WILLIAM S. CALDWELL, M. D.

Although Dr. William S. Caldwell never re­ sided in Rockford he had an extensive acquaintance among the best people of the city, as he lived in the neighboring town of Freeport from 1879 until his death and was one of the prominent, influential and well known citizens of that place, having an extensive practice, which was accorded him by many residents of Freeport and Stephenson county and also extended to Winnebago county: A native of Charlottesburg, North Carolina, he was born August 28, 1832. His father, Dr. William Caldwell, was also a successful practicing physician. He lived in the south for many years, belonging to a prominent old family of that section of the country and was an own cousin of John C. Calhoun. After practicing for a long period in North Carolina, he removed to Vicksburg, Kalamazoo county, Michigan, where he continued in practice up to the time of his death, his skill and efficiency being widely acknowledged in the liberal patronage which was accorded him.

Dr. William S. Caldwell was a student in the public schools of his native state and after his father removed to Kalamazoo county, Michigan, he entered upon preparation for the profession in the office and under the direction of his father. He also attended private schools in the town of Kalamazoo until he had completed his course in medicine and received the certificate which permitted him to practice. In 1856 he left Kalamazoo county, removing to the town of Elizabeth in Jo Daviess county, Illinois, where he opened an office and entered upon the active work of his profession. It was during his residence there that Dr. Caldwell was united in marriage to Miss Caroline B. Hutchins.

Dr. Caldwell continued to practice in Elizabeth for fourteen years. after which he removed to Warren. Illinois, where he practiced for six years with excellent success. On the expiration of that period, in 1877, he went abroad, remaining in Europe for two years, and upon his return to his native land, in 1879, he settled at Freeport, Illinois, where he engaged in practice throughout his remaining days, being accorded a very liberal patronage. He was careful in the diagnosis of a case and seldom at fault in matters of judgment concerning the outcome of disease or of complications that might arise. His skill was widely acknowledged and he continu­ally promoted his efficiency through study and investigation, having a deep scientific as well as humanitarian interest in his profession. In addition to his practice he was recognized as a representative and valuable business man of Free­ port and was connected with many important enterprises there. In connection with D. C. Stover he organized the State Bank of Freeport, which is the largest institution of that character in the city and remained connected therewith up to the time of his death. He also assisted in the organization of a bank in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and he dealt quite extensively in real estate there. He possessed keen business sagacity and unfaltering enterprise and carried forward to successful completion whatever he undertook.

In politics he was a stanch republican, thoroughly in sympathy with the principles and policy of the party, yet he never sought or cared for office for himself. He belonged to the Masonic lodge and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Freeport and had many friends in these fraternities. He was also widely known in Rockford, where he gained the favorable regard of many with whom he came in contact. His business activity, his professional efficiency and his public spirit made him a valued citizen of the community in which he long made his home and, his well directed efforts brought him a financial return that classed him with the wealthy residents of Freeport. Mrs. Caldwell is now a resident of Rockford.

 

History of Winnebago County-1877

 

 

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