Aquilla B. Caldwell

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West Virginia's First & Fifth Attorney General
Attorney General: 1863 - 1864 and 1869 - 1870
Elected 1863, Appointed 1869
Born: February 11, 1814     Died: June 18, 1893

Aquilla B. Caldwell was born on February 11 1814 outside of Wheeling, on Caldwells Run in Ohio County. His grandfather, James Caldwell, settled in Ohio County in 1770. Aquilla was the the oldest son of James Caldwell II, who was the first president of Merchants and Merchants bank. He began his education early in life and in his youth he went to Harvard where he took the full course and earned his degree. He earned his law degree from Jefferson College.

After graduating he began the practice of law. In 1863 he was elected as the first Attorney General of West Virginia. He served for 18 months, completing his term. During President Lincolns first term in office, Caldwell was offered the appointment of Judge to the United States Court, but for personal reasons, he turned down the appointment.

On July 1, 1869 he returned to the Office of the Attorney General when he was appointed by the Governor after the resignation of Attorney General Melvin. After his term as Attorney General he was elected Ohio County Prosecutor and later Circuit Judge. Caldwell died at the home of his son-in-law in Wheeling on June 18 1893.

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