Edward S. Cadwell
From the " History of LaPorte County" Indiana, page 450.
EDWARD S. CADWELL: Among
the old settlers of LaPorte county known & honored because of their genuine
worth is Edward S. Cadwell, who resides on section 21, Galena township.He was
born in the village of Cazenovia, Madison county, New York, on the 7th of
October, 1827. His father, Simeon Cadwell, was a native of Connecticut, and
the mother, who bore the maiden name of Maria ORMSBEE, was likewise born in
the Charter Oak state. The father died when his son Edward S. was but 4 years
of age,and the mother passed away on the 6th of April,1840, so that Edward S.
Cadwell was left a orphan at the early age of twelve and a half years. He
then went to live with a uncle,who, however,gave him in charge of a
farmer,Fred Hitchcock, with whom he remained until twenty-one years of age.
He had the opportunity of attending school through the winter months, while
throughout the remainder of the year he assisted in farm work.On attaining
his majority he was given one hundred dollars in money and two suits of
clothing. He then began working for a surveyor who owned a farm, and in this
service Mr. Cadwell remained as a farm hand for two months.
On the 23rd of November,1848,occured the
marriage of Edward S. Cadwell and Miss Leva GRIDLEY,who was born in 1828 in
Manlius, New York, a daughter of Samuel U. and Amanda (BARNES) Gridley. Mrs.
Cadwell was reared in her native place, and pursued her education in the
common district schools. After their marriage, the young couple located in
Manlius, Mr. Cadwell renting a farm from Abigail E. Gridley for four years.He
then removed to Van Buren county, New York,where he remained for one year,and
in 1854, he came to the west, establishing his home in Galena township on the
farm where he now resides. Almost 50 years have been passed upon this place,
and throughout the entire period he had devoted his attention to the tilling
of the soil and the raising of the stock. Within the boundries of his place
are one hundred acres, richly cultivated and well improved with modern
equipment. To Mr. and Mrs. Cadwell were
born four children,of whom one died in infancy. The others are Elva M., now
the wife of William Brown, of Galena township, who follows farming, then
Mervin E.,who married Mary E. LELITER,who died February 10,1901,and he
resides in LaPorte; and Edward F.,who married Clara S.Welling,and is a
contracting freight agent for Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad,making
his home in Chicago. In his political views Mr. Cadwell has been a
earnest Repubilican since the organization of the party,and served as a
trustee of Galena township for nine years. He was also assessor for five
years, and justice of the peace for six years,discharging his duties with
fairness and impartiality so that he "won golden opinions from all sorts of
people". He has taken a active interest in all that pertains to the welfare
of the county, and its permanent improvement,and whether in office or out of
it he has been a progressive and faithful citizen. For fourty-five years he
had charge of the Foster cemetery. As a member of Galena lodge No.335,F.&
A.M,he is well known to his Masonic brethren in this part of the county, and
in his life,exemplifes the beneficent spirit of the craft. A self-made man,he
was left an orphan at the early age of twelve and a half years, and has
always earned his own living. His career has been one of unflagging industry,
and he certainly has made a creditable and honorable record, one well worthy
of emulation by all who would delvelop manly principles and at the same time,
win success through honorable efforts.
Edward S. Cadwell died March 18,1904 and Leva GRIDLEY
Cadwell died May 25,1907. They are buried at Fosters cemetery, Galena
township, LaPorte county, Indiana.