Luther Caldwell
Luther Caldwell was a farmer who lived in Rush County, Indiana, from December 8, 1869 to September 13, 1957. He was well-known for the collection of old threshing machines that he kept on his farm
"We do not like for a man who has always lived in the city and does not know farm machinery to come out here and tell us what machinery to sell for Scrap Iron. They do not know a Clover Huller from a Wheat Thresher and they do not know what is the difference between a Spring Tooth Harrow and a Cultipacker. They do not know that that old pile of iron back of the barn is valuable for the repair parts in it."
Today we are grateful to Luther Caldwell for his foresight in saving this old gear. There is a universal appeal in the puff and chug of steam engines and the cry of steam whistles that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. As an old man, Luther Caldwell enjoyed sharing his interest in antiquated farm equipment with the younger generations. He would be pleased to know that there are still folks around who continue the tradition of caring for and preserving these old relics.
(Many thanks to the family of Luther Caldwell who provided this biography and the following pictures on a recent visit to Rush County.)
Please click on the thumbnail shots above to see some pictures of Luther with his prized portable Gaar-Scott engine which is now housed in the Wayne County Historical Museum in Richmond, the home of Gaar Scott line of farm equipment. The last shot is of his headstone which is located at the East Hill Cemetery in Rushville. Use the back button on your browser to return to this page.