Clarence Carey Caldwell born in Minnehaha County, Dakota Territory on February 2, 1877.

[2][3] He was raised in Minnehaha County, and graduated from Sioux Falls High School.

[4] Caldwell was the principal of Vermillion High School for 3 years following is graduation from the University of South Dakota.

[2] After leaving office he established a law practice in Sioux Falls in partnership with his brother Charles V.

[2] Caldwell later practiced in partnership with Roy D. Burns, who went on to serve as a judge of the circuit court.