CAVEN, WILLIAM J.
This history furnishes few examples which illustrate more strikingly, both the possibilities and the achievements of success in the new world, than that set forth in the life of Mr. Caven; he is essentially a self-made man, and the prototype of "successful men in Texas." Born in Georgia, October 27, 1833, and receiving a good common school education in Russell county, Alabama, where, in addition to English, he studied Latin and Greek, Mr. Caven came to Texas, we may say, a poor man, with no capital except a good name, a robust physique, a strong will and a keen appreciation of the opportunities which would be afforded for money making in the development of this grand, but, at that time, almost unknown country.
At the age of 24, Mr. Caven immigrated to Texas, settling near Caddo Lake, in Harrison county in the winter of 1859. Here he engaged in farming, having purchased five hundred acres of land, which at that early time, was very cheap. He was successful, from the first; and as immigration began to pour in, and the country to fill up with sturdy settlers, real estate, of course, advanced in value. To his farming interest, Mr. Caven then added buying and selling real estate, principally town property, realizing often, a handsome profit. At one time, notably, just after the war, and before railroads were extended into the interior, the town of Jefferson, in Marion county, being the head of navigation on Cypress Bayou a tributary to Red River main artery of commerce leading to the seashore, became the chief shipping point for a large section of North and East Texas, as well as the distributing point for all merchandise shipped to that section; hence the headquarters of an immense wagon trade. Mr. Caven foresaw that Jefferson would be rapidly built up, and that it offered rare opportunities for real estate speculation. He was not slow to avail himself of the advantage; but removing at once to that city he made a small sum of money by judicious investment. He continued, at the same time, to earn on his farming interest which he enlarged from time to time, until he became one of the leading cotton growers in East Texas. Anticipating the time when, railroads being projected all over the country and pointing to Dallas, that then village, would become a metropolis and great railroad center, Mr. Caven purchased town lots and other property there. These investments yielded him large profits, though some of the properties he held seventeen years before he was induced to sell. Here, the bulk of his fortune was accumulated; and to-day he is one of the wealthiest and most influential citizens of Texas. Amongst other handsome property owned by him are, a business block on Main street, and a magnificent residence which occupies two acres of ground in the heart of the city, one of the ornaments and attractions of that lively metropolis; besides which he has a quarter million of dollars invested in business, and other real estate.
Mr. Caven is a son of David and Eliza I. Caven, of Georgia. He married in early life, Miss Virginia Driskill, by whom he has had six children: Janie, aged 18; William, aged 16; David, 14; George Peyton, 12; Virgie Rose, 10; and Thos. Preston, aged 8 years; all of whom are living.
Though actively engaged as we have seen, in his private affairs, building up a colossal fortune, Mr. Caven has found time and inclination to serve his country in more capacities than one. He distinguished himself as a soldier, in the late unfortunate war, serving in Third Texas Cavalry, Ross' brigade. He was actively engaged in the campaigns of this famous command, all over Tennessee and Georgia, and was twice wounded; once at luka, and once at Rome, Georgia.
In politics he is a staunch Democrat; and though not a politician in the full sense of the word, he has, as a Democrat, been returned to the legislature three successive terms, representing his district (Rusk, Panola, Shelby , San Augustine, Sabine and Harrison counties), in the l7th, i8th and 19th sessions, where he was largely instrumental in the preparation and enactment of the wise and beneficent laws passed during his term of service; and as illustrating the esteem in which he was ever held by his colleagues and the presiding officer, he was either chairman, or a member of the most important committees.
Mr. Caven is not a member of any religious organization; humanity is his creed; he believes in the common brotherhood of man, and this is his guide and rule in life; and many there be who can bear testimony to his practical charity and benevolence.
