John Calbeck was born in the Dominion of Canada near Montreal, March 1, 1837, the fourth child of John and Eliza (Shrader) Calbeck. His father, John Calbeck, was a merchant near Liverpool, England previous to 1831 when he came to America, after which he followed the occupation of farming. John Calbeck received a good common-school and academical education in Stark County, Ohio, where his father moved from Canada. In 1858 he came to Indiana to visit his brother, Joseph Calbeck, and that winter taught school. In 1861 he came to Indiana and located, buying in 1862 forty acres of land on Section 11, where he has since resided. Mr. Calbeck has paid considerable attention to scientific researching and has a fine library, also an interesting collection of geological specimens. He has delivered quite a number of lectures on science and theology and has educated himself and family. In politics he is liberal, voting for the interests of the people. In religion, he is Swedenborgian, believing the teachings of the Bible as expounded by Swedenborg. He now owns 280 acres of fine farming land. He was married March 11, 1861 to Catharine Gesaman and they had seven children - Orlando, Rinaldo, Milton, Almina (deceased), Newton, Milo and Lacemtum. Mr. Calbeck is a highly respected, honorable citizen. Sparta Twp43