NJGenWeb ~ Morris County, New Jersey

Thomas W. CAULDWELL, fourteenth mayor of Morristown, was born in New York City on September 5^th, 1859. It was in this city that he spent his boyhood and received his early education. His classical education was received at Princeton University, from which he graduated in 1881 with the degree of A.B., and three years later the degree of master of arts was conferred upon him.

Shortly after graduation, Mr. CAULDWELL began the study of law, and was admitted to the bar of New York in 1883, devoting himself especially to the law of real property. His success in his profession was marked, for he had an unusual combination of sound business judgement, legal learning, absolute integrity and tireless industry. In addition to the trusts imposed on him through his profession, by the management of large estates, he held many other responsible positions. At various times he was trustee of Bishops College, Texas; director of the United States Fire Insurance Company of New York City; of the Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Company of Newark; of the Morristown Trust Company; and of the Morristown Safe Deposit Company , and vice-president of the Morristown Savings Bank, he having taken up his residence in Morristown in 1888. Always of a retiring, unostentatious disposition, his opportunities sought him out, rather than he them; for his tact, unerring judgement and broad vision made him invaluable to any undertaking, large or small.

But perhaps the most characteristic work of Mr. CAULDWELL was that which he did for the general uplift of his community. He believed it was the duty of every good citizen to interest himself in the government of his city, State and nation, and so he organized the Morristown Civic Association, of which he was president for many years. He was classified as a Republican in politics, but was non-partisan to the extent that the man and not the party was the true criterion of fitness for public office. He was a member of the sewerage commission; was instrumental in securing a better lighting system and better roads for his city and Morris county in general. In 1908 he was elected mayor of Morristown and, during the brief months of his administration, laid the foundation for much of the subsequent growth and development of his community.

Mr. CAULDWELL’S sympathy for those less fortunate than himself and his eagerness to help them was boundless. Ever a religious man and church member, his religion was practical and evidenced itself by deeds. And after his death, his fellow citizens, as an appropriate memorial to his life and work, equipped and dedicated in Morristown, the Thomas W. CAULDWELL Memorial Playground. His death occurred on Easter Sunday, April 11, 1909. His zeal to give himself to others, his desire to serve the world, his willingness to sacrifice himself to duty, were the mainspring of his life. As one of his fellow townsmen wrote of him: "A remarkable life closed in Morristown on Easter Sunday last. A life not so widely known, with no world wide achievements to its credit, but nevertheless a remarkable life. Perhaps the old Latin word integer, describes it better than any other single word can. Untouched, unchanged, sound, untainted, fresh and sweet; blameless, pure, honest, virtuous, unbiased, impartial; he won and retained the respect , confidence and love of all who associated with him."

This biography was transcribed by John Cresseveur (1949-2003).

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