Miss Janie, his eldest daughter, who was educated at Christiansburg, Virginia, on one occasion while going from school to East Virginia in company with friends, was caught in the great Thackston wreck, on the Norfolk and Western railroad. Many were killed and wounded and seventeen perished by the flames which followed the disaster. Miss Caven being but slightly wounded, at once set herself to work for the relief of her unfortunate fellow-travelers, administering to their wants, with a heroism scarcely paralleled in history; and it is related that she was the means of rescuing quite a number of wounded by dragging them from the debris of the ill-fated train. At the time the press throughout the country rang with encomiums on her bravery and unselfish devotion to the wounded. This incident is related to illustrate the nature of the material of which the Caven family is composed. "Like father, like son;" the daughter inheriting doubtless the predominating traits of her father's character, traits which were called, in her case, into activity by the circumstances related. Mr. Caven enjoys the reputation of being as unselfish as his daughter has shown herself to be, and never turns a deaf ear to the woes of others, however humble.
In physique the subject of this sketch is large, and compactly-built, and of commanding presence, being six feet in height and weighs two hundred pounds. He is a man who would be conspicuous in any gathering of intelligent men, a distinctly representative Texan by adoption, and a type of her successful foster-sons. -- Types of Successful Men of Texas, by Lewis E. Daniell, Publ. 1890."
Contributor: Sherry (47010546)
This history furnishes few examples which illustrate more strikingly, both the possibilities and the achievements of success in the new world, than that set forth in the life of Mr. Caven; he is essentially a self-made man, and the prototype of "successful men in Texas." Born in Georgia, October 27, 1833, and receiving a good common school education in Russell county, Alabama, where, in addition to English, he studied Latin and Greek, Mr. Caven came to Texas, we may say, a poor man, with no capital except a good name, a robust physique, a strong will and a keen appreciation of the opportunities which would be afforded for money making in the development of this grand, but, at that time, almost unknown country.
At the age of 24, Mr. Caven immigrated to Texas, settling near Caddo Lake, in Harrison county in the winter of 1859. Here he engaged in farming, having purchased five hundred acres of land, which at that early time, was very cheap. He was successful, from the first; and as immigration began to pour in, and the country to fill up with sturdy settlers, real estate, of course, advanced in value. To his farming interest, Mr. Caven then added buying and selling real estate, principally town property, realizing often, a handsome profit. At one time, notably, just after the war, and before railroads were extended into the interior, the town of Jefferson, in Marion county, being the head of navigation on Cypress Bayou a tributary to Red River main artery of commerce leading to the seashore, became the chief shipping point for a large section of North and East Texas, as well as the distributing point for all merchandise shipped to that section; hence the headquarters of an immense wagon trade. Mr. Caven foresaw that Jefferson would be rapidly built up, and that it offered rare opportunities for real estate speculation. He was not slow to avail himself of the advantage; but removing at once to that city he made a small sum of money by judicious investment. He continued, at the same time, to earn on his farming interest which he enlarged from time to time, until he became one of the leading cotton growers in East Texas. Anticipating the time when, railroads being projected all over the country and pointing to Dallas, that then village, would become a metropolis and great railroad center, Mr. Caven purchased town lots and other property there. These investments yielded him large profits, though some of the properties he held seventeen years before he was induced to sell. Here, the bulk of his fortune was accumulated; and to-day he is one of the wealthiest and most influential citizens of Texas. Amongst other handsome property owned by him are, a business block on Main street, and a magnificent residence which occupies two acres of ground in the heart of the city, one of the ornaments and attractions of that lively metropolis; besides which he has a quarter million of dollars invested in business, and other real estate.
Mr. Caven is a son of David and Eliza I. Caven, of Georgia. He married in early life, Miss Virginia Driskill, by whom he has had six children: Janie, aged 18; William, aged 16; David, 14; George Peyton, 12; Virgie Rose, 10; and Thos. Preston, aged 8 years; all of whom are living.
Though actively engaged as we have seen, in his private affairs, building up a colossal fortune, Mr. Caven has found time and inclination to serve his country in more capacities than one. He distinguished himself as a soldier, in the late unfortunate war, serving in Third Texas Cavalry, Ross' brigade. He was actively engaged in the campaigns of this famous command, all over Tennessee and Georgia, and was twice wounded; once at luka, and once at Rome, Georgia.
