Caldwell - Margaret Young
Margaret J. Young Caldwell
Source: Crawfordsville Review Tuesday, Aug 19, 1924
Shannondale, Aug. 18 -- Mrs. Margaret J. CALDWELL, the oldest woman in the county died at the home of her son, James Caldwell near Shannondale at 6;15 o'clock this morning. Mrs. Caldwell who was 101 years of age had not been well since the death of her daughter-in-law, Mrs. David Caldwell who expired two weeks ago,- Mrs. Caldwell celebrated her 101st birthday Feb 9. The unusual event was passed quietly at her home as one of the most ordinary of days. Her 100th birthday in 1923 however was marked by a large family celebration, attended by a circle of relatives which included four generations of the aged woman's descendants. She was born in Virginia, Feb 9, 1823 the same year that William Offield became the first settler of Montgomery County. She later moved with her parents, William and Jane Young to Tennessee and in 1829 moved to what has since become known as the JV Young farm, directly south of the present Caldwell residence where the aged woman passed away. At the age of 10, Mrs. Caldwell rode to Tenn. on horseback and attended school in that state for two years. She was married to William Caldwell who died in 1903, when she was 17 years oaf age and the young couple began housekeeping in a two story log cabin considered at that time one of the most pretentious lodgings of the countryside. Then children were born to the union, six of whom survive: John R. Caldwell of Norton, KS; WC Caldwell of Russellville; Sarah E. Crawford of near the Homestead; James F. Caldwell with whom the deceased lived at Shannondale; David E. Caldwell of near Shannondale and Robert N. Caldwell of Thorntown. Mrs. Caldwell was one of the founders of the Canter Grove, New Light Christian Church which no longer holds services. Until the advanced age prevented she was a regular church attendant. Even until the final months of her life, Mrs. Caldwell was remarkably well preserved and resembled a woman of fewer years. Until a year before her death she was able to work about her home. No announcement of the funeral arrangements has been made. - kbz