Gibson Caldwell

1886-1981

(We would like to thank George Webb for providing the following information.)

 Mr. Caldwell was a prominent and active citizen of McKinney.  In 1968 he was described in an article in the McKinney Courier-Gazette as “perpetual motion.”  Tom Emerson, the author of the article, wrote, “…[Mr. Caldwell is] always ready to join in any civic movement to help make our community a better place to live.”

Gibson Caldwell was born in Collin County September 10^th, 1886 to Dr. and Mrs. J. A. Caldwell.  When he was four years old, his family moved to McKinney.  “Mr. Gippy,” as many knew him, went to school where Caldwell Elementary now stands.  (There have actually been three different school buildings on this site.)  He later attended Jones Academy, a school for boys.  In 1962, Southern Methodist University (SMU) honored him with an Honorary Associate membership in the SMU Alumni Association.

When Mr. Caldwell turned 18, he joined the McKinney Fire Department as a volunteer.  He held that position until 1919.  He began his career working at the Webb Grain Company.  When he was 19 years old, Mr. Caldwell took three thousand chickens by train to San Francisco.  It was his job to keep the flock fed and watered.  He arrived in San Francisco only months after the tragic earthquake and fire on April 26, 1906 had destroyed much of it.  It was an experience he never forgot.  When he returned, his employer, Mr. Webb gave him a $100 bonus for his good work.  From 1911 to 1956, Mr. Caldwell was President and General Manager of the Collin County Flour Mill and Elevator. 

Mr. Caldwell married Miss Goldie Warden in 1906.  They had two daughters, Mrs. Paul C. Young, Mrs. George C. Webb, and one son, James Caldwell.  Mrs. Caldwell, an accomplished musician, passed away in 1957. 

Mr. Caldwell organized the First Savings and Loan Association in 1956 and served as president and chairman of the board until 1976.  He was elected to the McKinney School Board in 1926.  From 1939 to 1951, he served as President of the School Board.  He was instrumental in organizing the McKinney Chamber of Commerce and was active in the Rotary Club, the McKinney Country Club, St. John’s Masonic Lodge, and his church.  At the age of 92, the McKinney Chamber of Commerce named him “Outstanding Citizen of the Year.” 

Mr. Caldwell was a noted businessman and civic leader.  It is with great pride that we attend our school that is named after this incredible man who worked his entire life helping improve McKinney.

Quotes from Mr. Caldwell:

 “It’s this way—one must give his time and talent he possesses to his church, community and civic affairs.”

“Oh! Well, we must be optimistic and we must always strive and look for a better tomorrow.”

8/4/1968.  McKinney Courier-Gazette, v. 72, n. 133.

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