Kentucky: A History of the State, Battle, Perrin, & Kniffin, 6th ed., 1887,
Shelby Co.

EUGENE F. CALDWELL, eldest son of Judge James L. and Mary (Middleton)
Caldwell, was born in Shelby County, Ky., February 16, 1850. He began his
educational studies at Shelby College in Shelbyville, and completed them in
a two years' course at Transylvania University, Lexington, Ky. Returning
home in 1872 he was chosen deputy sheriff of Shelby County, being perhaps
the youngest person who ever filled the office, the duties of which he
discharged with the greatest fidelity and public acceptance for two years.
He then engaged in extensive mercantile business, dealing in groceries,
hardware and agricultural implements, which he continued with marked
success financially until 1883, at which time he sold the business to
Messrs. Burnett & Pemberton. He was planning entrance upon business at
Cincinnati, Ohio, when suddenly cut down by the ruthless hand of death in
January, 1884. He was universally loved and esteemed. As a citizen he had
a hand and a heart for every enterprise looking toward the public good. As
a business man he was characterized by the highest integrity, skill and
success. As a Christian he was a since believer, earnest and enthusiastic
in every work for the upholding of Christ's kingdom. For several years he
was superintendent of the Sabbath-school, and chorister in the Christian
Church of Shelbyville. Mr. Caldwell was married in May, 1872, to Miss
Louise Buckner, daughter of Rev. E. P. Buckner, M.D., D.D., who was a
prominent minister of the Methodist Church South, a cousin of Gen. S. B.
Buckner, and who died in May, 1883, aged sixty-one years. Mrs. Louise
Caldwell is a native of Bourbon County, was educated at the noted Science
Hill College in Shelbyville, under the tuition of Mrs. Julia Tevis. The
home and married life of Mr. and Mrs. Caldwell was of a peculiarly happy
character. The suddenly bereft and widowed wife with three children,
Agnes, Mary and Bessie, are left in the stricken home to mourn the
irreparable loss of husband and father. Judge James L. Caldwell was born
in 1824 in Montgomery County, Ky., his ancestors being from Virginia. In
early life he removed to Shelby County. He was educated with a view to
the profession of law, at Bethel College, Russellville, Ky., and at
Bethany College, Virginia. He early became a prominent citizen in the
county, being elected from Shelby to the State Legislature in 1851-1852,
and again in 1855-56. In 1859 he was chosen county judge, which office
he held for twelve consecutive years until 1871. At the organization of
the Farmer's & Trader's Bank, he became the cashier and afterward its
president. After voluntarily retiring from the position of judge, he
formed a law partnership with C. M. Harwood, which proved very successful
and lucrative. In the midst of his many professional duties he was
suddenly stricken by heart disease, and died at his home in November, 1882.
For many years he had been a most active member of the Christian Church of
Shelbyville. He was married early life to Miss Mary L. Middleton, of
Shelby County, who, with one son and four daughters, all married, survive
him. As the result of industry and prudent management Judge Caldwell and
accumulated a handsome property, variously invested.