James P. Caldwell

James Patterson Caldwell, a veteran newspaper man died at 6:15 o'clock this morning in the Jameson Memorual Hospital. Death occurred from infirmities of old age. He was 87 years of age.

For over forty years Mr. Caldwell was a member of the New Castle News editorialstaff, serving as reporter and editor over the years. He was best know and loved by his pseudonym of "Deacon Dobson", under which name he wrote a verse of prose poem daily for The News from 1910 to 1930.

It attracted attention outside of New Castle and in 1941 for his eight-first birthday he son, William J. Caldwell published a book form a collections of the best poems of "Deacon Dolan."

Born in Slippery Rock
Mr. Caldwell was born of pioneer stock in Slippery Rock, April 2, 1863, the son of William S. and Sarah McCleary Caldwell. He attended Edinboro State Normal School and in 1888 was married to Elizabeth A. Culbertson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Stewart Culbertson. Mrs. Caldwell preceded him in death in 1948.

For a time after his graduation from the normal school Mr. Caldwell was a school teacher and was principal of the high school at Harlansburg.

He left the teaching profession to enter journalism and became associated with the New Castle News. He was a member of the staff of the News for over forty years and in those years established a reputation in the profession as as a capable courageous newpaper man.

On Blakc Hand Case
In 1906 the famous Black Hand cases were tried in the Lawrence County courts. Mr Caldwell covered the cases throughout, casess that attracted national attention.

Seventeen years ago he retired as an active newspaperman. Actually he never retired for "printer's ink was in his blood" Each winter of the past severnteen years, he spent in St. Petersburg, Florida and from there he wrote for the News articles of interest about the New Castle Colony there. In the News office he was known affectionately as the "Sunshine Editor" for in writing from the city of sunshine he had the happy faculity of incorporating in his writings some the brightness and color of the weather.

Served as Coroner

For four terms of four years each he served as coroner of Lawrence county. He interested himself in real estate development and for many years up to his death he was treasurer and a director of the Dollar Savings Association.

Mr. Caldwell was a newspaper man with a sense of humor. More, he was a citizen who believed in his community and his nation. His passing marks "thirty" for a beloved journalist.

He is survived by a son, Attorney William J. Caldwell, of the firm of Caldwell and McFate, and a grandson, James A. Caldwell.

The body lies in his former home at 301 Boyles avenue, where friends may call tonight between 7 and 9 o'clock.

Funeral services will be held from the residence Wednesday afternoon, September 17, at 2 o'clock with Dr. A. Culmer Schuilz, pastor of First Methodist church, of which church Mr. Caldwell was a member, in charge.

Interment will be in Castle View burial park.