John Henry Caldwell facts for kids

John Henry Caldwell (born April 4, 1826 – died September 4, 1902) was an important politician from Alabama. He served in the United States House of Representatives, which is part of the U.S. Congress. He helped make laws for the country.

Early Life and Education

John Henry Caldwell was born in Huntsville, Alabama, on April 4, 1826. He went to local schools in Huntsville. Later, he studied at Bacon College in Harrodsburg, Kentucky.

After finishing his studies, Caldwell became a teacher. He taught school for four years in Limestone County, Alabama. In 1848, he moved to Jacksonville, Alabama. There, he became the principal of the Jacksonville Female Academy from 1848 to 1852. He also led the Jacksonville Male Academy from 1853 to 1857.

Becoming a Lawyer

Besides teaching, Caldwell was also involved in publishing. He edited a newspaper called the Jacksonville Republican in 1851 and 1852. Later, in 1855, he became the editor of another paper called the Sunny South.

John Caldwell also decided to study law. He worked hard and was allowed to become a lawyer in 1859. He then started his own law practice in Jacksonville, Alabama.

Service During the Civil War

During the American Civil War, John Caldwell joined the Confederate States Army. He helped create a group of soldiers called Company A. This company was part of the Tenth Alabama Regiment. He served throughout the entire war.

Caldwell was promoted during his time in the army. He first became a major, and then a lieutenant colonel. He served with the Army of Virginia, which was a major Confederate army.

Political Career

In 1857 and 1858, Caldwell served as a member of the State House of Representatives in Alabama. This was his first step into politics.

After the Civil War

After the Civil War, Caldwell continued his work in law and politics. In 1863, he was chosen to be a "solicitor" for the tenth judicial circuit. A solicitor is like a prosecutor who brings legal cases to court. However, he was removed from this job in 1865 by the Provisional Governor. He was re-elected to the same position later that year. But in 1867, he was removed again because he did not follow military orders.

Serving in Congress

John Caldwell was first elected to the U.S. Congress on November 5, 1872. He ran as a "fusion candidate." This meant he was supported by both the Liberal Republican and Democratic parties. He won with a large number of votes. He represented Alabama's 5th congressional district, which was in the northeastern part of Alabama at that time.

He was re-elected in 1874, this time as a straight Democrat. He served in the Forty-third and Forty-fourth Congresses. His time in Congress lasted from March 4, 1873, to March 3, 1877. During the Forty-fourth Congress, he was the chairman of the Committee on Agriculture. This committee deals with farming and food issues.

Caldwell decided not to run for re-election in 1876. After his time in Congress, he went back to practicing law.

Later Life

John Henry Caldwell passed away in Jacksonville, Alabama, on September 4, 1902. He was buried in the Jacksonville Cemetery.