Tulare County Biographies

James Shipp Caldwell

Transcribed by Jeannie Miyama

This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm

 
James Shipp Caldwell, president of the Valley Paving & Construction Company of 
Visalia, is a native of Cave City, Kentucky, born January 26, 1881.  His father, 
Richard G. Caldwell, died some years ago.  His mother, whose maiden name was 
Fanny Davis, is now living in Visalia, California.
 
James Shipp Caldwell acquired his elementary education in the public schools, 
after which he attended the State University of Kentucky.  Upon completing his 
education he went to work for the United States government on the survey of the 
Chesapeake bay coast, remaining with the government surveys for twelve years.  
At the end of that time he came to California, first locating in Point Richmond. 
 During the next few years he was employed in construction work in different 
parts of the state.  In 1918 he came to Visalia in connection with the 
construction of the county highway and liking the place, decided to become a 
permanent resident.  When the Valley Paving & Construction Company was formed in 
1921 he was chosen secretary of the corporation.  This company has already built 
many miles of improved highway in Tulare and Merced counties.  It is one of the 
largest companies of the kind in the south central part of California.  In 1922 
Mr. Caldwell was chosen president of the corporation.
 
On December 20, 1902, Mr. Caldwell was married to Miss Laura G. Gracey, a native 
of Kentucky, and they reside at No. 817 West Mineral King avenue, Visalia.  Mr. 
Caldwell�s interest in the development of Visalia and the surrounding territory 
is shown by his membership in the Rotary Club and the Contractors Association.  
Although a consistent supporter of the principles of the democratic party and 
interested in all political questions affecting the public welfare, he has never 
been an aspirant for political honors, preferring to devote his time and talents 
to the construction of public works.  In the Masonic order he is a Knight 
Templar and he is a Noble of the Mystic Shrine and a member of the Benevolent 
Protective Order of Elks.
 
History of Tulare County and Kings County, California � Kathleen Edwards Small & 
J. Larry Smith, Vol. I, Chicago, The S.J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1926, Page 
377