Caldwell (surname)

Regarding your letter dated April 28, 2011, I have been unable to find much information on the Caldwell family of Salt Creek Twp, Wayne Co, OH. Robert Caldwell did not have a will. Samuel Caldwell died 3 July 1867 intestate. His death is recorded in the Wayne County, Ohio Death Records 1867-1908, vol. 1 page 1. His estate papers did not provide much genealogical information. I am unable to find a paper trail on the death of David Caldwell who died in March 1850.

John Caldwell did leave a will at the time of his death. His will was dated 3 April 1833. In his will, he mentions he is a resident of Salt Creek Township, Wayne County, Ohio Salt Creek Twp, Wayne Co, OH; he names his brother Samuel; his nephew James Caldwell, son of David Caldwell; and his brother-in-law John [Jane] Little. John Caldwell named John Little (brother-in-law) and Henry Caldwell as the executors of the estate.

John Little died before January 1870. His will was dated 1 July 1868. In his will, he mentions his grandson, Francis Smith Little (son of William Little deceased); children include John I Little, Francis Little, Henry C. Little and Grisil J. Little; and granddaughter, Jane Elizabeth Little (daughter of Grisil J. Little).

I believe many of the Caldwell family members may be buried in the Old Associates Burying Ground in Fredericksburg, Salt Creek Twp, Wayne Co, OH. Unfortunately, it was neglected for years and not many tombstones remain. In 1949, a couple tombstones that were readable that may apply to your family is Jane [[Little (surname)|Little] who died in 1866 and Henry Caldwell who died in 1849. A later reading (May 2001) indicates that Jane Little, wife of J. Little, died 5 September 1866 at the age of 76 years, 1 month, 5 days. Anne, wife of Henry Caldwell, died 26 May 1840 at the age of 49 years. A copy is enclosed.

In Douglass’ History of Wayne County, OH on page 767, it indicates that Henry Caldwell was associated with the United Presbyterian Church of Fredericksburg, formerly known as the Associate Presbyterian or Seceder Church. John Sorrell and George Miller and their families arrived in 1812 and 1813. William Truesdale and John Lytle settled the area in 1815. James Truesdale, Samuel Miller, David Knox and George Boon arrived in 1817. Several of these individuals or relatives of these individuals are buried in the Old Associates Burying Ground. Some of the early ministers were John Walker, W. M. Wilson and James Ramsey, D. D. I am including a copy of this sketch from the history book.