Transcribed by Mary Ann Kaylor

Page 1099:

CALDWELL, OTHO LOUIS, a successful and prominent attorney of Springfield,, was born at Williamsville, Ill., January 14, 1867, son of George McDowell and Kittie (Robards) Caldwell, both natives of Nicholasville, Ky., the father born July 16, 1835 and the mother October 15, 1835. The parents were married in Kentucky, January 6, 1864, and soon afterward moved to Illinois. The father was engaged extensively in stock raising. The ancestors of Mr. Caldwell on his paternal side, lived in America before the Revolution and some of them participated in that struggle.

The early education of Otho L. Caldwell, was acquired in the schools of Sangamon County, and he afterward attended the Northern Indiana State Normal School, beginning to teach at the age of seventeen years. He read law with the well-known legal firm of Patton, Hamilton & Patton, of Springfield, and was admitted to the Bar in October, 1898, since which time he has been engaged in active practice. He made his home at Williamsville until November 18, 1896, the date of his removal to Springfield. He has been active in the interests of the Democratic party, and in 1898, was appointed Assistant County Superintendent of Schools in Sangamon County, in which office he served eight years. He is a prominent Mason, being Knights Templar, a Thirty-second Degree Mason and a Shriner. He joined the order at Williamsville, when he became affiliated with Lavely Lodge No. 203, in January, 1890, and served as Worshipful Master of his lodge; first Worthy Patron of Hawthorne Chapter, O. E. S., at Williamsville; Royal Vizier of Medinah Temple No. 99, D.O.K.K., and at the present time ins Conductor of work in Springfield Council No. 1; is Senior Warden of Elwood Commandery No. 6, Knights Templar, and Grand Architect of Springfield Consistory, S. P. R. S., Thirty-second Degree. Mr. Caldwell joined Hyperion Lodge No. 471, Knights of Phythias, at Williamsville, in June, 18985, and has served as Chancellor Commander of the lodge. He is fond of society and has formed many warm personal friendships; is cheerful and amiable in disposition and stands well with all who have had business or social dealings with him. In religious belief, he is a Presbyterian.

Mr. Caldwell was married at Belleville, Ill., November 18, 1897, to Nellie Council, a native of Williamsville, Ill., born March 20, 1871, daughter of Wesley and Martha Council, natives of Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. Caldwell have no children.