Newport News, Virginia.

In June, 1900, Mr. Caldwell came to Galena, Kansas, where he embarked in a livery business and became interested in stock-raising. The latter enterprise is conducted with a partner and they make a specialty of raising standard horses only from registered stock. They own some very valuable animals, with unquestionable pedigrees, and among these may be mentioned: "Elnora C," by "Shadeland Onward," record 2:18-1/4; dam by "Rushville" by "Blue Bull" (75). Her first offspring was "Enora's Pride," a gray filly by "Pridewood," record 2:14-1/4, he by "Manager," record 2:06-1/2. She is a very promising filly and now can trot a 2:20 gait, as a two-year old. Her second foal, "Doctor Knox,"—also owned by our subject,—is by "Anteross," he by the great "Electioneer." The mare "Enora C." is now in foal by "Heirloom," record 2:11-3/4, dam "Hope So" by "Blue Bull" (75), he by "Strathmore." The progeny of "Enora C." up to 1904 have earned an aggregate of $92,000 in stakes and engagements. This animal is considered by competent judges to be the best bit of horseflesh ever brought into Cherokee County. She is handled by an experienced and skilled horseman in addition to the care given by Mr. Caldwell, whose experience enables him to guard his valuable property well. The sanitary conditions and modern improvements introduced into his livery barn, which is located on the corner of Fifth and Short streets, make the best kind of a home for his large number of horses. His business is a large one and he is prepared, with animals and vehicles of every description, to meet all demands.

At Saginaw, Michigan, Mr. Caldwell married Emma Daugharty, who was born at Belleville, Ontario, and they have one daughter, Lillian. who is one of the accomplished musicians of Cherokee County, and teaches all kinds of instrumental music. She graduated from the public schools of Saginaw, Michigan, and is a graduate in music from Professor Markshausen's conservatory, at Saginaw. She has taken a prominent place in the social and musical circles at Galena. In addition to her great musical gifts, Miss Caldwell has been endowed with wonderful artistic talent, and many valuable works of her brush are to be seen in her own and other homes. She is the center of the beautiful home which is located at No. 816 Short street.

Mr. Caldwell is one of the popular citizens of Galena and deservedly so, for he has shown public spirit and civic pride ever since locating here. He has accepted no public office, but while living in Michigan, for a period of 10 years, he served during six of these as sheriff of Arenac County, being elected to the office by the Democratic party.

History of Cherokee County Kansas and its representative citizens, ed. & comp. by Nathaniel Thompson Allison, 1904, transcribed by Carolyn Ward, instructor from USD 508, Baxter Springs Middle School, Baxter Springs, Kansas, 6-27-97