Caleb Bradham facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Caleb Bradham
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Bradham, c. 1900
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Caleb Davis Bradham
May 27, 1867 |
| Died | February 19, 1934 (aged 66) New Bern, North Carolina, U.S.
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| Education | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, University of Maryland School of Medicine |
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| Known for | Inventor of Pepsi and Pepsi-Cola Company |
Caleb Davis Bradham was an American pharmacist. He is famous for inventing the popular soft drink, Pepsi. He was born on May 27, 1867, and passed away on February 19, 1934.
Contents
Early Life
Caleb Davis Bradham was born on May 27, 1867. His hometown was Chinquapin, North Carolina. His parents were George Washington Bradham and Julia McCann Bradham. Caleb had English and Irish family roots.
Becoming an Inventor
Caleb Bradham studied at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He was part of the Philanthropic Society there. He also went to the University of Maryland School of Medicine.
Around 1890, he had to leave medical school. This was because his father's business ran into financial trouble. Caleb returned to North Carolina.
From Teacher to Pharmacist
First, Caleb worked as a public school teacher for about a year. Soon after, he opened his own drug store. It was called the "Bradham Drug Company" in New Bern, North Carolina. Many drug stores back then also had a soda fountain. This was a place where people could buy refreshing drinks.
The Birth of Pepsi
In 1893, Bradham created a new drink at his soda fountain. His drug store was located in downtown New Bern. The original recipe included kola nut extract, vanilla, and special oils. He first called this drink "Brad's Drink."
On August 28, 1898, he renamed it Pepsi-Cola. Bradham chose the name from "pepsin" and "cola." He thought his drink helped with digestion, like the pepsin enzyme. However, pepsin was not actually an ingredient in his drink. His assistant, James Henry King, was the first person to taste the new drink.
Growing the Pepsi-Cola Company
On December 24, 1902, the Pepsi-Cola Company was officially started in North Carolina. Bradham became its first president. On June 16, 1903, the first Pepsi-Cola trademark was registered. This meant the name was legally protected.
Also in 1903, Bradham moved his Pepsi-Cola production. He moved it from his drug store to a nearby rented building. In 1905, he started selling Pepsi-Cola in six-ounce bottles. Before this, he only sold it as a syrup. He also gave out two special agreements, called franchises. These allowed others to bottle Pepsi-Cola in North Carolina.
Later Life and Other Roles
On January 4, 1901, Caleb Bradham married Charity Credle. They lived in New Bern, North Carolina. He owned a house called the Slover-Bradham House for many years. This house is now a historic landmark.
Besides his drug store, Bradham was also very active in his community. He was the president of the People's Bank of New Bern. He also led the Craven County Board of Commissioners. Some people even thought he might run for governor of North Carolina.
Bradham also served in the naval reserve for 25 years. He started as a lieutenant in the North Carolina Naval Militia. He was promoted to commander in 1904, and then to captain in 1913. He retired as a rear admiral. In 1914, he was appointed to a special board for the Naval Militia.
Challenges and Legacy
At its most successful, Pepsi-Cola had franchises in over 24 states. But on May 31, 1923, Bradham and his company faced a big problem. They had to declare bankruptcy.
The main reason was the price of sugar after World War I. Sugar prices went up very high, to 28 cents per pound. Before the war, it was only three cents per pound. Bradham bought a lot of sugar at the high price. But then the price dropped quickly. This caused his business to lose a lot of money.
The company's assets were sold for $30,000. After this, Bradham went back to running his drug store. He passed away on February 19, 1934, in New Bern, North Carolina.
See also
In Spanish: Caleb Davis Bradham para niños
