OBIT:

S.T. Caldwell. Again we are called upon to record the sorrowful tidings of the death of an old and respected resident of Iowa. This time, however, in a neighboring town, yet none the less is the loss felt, for the deceased was a man whose influence was not confined to his home town or county, but reached out to other towns and communities. Last Monday, in company with others of our city, we went to pay the last token of respect to the deceased. The funeral was under the charge of the Masonic Fraternity, the deceased being a member of the lodge of that order in the home city. The esteem in which he was held was evidenced by the large gatherings of citizens and neighbors who were assembled to participate in the funeral ceremonies. At the appointed hour the fraternity marched to the residence of the deceased and escorted the body to the Methodist Church where services were held, the sermon, an excellent one, being preached by Rev. W.G. Wilson, pastor. From thence an immense concourse of people followed the remains to the beautiful cemetery on the hill overlooking the town, and listened to the recital of the impressive language of the Masonic burial service. Delegations were present from the Masonic Lodges of Albia, Ottumwa, and Oskaloosa. The occasion was one of genuine grief at the loss of one who had built himself a home in the hearts of very many people.

Hon. S.T. Caldwell was born in 1824 and came to Iowa in 1836, and to Eddyville in 1860, which point he had made his home ever since. In 1856 he espoused the cause of the Whig Party, with it merged his talent into the Republican Party, and has remained therewith to the day of his death. He was twice honored by the party with a seat in the General Assembly of the State, and as he was honored so did he honor the office and the trust given him. In his loss our neighboring town loses a good citizen, and the entire surrounding community a useful and respected member.

(From the Oskaloosa Weekly Herald, August 28, 1878)