In politics he is a staunch Democrat; and though not a politician in the full sense of the word, he has, as a Democrat, been returned to the legislature three successive terms, representing his district (Rusk, Panola, Shelby , San Augustine, Sabine and Harrison counties), in the l7th, i8th and 19th sessions, where he was largely instrumental in the preparation and enactment of the wise and beneficent laws passed during his term of service; and as illustrating the esteem in which he was ever held by his colleagues and the presiding officer, he was either chairman, or a member of the most important committees.
Mr. Caven is not a member of any religious organization; humanity is his creed; he believes in the common brotherhood of man, and this is his guide and rule in life; and many there be who can bear testimony to his practical charity and benevolence.
Miss Janie, his eldest daughter, who was educated at Christiansburg, Virginia, on one occasion while going from school to East Virginia in company with friends, was caught in the great Thackston wreck, on the Norfolk and Western railroad. Many were killed and wounded and seventeen perished by the flames which followed the disaster. Miss Caven being but slightly wounded, at once set herself to work for the relief of her unfortunate fellow-travelers, administering to their wants, with a heroism scarcely paralleled in history; and it is related that she was the means of rescuing quite a number of wounded by dragging them from the debris of the ill-fated train. At the time the press throughout the country rang with encomiums on her bravery and unselfish devotion to the wounded. This incident is related to illustrate the nature of the material of which the Caven family is composed. "Like father, like son;" the daughter inheriting doubtless the predominating traits of her father's character, traits which were called, in her case, into activity by the circumstances related. Mr. Caven enjoys the reputation of being as unselfish as his daughter has shown herself to be, and never turns a deaf ear to the woes of others, however humble.
In physique the subject of this sketch is large, and compactly-built, and of commanding presence, being six feet in height and weighs two hundred pounds. He is a man who would be conspicuous in any gathering of intelligent men, a distinctly representative Texan by adoption, and a type of her successful foster-sons. -- Types of Successful Men of Texas, by Lewis E. Daniell, Publ. 1890."
Contributor: Sherry (47010546)
CAVEN, WILLIAM J.
This history furnishes few examples which illustrate more strikingly, both the possibilities and the achievements of success in the new world, than that set forth in the life of Mr. Caven; he is essentially a self-made man, and the prototype of "successful men in Texas." Born in Georgia, October 27, 1833, and receiving a good common school education in Russell county, Alabama, where, in addition to English, he studied Latin and Greek, Mr. Caven came to Texas, we may say, a poor man, with no capital except a good name, a robust physique, a strong will and a keen appreciation of the opportunities which would be afforded for money making in the development of this grand, but, at that time, almost unknown country.
At the age of 24, Mr. Caven immigrated to Texas, settling near Caddo Lake, in Harrison county in the winter of 1859. Here he engaged in farming, having purchased five hundred acres of land, which at that early time, was very cheap. He was successful, from the first; and as immigration began to pour in, and the country to fill up with sturdy settlers, real estate, of course, advanced in value. To his farming interest, Mr. Caven then added buying and selling real estate, principally town property, realizing often, a handsome profit. At one time, notably, just after the war, and before railroads were extended into the interior, the town of Jefferson, in Marion county, being the head of navigation on Cypress Bayou a tributary to Red River main artery of commerce leading to the seashore, became the chief shipping point for a large section of North and East Texas, as well as the distributing point for all merchandise shipped to that section; hence the headquarters of an immense wagon trade. Mr. Caven foresaw that Jefferson would be rapidly built up, and that it offered rare opportunities for real estate speculation. He was not slow to avail himself of the advantage; but removing at once to that city he made a small sum of money by judicious investment. He continued, at the same time, to earn on his farming interest which he enlarged from time to time, until he became one of the leading cotton growers in East Texas. Anticipating the time when, railroads being projected all over the country and pointing to Dallas, that then village, would become a metropolis and great railroad center, Mr. Caven purchased town lots and other property there. These investments yielded him large profits, though some of the properties he held seventeen years before he was induced to sell. Here, the bulk of his fortune was accumulated; and to-day he is one of the wealthiest and most influential citizens of Texas. Amongst other handsome property owned by him are, a business block on Main street, and a magnificent residence which occupies two acres of ground in the heart of the city, one of the ornaments and attractions of that lively metropolis; besides which he has a quarter million of dollars invested in business, and other real estate.
