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JOHN CALDWELL

JOHN CALDWELL, of El Paso, is a native of Newberry, South Carolina, and a son of George Caldwell, who was born in that state, and was of Scotch lineage, tracing the line backward to ancestors who were related to Oliver Cromwell. When seventeen years of age John Caldwell left home and went to Shreveport, Louisiana, where he took up his abode in 1853. He continued a resident of Shreveport for over forty years, or until 1895, with the exception of about nine months spent in Jefferson, Texas, in 1854. He was a successful and prosperous citizen of Shreveport, where he engaged in the cattle, livery, hotel, and state contracts and planting business, owning extensive interests in that city and vicinity. In all of his business affairs he displayed careful management and keen discrimination, which, combined with his unabating energy, brought him a creditable measure of success.

At the time of the Civil War, however, Mr. Caldwell put aside all business and personal considerations and served throughout the period of hostilities with the Trans-Mississippi department in Denison's Louisiana cavalry. He was in active service in Louisiana, Arkansas and Missouri, being ordered to the last-named state for his first service at the beginning of hostilities, and was wounded at the battle of Oak Hill, the first engagement of the war in that county. Later he was in many other battles and skirmishes, including the engagements of Pine Bluff, Helena, Arkansas Post, Poison Springs and Prairie de Anne, where he was again seriously wounded by a sabre thrust. Subsequently, being partially disabled, he was assigned to the quartermaster's department and was engaged in that service with the train of supplies between Mexico and San Antonia [sic], when the war closed.

Leaving Shreveport in 1895, Mr. Caldwell removed to El Paso, Texas, where he has since made his home. He has for some time been president of the International Stock Yards & Stable Company, conducting a livery, feed, livestock and commission business. He also holds the position of live-stock inspector under the Mexican government by appointment of President Diaz, which position involves the inspection of all live stock and meats coming into Mexico from the United States through the port of El Paso.

In 1873 Mr. Caldwell was married to Miss Julia Lattier, a member of a French Creole family of Shreveport, and during their residence in El Paso they have made many friends. Mr. Caldwell served for one term of two years as a member of the city council at El Paso, representing the first ward, and he is also adjutant of John C. Brown Camp, No. 468, United Confederate Veterans. His genial manner, kindliness and deferences for the opinion of others have made him popular with a large circle of friends, and in his business lie he has gained a creditable measure of prosperity.

B. B. Paddock, History and Biographical Record of North and West Texas (Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1906), Vol. I, p. 543.




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