Direct descendant is highlighted in red 

FATHER

Andrew J. Powers

MOTHER

Caroline Childers

HUSBAND

Wm Caldwell

James A Pearce
b. Jun 1882

William Ford

CHILDREN with Wm Caldwell

Florence Elizabeth Caldwell

Biography on Florence Powers
by Susan Brooke
May 2013

Florence Powers was about 18 when she married Wm Caldwell around 1898. She gave birth to her daughter, Florence Caldwell, March 21, 1900.  In the 1900 census she is listed as married for two years even though her husband is not part of the household. (1)  Also living with her is "Alcey Powers, sister."  Alcey was no doubt helping her out with the care of her newborn daughter.  The birth record as found on https://familysearch.org/search says Florence Elizabeth Caldwell was born March 21, 1900 to Wm Caldwell and "Minnie Florence Powers."

It is unknown what happened to her husband, but four years later she married James A Pearce.  Florence and her daughter were living with him in the 1910 census on High St. (2)  However, she must have separated from James by 1913 when she starts showing up in the Louisville City directories as Mrs. Florence Pearce working as a labeler.. (3)

By 1917 she and her daughter were living on Story Av. in Louisville.  Her daughter, Florence E. Caldwell turned 17 on March 21 of that year.  Next door was William Herbert Gregory who had the same birth date, but one year later. (4)  Her daughter, Florence Caldwell, married the boy next door, Wm Herbert Gregory, a few years later.

So, in 1920 they were living on Story Av next door to the boy Florence, the daughter, would eventually marry. Florence, the mother had gotten a divorce but they were doing OK.  Florence, the daughter had graduated from high school and was working as a secretary which was a major accomplishment for a young girl in those days. (5)  Then sometime after 1920, Florence Powers married again to William Ford.  In the 1925 city directory Florence E Caldwell was listed as a stenographer, living at 257 Haldeman Av,  Her mother was listed as Mrs. Florence Ford at the same address.  But again, no husband is listed.  However, it was war time.

A few years later, the daughter, Florence Caldwell, married William Herbert Gregory.  Mrs. Florence Ford (Florence Powers) moved to Frankfort Av.  In 1930 she is listed as Florence O Ford.  She paid $12 a month in rent, and she was working as a soap demonstrator.  (6)  In 1940 she was living at 1345 Texas Street, paying $2 a month in rent.  Her education is listed as "Elementary school, 4th grade."  She worked 30 weeks during the year of 1939 and made $250.  She was still working as a "demonstrator."  In the 1940 city directory she is listed as Florence Ford, wid of Wm. 1345 Texas.  The last reference found for her is the 1942 city directory with Florence Ford, wid. Wm., r. 955 Vine.

SOURCES

1 . 1900 census for Florence Caldwell and her daughter

The occupation for Florence Caldwell in the 1900 census is unreadable.  She has been married for two years.  The address is 1907 East 26th Street in Louisville.

2. 1910 census for Florence E Pearce

In the 1910 census Florence has been married 6 years and has given birth to only one child.  She gives her age as 28, the same age as her husband, Jas. A Pearce.  Her daugther Florence E Pearce, age 10, is living with them.  Their residence is 2145 High St., Louisville. James Pearce is a salesman.

3. 1915 Louisville City Directory Mrs. Florence E Pierce, labeler, Mellwood Dist co., b. 1545 Washington

1915 Louisville City Directory Florence E Caldwell, sews, r. 1545 Washington

In the 1915 city directory, Mrs. Florence Pierce, labeler, Mellwood Dist.Co, b. 1545 Washington.  In the same directory is listed, Florence E Caldwell, sews, r. 1545 Washington.

4. 1917 Louisville City Directory

The Gregory family is living at 1306 Story Av.  The Pearce/Caldwell family is living at 1307 Story Av.

5.   1920 census for Florence Caldwell and her daughter

In the 1920 census record, Florence Caldwell is listed as divorced.  Under occupation is written, "none."  Her daughter, Florence Caldwell, is a secretary and has a high school education.  Their residence is 1319 Story Av. in Loyuisville.

6. 1930 census for Florence O Ford

Florence O Ford pays $12 a month rent.  Was first married at the age of 18. She works as a soap demonstrator.  The address is 222 Frankfort Ave.