Mr. Caven is a son of David and Eliza I. Caven, of Georgia. He married in early life, Miss Virginia Driskill, by whom he has had six children: Janie, aged 18; William, aged 16; David, 14; George Peyton, 12; Virgie Rose, 10; and Thos. Preston, aged 8 years; all of whom are living.
Though actively engaged as we have seen, in his private affairs, building up a colossal fortune, Mr. Caven has found time and inclination to serve his country in more capacities than one. He distinguished himself as a soldier, in the late unfortunate war, serving in Third Texas Cavalry, Ross' brigade. He was actively engaged in the campaigns of this famous command, all over Tennessee and Georgia, and was twice wounded; once at luka, and once at Rome, Georgia.
In politics he is a staunch Democrat; and though not a politician in the full sense of the word, he has, as a Democrat, been returned to the legislature three successive terms, representing his district (Rusk, Panola, Shelby , San Augustine, Sabine and Harrison counties), in the l7th, i8th and 19th sessions, where he was largely instrumental in the preparation and enactment of the wise and beneficent laws passed during his term of service; and as illustrating the esteem in which he was ever held by his colleagues and the presiding officer, he was either chairman, or a member of the most important committees.
Mr. Caven is not a member of any religious organization; humanity is his creed; he believes in the common brotherhood of man, and this is his guide and rule in life; and many there be who can bear testimony to his practical charity and benevolence.
Miss Janie, his eldest daughter, who was educated at Christiansburg, Virginia, on one occasion while going from school to East Virginia in company with friends, was caught in the great Thackston wreck, on the Norfolk and Western railroad. Many were killed and wounded and seventeen perished by the flames which followed the disaster. Miss Caven being but slightly wounded, at once set herself to work for the relief of her unfortunate fellow-travelers, administering to their wants, with a heroism scarcely paralleled in history; and it is related that she was the means of rescuing quite a number of wounded by dragging them from the debris of the ill-fated train. At the time the press throughout the country rang with encomiums on her bravery and unselfish devotion to the wounded. This incident is related to illustrate the nature of the material of which the Caven family is composed. "Like father, like son;" the daughter inheriting doubtless the predominating traits of her father's character, traits which were called, in her case, into activity by the circumstances related. Mr. Caven enjoys the reputation of being as unselfish as his daughter has shown herself to be, and never turns a deaf ear to the woes of others, however humble.
In physique the subject of this sketch is large, and compactly-built, and of commanding presence, being six feet in height and weighs two hundred pounds. He is a man who would be conspicuous in any gathering of intelligent men, a distinctly representative Texan by adoption, and a type of her successful foster-sons. -- Types of Successful Men of Texas, by Lewis E. Daniell, Publ. 1890."
Contributor: Sherry (47010546)
This history furnishes few examples which illustrate more strikingly, both the possibilities and the achievements of success in the new world, than that set forth in the life of Mr. Caven; he is essentially a self-made man, and the prototype of "successful men in Texas." Born in Georgia, October 27, 1833, and receiving a good common school education in Russell county, Alabama, where, in addition to English, he studied Latin and Greek, Mr. Caven came to Texas, we may say, a poor man, with no capital except a good name, a robust physique, a strong will and a keen appreciation of the opportunities which would be afforded for money making in the development of this grand, but, at that time, almost unknown country.
