SAMUEL W. CALDWELL, farmer; P.O. Tallula, was born in Green Co., Ky., Jan. 13, 1817; son of John and Elizabeth (Conover) Caldwell; in 1822, his father died, and his mother and her five children moved into Adair Co., where they resided until 1829, when they came to what is now Menard Co., Ill., locating at Clary's Grove, where his mother died in 1855; only three of the family are now living - Samuel W. (the subject of this sketch), Mrs. Eveline Wyatt, of Tallula, and Mrs. Lydia A. Wright, of Cass Co. Mr. Caldwell married Miss Martha A. Bright, April 4, 1839; she was born in Christian Co., Ky., March 14, 1817; they settled where they now reside shortly after marrying at which time this was but a wild and desolate country; the trials and hardships of a pioneer life are yet fresh in their memory; they began in life together, with willing hands and determined minds, but no means, their honeymoon was spent quite differently from the custom of the present day; they set out on a wedding trip from Clary's Grove, where they now live, and together built their first house, which was a log cabin, 12x14; it was completed the same week, and they settled in their new cabin home with a happiness not surpassed in any home; with industry and perseverance, they have gradually built themselves up to their present high standing; after assisting t heir children to property, they yet have 106 acres of land, and one of the finest farm residences in Menard Co.; they are the parents of seven children, three only of whom are now living, viz. - Mary M. (now Mrs. G.E. Boston, of Morgan Co.), Winfield S. and James E.; the two latter remain upon the old homestead; as a family, they are highly respected.