Goodspeed Biography of Jonathan M. Caldwell

Jonathan M. Caldwell, farmer of Spring City, Rhea Co., Tenn., was born in that city May 11, 1819, and is the son of David and Elizabeth (Givens) Caldwell.  The father came to Rhea County about 1818, was a farmer by occupation, and a Democrat in politics. The mother was born in Blount County, Tenn., and both died in Rhea County.  Three children are now living of the twelve born to this union, our subject being the eldest.   He secured his education in the home schools, and remained at home until his thirtieth year, when he was elected sheriff for three terms; he also collected taxes one or two years; he then purchased land near Spring City, and here he has since remained.  He is a Democrat in politics, a member of the Masonic fraternity, and an excellent citizen.  In 1858 he married Miss Victoria Darwin, a native of Rhea County, born about 1839.  This union resulted in the birth of eleven children; Nettie, Walter A., Nancy A., James A., Vesta, Eva, Jessie, Kittie, Cecil and Edwin; Calla died when six years of age.  In 1861 he enlisted in the Confederate Army, Company B, Twenty-sixth Tennessee Infantry, was made lieutenant, and was in the service until failure of health.

Published by The Goodspeed Publishing Co 1887