Athens Weekly Review
Nov. 19, 1925
J. W. Caldwell
(John Walter)

Listing the men of affairs in Henderson county would be incomplete without the name of John Walter Caldwell. Mr. Caldwell has been a citizen of Athens since 1913 and in every project that has advanced Athens he has been found among the leaders. Mr. Caldwell is with the well-known firm of Tarver, Steele & Co., cotton exporters, and is now serving his eleventh consecutive year with this firm. He has the distinctioin of being the second oldest buyer among fifty in point of service with this firm. It is doubtful if there is a buyer in East Texas that knows the cotton game better than Mr. Caldwell.

While interested in all civic affairs, J. W. as he is known to his friends has been particularly active in advancing sports in the city. An old football player himself, he missed a Vniversity education because he would not refrain from playing the game. An offer to send him through college provided he would refrain from playing football did not suit his fancy and he turned his thoughts to business instead of college. He has promoted football, boxing and baseball and was manager of the only semi-professional team that Athens ever had. To him, more thatn anyone else Athens is indebted for securing Wesley Bradshaw as coach of the present football eleven. Mr. Caldwell enjoys sports of all kinds and he believes that to mix pleasure with business makes a man better fitted for his duties. He is a fisherman of some note and finds much pleasure on the lakes around Athens.

Mr. Caldwell was born in Pontotoc, Miss., January 3, 1883. His father died three years later and his mother moved to Rice, Texas. He attenended school for two years there and then went to Corsicana where he was admitted to the sixth grade, missing three grades and making good. Following his high school studies he spent three years in a military academy at Corsicana. From school he went with the First National Bank of Kerens, succeeding Mr. B. Sigler, now of this city.

In 1910 Mr. Caldwell was married to Miss Josephing Bibble. They have three children, Josephine, John Walter and Doris.
Hospitality is Mr. Caldwell'slong suit and he knows no limit when it comes to helping a friend.

Mr. Caldwell holds membership with the First Baptist Church of this city, Koon Kreek Klub and the Athens Golf Club.


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