John Dee Caldwell

John Dee Caldwell was born on April 28, 1861, in New Hope, Dallas County, Texas. He was generally known as “J. D.,” while members of his family called him “Dee.”

Caldwell grew up farming with his father in New Hope. Drawn by the prospect of inexpensive land and his family's pioneer spirit, he and his bride packed their belongings and traveled west.

In 1887, he opened the J. D. Caldwell Farm and Ranch Supply in Estacado, near the present-day town of Idalou.

The Caldwell and Potter Dry Goods and Groceries store was later moved from Estacado to a new location in Yellow House Canyon, in the area that became the city of Lubbock.

Caldwell used his carpentry skills to help many early residents build their homes. Because the area's population was young and there was little demand for a full-time undertaker, he also made coffins when the need arose.

Lubbock County held its first county election in March 1891. Caldwell was elected as one of the county's first three commissioners.

During his years in Lubbock, Caldwell also served as president of the First National Bank of Lubbock and as a justice of the peace. His role in the early history of Lubbock was recorded in The History of Lubbock, edited by Lawrence L. Graves.

Before 1920, Caldwell and his wife, Sally, separated. He remained in Lubbock, while she moved permanently to San Antonio.

In 1924, Caldwell purchased property and moved to the newly organized Cochran County. At the time, the C. C. Slaughter Cattle Company owned much of the land in the county and exercised considerable influence over local politics.

Cochran County was organized in 1923, and its second county election was held in November 1924. Caldwell was elected Cochran County judge and entered office on January 1, 1925.

He served as county judge through December 31, 1926. The disputes and challenges surrounding Cochran County's early government and the establishment of its courthouse are described in Elvis Eugene Fleming's 1965 book, Texas' Last Frontier: A History of Cochran County, Texas.

By 1930, Caldwell had returned to Lubbock and was living with his daughter and son-in-law. Because of his service as a justice of the peace in Lubbock County and as county judge of Cochran County, he continued to be known locally as Judge Caldwell.

Caldwell died in Austin, Texas, on September 26, 1944, at the age of 83. News of his death and accounts of his contributions to the early development of Lubbock appeared prominently on the front page of the Lubbock Avalanche.

He was buried at the City of Lubbock Cemetery in Lubbock, Texas.

Caldwell's father, Solomon Caldwell, came to Texas in 1840. His uncle, Matthew H. Caldwell, arrived in 1831 and received land in the DeWitt Colony.

Matthew H. Caldwell was an Indian fighter and one of the earliest Texas Rangers. He signed the Texas Declaration of Independence and participated in several important events during the Republic of Texas.

He was present at the Battle of Gonzales, commanded forces at the Battle of Salado Creek, helped lead Texans during the Battle of Plum Creek, was wounded during the Council House Fight in San Antonio, and was captured during the Santa Fe Expedition and imprisoned in Mexico.

Caldwell County and the city of Caldwell, Texas, were named in Matthew H. Caldwell's honor.

Biography and photograph source: Michael Dee Caldwell, grandson of John Dee Caldwell.