John was the eldest child of George W. and Elizabeth (Williams) Caldwell. He married Virginia Dare Brown in Mercer Co, WV on Dec. 21, 1881, and they had 9 children. He was a successful teacher in the public schools of Mercer County, WV for 35 years.
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PIONEER MERCER COUNTY RESIDENT DIED SUNDAY
J. D. Caldwell, 81, widely known citizen and member of a pioneer Mercer county family, died Sunday at his home on the Brushfork-Fall Mills road. Mr. Caldwell's death was attributed to complications renting from a fall sustained three weeks ago on the north of his home. More than thirty years of Mr. Caldwell’s life was spent as a teacher in the public schools of Mercer county. After retiring from teaching, he engaged In farming. He was born April 11, 1853, in Mercer county and had spent practically all his life in this immediate section of the state. He was the oldest son of the late George W. Caldwell, who for many years was county surveyor.
Funeral services were held at his home at 2 o'clock yesterday afternoon, conducted by the Rev. G. W. Collins, of this city, assisted by the Rev. Mr. Hensley, of Athens. Interment was made in the family cemetery near the Caldwell home. Nephews and neighbors officiated as pallbearers and his grandchildren served as floral bearers. Mr Caldwell was highly esteemed by all who knew him.
He is survived by the following children: Ernest of Jordan, Mont.; Charles E., of lenkinjones; Edward M., Eugene B., and Clyde K. Caldwell, all of this city; Mr. I. P. Hawley, of New River, Va., and Endle B. Caldwell, of Pittsburgh, Pa. His wife and two children - Everett and Maud - preceded him to the grave. He also leaves the following brothers and one sister: James H., M. F., W. H., George E. and Giles M. Caldwell and Mrs. T. E. Hatcher, all residents of Mercer county. One brother and one sister preceded him to the grave.
[Bluefield Daily Telegraph, Tue, May 22, 1934]