The following information was assembled from numerous sources and cannot be used directly as proof of Qualifying Service or Lineage.
It is considered a research aid and is intended to assist in locating sources that can be used as proof.
State of Service: VA
Qualifying Service: Patriotic Service
Birth: 22 Sep 1758 / Prince Edward / VA Death: 09 Nov 1804 bur Frankfort / Franklin / KY
Qualifying Service Description:
1781, he served as an Artificer [skilled worker], who was employed by Joseph Parkison, who had the contract to build boats for the use of General George Rogers Clark.
Additional References:
Harding, Margery Heberling, George Rogers Clark and his Men, Military Records, 1778-1784, Kentucky, Frankfort: Kentucky Historical Society, 1981, pg 89
Photos used with permission of Compatriot Mitchell Anderson, 229001, KYSSAR
Directions to Cemetery / Gravesite:
Photo: 1 of 4 (gps: 38.192975,-84.864569444444 Direction: 334°)
Photo: 2 of 4 (gps: 38.192997222222,-84.864608333333)
Photo: 3 of 4 (gps: 38.193011111111,-84.864594444444)
Photo: 4 of 4 (gps: 38.193,-84.864563888889)
Author: Mitchell Brandon Anderson
John Caldwell was born on 22 September 1758 in Prince Edward County, Virginia.1
John enlisted under General George Rogers Clark in 1781 as an Artificer.1,2 Artificers were skilled mechanics and artisans with the role of keeping military equipment in working order so troops could operate effectively. They typically served in the Department of the Quartermaster General under the command of a Chief Engineer. Some of the different roles of Artificers included carpenters, blacksmiths, sadlers, and bakers.3
John moved to Kentucky in 1781 when he joined the war.1 In a short summary, George Rogers Clark’s 1781 Campaign consisted of the following. In the George Rogers Clark 1781 expedition, he had visions of capturing the British-controlled Fort Detroit. Clark planned to start in June with 1,000 men but ended up with around 400.4 In September, Clark hoped to march against the Miami or the Wabash Indians and then on to Detroit, but new plans turned Clark towards advancing against the Shawnee. Clark received criticism after having to call off the attack on Detroit, but lack of supplies, no pay, inadequate clothing, a lack of food, and the feeling of being neglected played a role in not having enough troops for the invasion of Detroit. In 1781, Clark was promoted to brigadier general. In the last few months of 1781, Clark held Fort Nelson and constructed a base of operations at the Falls of the Ohio. From his base, he could monitor and exercise control of Illinois posts, rally his militiamen to protect Kentucky settlements, and keep the British on the defensive at Detroit.5
After moving to Kentucky, John became a member of the Danville Convention in 1787 and 1788 and signed a petition “demanding admission into the Union.” He served as a State Senator from 1792-1796 with Governor Christopher Greenup (P-170264) as a Lieutenant Governor in 1804. Caldwell County in Kentucky was named in honor of him.6
John Caldwell married Mary Smith [birth and death date and location not recorded; marriage date and location not recorded]. They had the following children:
Terah Templin (1793-1868), who married Harriet Smith1
The following children are mentioned as heirs in a court order regarding land.7
Robert, who married Polly Shelby8
Nancy
John
John died on 09 November 1804 and is buried in the Frankfort Cemetery in Frankfort in Franklin County, Kentucky. His Find-a-Grave Memorial ID is 7648473.9
Sources:
NSSAR Patriot #: P-342191
George Rogers Clark and His Men. Military Records, 1778-1784 - 1981 by Margery Heberling Harding, page 89
National Archives, Family Tree Friday: Artificers in the Revolutionary War, Dystokes
Americana Corner, British Strike Back Against Clark’s Gains in Illinois Country
George Rogers Clark Papers 1781-1784, Virginia Series, Volume IV, Illinois State Historical Society, Introduction pages xvii-xxx
Kentucky Historical Society, County Named 1809, Historical Marker
Livingston County, Kentucky Court Orders Book F, 1816-1822, page 121
National Library of The DAR; Kentucky Marriage Records, Livingston County, Kentucky, 1798-1851, page 10
Find-a-Grave Memorial ID: 7648473, Frankfort Cemetery ID: 169757
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