Among the men of solid worth who came to this county at a time when such men were most needed was the subject of this notice, who departed this life at his home in the city of Galena, on the 23d of May, 1888. He was born in Birmingham, Huntingdon Co., Pa., in 1826; and was the son of John C. Calderwood, Sr., whose birth occurred among the Highlands of Scotland. The latter was the offspring of a highly respected family, who, with others of their kin, made their homes in Calderwood Glen, which had witnessed the birth and death of many generations of this family.

The father of our subject, while a young man and unmarried, emigrated to America with his parents, and settled in Huntingdon County, Pa., where he was wedded in due time to Miss Mary Lowery, a native of the Keystone State. They settled in Birmingham, and the father of our subject established a lucrative coal trade along the Juniata River, which he prosecuted until his death, after having attained his three-score years. In religious matters both he and his excellent wife were Scotch Presbyterians. The mother died in middle life, when her son, John C., Jr., was a lad twelve years of age. The parental family included five sons and three daughters. The eldest son living is George C., an old railroad man, and now a resident of Tipton, Pa.; Sarah (Mrs. Bremmer) a widow, and a resident of McVeytown, Pa.; Catherine for years made her home with her brother James M., who died in Tipton in 1887; he was one of the prominent men of that place, as also of the State: interested in many public enterprises, and for years Superintendent of the Erie Railroad. He was a man unusually liberal and public-spirited, and for years an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he held all the offices accorded the lay-brethren. He was for years a Sunday-school Superintendent, organizing the first institution of this kind in Tipton, and labored earnestly in building up the cause of religion in that place, as well as in behalf of its financial prosperity.

John C. Calderwood, Jr., was reared under the most excellent home influences, and two years after the death of his mother set out, at the age of fourteen, to learn the trade of saddlery and harness-making in his native town. He applied himself creditably to the task before him, and became a skilled workman, pursuing this trade in the place of his birth until 1850. He then resolved to seek the Great West; and, coming to this county, established himself in Galena, where he applied himself diligently to his business one year, when failing health compelled him to withdraw from the confinement of labor in a shop. In the year 1849 he set out across the plains for the Pacific Slope, in company with his uncle, Isaac Evens. He engaged in mining three years, returning to Illinois in the spring of 1852. This journey was made via the Isthmus and New York City, whence he repaired to his old home in Pennsylvania, and visited for a time among his kins-people and friends.

The year 1854 found our subject again in Galena, where he established a livery stable, which he conducted successfully until his death. In connection with this he also operated a profitable wood and coal trade, and had for some years as a partner Mr. J. A. Pressley, who for the last twenty years has been a resident of Mankato, Minn. For a period of thirty years Mr. Calderwood moved in and out among the people of Galena, recognized as one of its most useful and worthy citizens. He ever maintained the warmest interest in the prosperity of his adopted city, and before his death wisely arranged all affairs in connection with his business, requesting that it should be carried on by his son, Ralph E., who bids fair to prosecute it with the same success and good judgment which characterized it as conducted by his honored father.

Mr. Calderwood never connected himself with any religious organization; but was a man upright and honorable both in his public and private life. He identified himself with the Masonic fraternity many years ago, and like his father before him, was a warm defender of its principles. The latter was for a long period Master Mason in the Keystone State. John C., Jr., was also a Knight Templar of Lodge No. 40, at Galena. The latter, in political matters, was a sound Republican. He scorned the petty tricks employed in order to secure office; and, aside from holding the positions of trust naturally conferred upon the leading citizen of the community, had no ambition for political preferment.

Miss Mary L. Longette was married to John C. Calderwood in Galena, Dec. 27, 1855. She was the daughter of Francis and Dorcas (Vanalstine) Longette, the former of whom was a native of France, whence he emigrated to the United States at the age of twenty-six years, as one of a colony (with the Lord Selkirk Colony). He was then unmarried; and after a brief sojourn in New York City, came to this county, settling in Galena, and employing himself at mining and farming. Here later he was married to Mrs. Dorcas Flaker, who was of Holland descent. She was born in New York State, and came to this county with her parents. The latter were among the earliest settlers of Northern Illinois, and spent their last days in this county. Mr. and Mrs. Longette lived to a ripe old age, and died in Galena, the father about 1862, and the mother in 1864. Mrs. Longette was first married to George Flaker, who was killed by the Indians while on a fur expedition in the Rocky Mountains. Of this union there had been born one child, a daughter, Elizabeth, who was married to R. M. Miller, and is now a resident of Dakota.

Mrs. Calderwood was subjected to the most careful parental training, receiving a good education, and growing up to a refined and intelligent womanhood. Her marriage with our subject resulted in the birth of eleven children, two of whom are dead: Edward Lowry, who died in infancy; and Frank, who died at the age of twenty-eight years, Ruby E. is at home with her mother; Bertha Y. became the wife of H. C. Shurmier, of St. Paul, Minn., where he is engaged as a dealer in real estate; Celia E. remains wit her mother and sister; as also do Ralph E., Ida, Belle G., John C., Mary L., and Rose P. Both mother and children are regular attendants of the First Presbyterian Church, and number their friends by the score in a community where the family has been familiarly known for so many years.

Contributed by Carol Parrish - From Portraits and Biographical Jo Daviess County Pg 717