Political Career
John Caldwell was elected in 1897 on the Republican ticket as a representative for the state of Michigan. Two years later he was reelected to the legislature receiving 3,173 votes to 1,888 votes for Joseph Yarnell (Democratic People's Union silver certificate).
The Escanaba Tribune reports in an article of June 1900 titled "The Tax Detective Here. Representative John Caldwell visits Escanaba in the interest of the Tax Commission"
| “ | The state representative John Caldwell is in Escanaba in the interest of Tax Commission. Mr. Caldwell is a member of the present house of representatives, serving his second term from the Wexford district and is one of best known timbermen of the lower peninsula. John Caldwell of Manton, Michigan, who is employed by the state Tax Commission to inspect the timber industries of the Upper Peninsula arrived in the city yesterday afternoon and will meet with the county board of supervisors at their special session next Tuesday to adjust the taxation of the various mill properties of Delta county. | ” |
The article even explains the authority he has from the state of Michigan:
| “ | His authority for this work is given in a signed letter from the tax commissioners which is as follows:
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Caldwell gave an assessment of Missakee County in 1900 to the state of Michigan legislature saying:
| “ | I think that Missakee County is and has been valued higher than it should be, as compared to other counties. You are aware that this county's principle value has been in the pine timber which formed unbroken forests over the greater part of its area. All this timber has been removed, with the exception of 8,747 acres (35.40 km2), principally in the township of Norwick. | ” |
He then summarized the forest products and acreage involved with each of these products. The total acreage involved was 339,097 acres (1,372.28 km2).
Caldwell took much interest in public matters and served Caldwell township as highway commissioner, township clerk, township treasurer, justice of the peace, township supervisor, and school board officer. He was involved with the township's educational interests and at times filled the school offices, which advanced the educational interests of the community. Caldwell was the county treasurer of Missaukee County for four years and supervisor for ten years.
Caldwell was also involved with the laws concerning hunting deer in northern Michigan.
Read more about this topic: John Caldwell (Michigan Politician)
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