At the age of 24, Mr. Caven immigrated to Texas, settling near Caddo Lake, in Harrison county in the winter of 1859. Here he engaged in farming, having purchased five hundred acres of land, which at that early time, was very cheap. He was successful, from the first; and as immigration began to pour in, and the country to fill up with sturdy settlers, real estate, of course, advanced in value. To his farming interest, Mr. Caven then added buying and selling real estate, principally town property, realizing often, a handsome profit. At one time, notably, just after the war, and before railroads were extended into the interior, the town of Jefferson, in Marion county, being the head of navigation on Cypress Bayou a tributary to Red River main artery of commerce leading to the seashore, became the chief shipping point for a large section of North and East Texas, as well as the distributing point for all merchandise shipped to that section; hence the headquarters of an immense wagon trade. Mr. Caven foresaw that Jefferson would be rapidly built up, and that it offered rare opportunities for real estate speculation. He was not slow to avail himself of the advantage; but removing at once to that city he made a small sum of money by judicious investment. He continued, at the same time, to earn on his farming interest which he enlarged from time to time, until he became one of the leading cotton growers in East Texas. Anticipating the time when, railroads being projected all over the country and pointing to Dallas, that then village, would become a metropolis and great railroad center, Mr. Caven purchased town lots and other property there. These investments yielded him large profits, though some of the properties he held seventeen years before he was induced to sell. Here, the bulk of his fortune was accumulated; and to-day he is one of the wealthiest and most influential citizens of Texas. Amongst other handsome property owned by him are, a business block on Main street, and a magnificent residence which occupies two acres of ground in the heart of the city, one of the ornaments and attractions of that lively metropolis; besides which he has a quarter million of dollars invested in business, and other real estate.
Mr. Caven is a son of David and Eliza I. Caven, of Georgia. He married in early life, Miss Virginia Driskill, by whom he has had six children: Janie, aged 18; William, aged 16; David, 14; George Peyton, 12; Virgie Rose, 10; and Thos. Preston, aged 8 years; all of whom are living.
Though actively engaged as we have seen, in his private affairs, building up a colossal fortune, Mr. Caven has found time and inclination to serve his country in more capacities than one. He distinguished himself as a soldier, in the late unfortunate war, serving in Third Texas Cavalry, Ross' brigade. He was actively engaged in the campaigns of this famous command, all over Tennessee and Georgia, and was twice wounded; once at luka, and once at Rome, Georgia.
In politics he is a staunch Democrat; and though not a politician in the full sense of the word, he has, as a Democrat, been returned to the legislature three successive terms, representing his district (Rusk, Panola, Shelby , San Augustine, Sabine and Harrison counties), in the l7th, i8th and 19th sessions, where he was largely instrumental in the preparation and enactment of the wise and beneficent laws passed during his term of service; and as illustrating the esteem in which he was ever held by his colleagues and the presiding officer, he was either chairman, or a member of the most important committees.
Mr. Caven is not a member of any religious organization; humanity is his creed; he believes in the common brotherhood of man, and this is his guide and rule in life; and many there be who can bear testimony to his practical charity and benevolence.
Miss Janie, his eldest daughter, who was educated at Christiansburg, Virginia, on one occasion while going from school to East Virginia in company with friends, was caught in the great Thackston wreck, on the Norfolk and Western railroad. Many were killed and wounded and seventeen perished by the flames which followed the disaster. Miss Caven being but slightly wounded, at once set herself to work for the relief of her unfortunate fellow-travelers, administering to their wants, with a heroism scarcely paralleled in history; and it is related that she was the means of rescuing quite a number of wounded by dragging them from the debris of the ill-fated train. At the time the press throughout the country rang with encomiums on her bravery and unselfish devotion to the wounded. This incident is related to illustrate the nature of the material of which the Caven family is composed. "Like father, like son;" the daughter inheriting doubtless the predominating traits of her father's character, traits which were called, in her case, into activity by the circumstances related. Mr. Caven enjoys the reputation of being as unselfish as his daughter has shown herself to be, and never turns a deaf ear to the woes of others, however humble.
In physique the subject of this sketch is large, and compactly-built, and of commanding presence, being six feet in height and weighs two hundred pounds. He is a man who would be conspicuous in any gathering of intelligent men, a distinctly representative Texan by adoption, and a type of her successful foster-sons. -- Types of Successful Men of Texas, by Lewis E. Daniell, Publ. 1890."
Contributor: Sherry (47010546)
Inscription
2nd Lt.
Gravesite Details
Confederate Soldier, Co. E, 2 Texas Mtd. Rifles. Born England
Family Members
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