Biography - CALEB EDWARDS
Eld. Caleb Edwards was born in Brighton, England, February 25th, 1832. His father, Henry Edwards, was an architect and builder. His mother's maiden name was Elizabeth Hollingham. In the year 1840, the family came to the United States, locating at first in Dearborn county, Indiana, whence they moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1842. Here Caleb, who was the eighth in order of birth, together with his brothers and sister, obtained a common school education. Here, too, he served an apprenticeship as a carpenter. In 1848, the family found a home among people of like nationality with themselves in Edwards county, locating on Boltinghouse prairie, where they engaged in farming. On the 21st February, 1855, Caleb Edwards was united in marriage with Mary Hannah Orange, daughter of Eld. Daniel Orange, one of the pioneer settlers in the county, and one of the active members of the Christian faith. By this union there have been born six children: Caleb Henry (died in November, 1864), Elizabeth (now the wife of Hodson) Orange, Thomas Albert (died April 17th, 1881), Mollie and Naomi. Mr. Edwards has pursued the vocation of farming ever since coming to this county. With this he has combined preaching since 1868, A most faithful and zealous Christian; a constant student of the word of God, he accomplished much in behalf of primitive Christianity. True to his professions, his daily walk and conversation made him a teacher by example as well as precept. He is a representative temperance advocate, whose boast it is, that he never tasted ardent spirits. As a Prohibitionist, he was the party's standard bearer for legislative honors in 1882. Of pleasing address, cheerful disposition, earnest in his enthusiasm, he has made hosts of friends.
Extracted 12 Aug 2017 by Norma Hass from 1883 A Combined History of Edwards, Lawrence, and Wabash Counties, Illinois, page 227.
