J. E. Caldwell & Co. Jewelers in Philadelphia

James Emmett Caldwell was born in 1813 in Poughkeepsie, New York. He trained in the jewelry and watchmaking trades by apprenticing with Peter B. Hayes in his hometown. After completing his training, Caldwell worked in New York City and later moved to Philadelphia. In 1839, he opened his own shop with Mr. Bennett as a partner. This shop was Philadelphia's first and became its finest jewelry store. From 1848 through 1856, John C. Farr was Caldwell's partner. Before circa 1860, Caldwell advertised that they manufactured silver flatware and holloware. After 1860, the company's advertising dropped the word manufacturer and focused on being a retailer of silver rather than a manufacturer. Soon, J. E. Caldwell & Co. became one of Philadelphia's major jewelry and silver retailers. James E. Caldwell ran the business until he died in 1881. His son, J. Albert Caldwell, ran the company until he died in 1914. He was succeeded by his son, J. Emmett Caldwell.