Fuller Earle Callaway facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Fuller Earle Callaway
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Callaway c. 1918
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| Born | July 15, 1870 LaGrange, Georgia, U.S.
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| Died | February 12, 1928 (aged 57) LaGrange, Troup County, Georgia, U.S.
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| Occupation | Businessman, textile manufacturer |
| Spouse(s) | Ida Cason Callaway |
| Children | 2 |
Fuller Earle Callaway Sr. (1870–1928) was an important American businessman. He was known for making textiles, which are fabrics like cotton. He became one of the most successful business leaders in the Southern United States in the early 1900s.
Contents
Fuller Callaway's Life
Early Years and First Business
Fuller E. Callaway was born in LaGrange, Georgia, on July 15, 1870. His father, Rev. Abner Reeves Callaway, was a Baptist minister. Fuller's mother, Sarah Jane Howard, passed away when he was eight years old. His family was also known for founding the Callaway Plantation in Washington, Georgia.
Fuller was very good at business from a young age. When he was 18, he had saved $500. He also borrowed some money to open a "dime store" in his hometown of LaGrange. This store was like the famous F.W. Woolworth & Co. stores.
His store was a big success. It grew to become the largest store in LaGrange. It was also the main store in a small group of stores he owned in the area.
Becoming a Textile Manufacturer
Fuller's success with his stores gave him money to invest. In 1895, he put money into Dixie Mills, which was LaGrange's first modern textile factory. Textile factories make cloth from materials like cotton.
Fuller later shared how many towns in the South wanted to build cotton mills back then. People would buy shares in the company to become directors. Even poor families would invest, hoping to find work in the mills. Many poor white families, who had strong morals and religion, moved to towns to work in these cotton mills. They could not grow cotton for a living anymore.
At first, managers from New England ran the mill. But soon, investors asked Fuller to take over running the factory himself. He made the business strong and successful. Fuller then sold his shares, thinking he would leave the textile business. However, this decision did not last long.
In 1901, Fuller was a main investor in a new factory called Unity Mills. He worked as the secretary-treasurer for this company, which later became known as Kex Plant. He kept investing his profits back into the business for the next 20 years. He also opened several other mills within 100 miles of LaGrange.
Other Businesses and Public Service
Fuller Callaway expanded his business empire beyond textiles. He helped start other companies, such as the LaGrange National Bank and the LaGrange Savings Bank. He also started the Security Warehouse Company and two development companies.
From 1907 to 1909, Fuller served as a Railroad Commissioner of Georgia. This group helped manage railroads in the state. For a time, he was also the president of the American Cotton Manufacturers Association.
In 1919, President Woodrow Wilson chose Fuller to be on a special committee. This committee had 22 members and was called the Industrial Relations Committee. They met in October to try and agree on wages and prices after World War I. Many workers were on strike, trying to get better pay and working conditions. Thousands of soldiers were also coming home and looking for jobs. The committee tried to help, but they were not successful in reaching a broad agreement.
Death and Lasting Impact
Fuller E. Callaway Sr. passed away on February 12, 1928. He died at his home, Hills and Dales Estate, in LaGrange, Georgia.
His son, Fuller E. Callaway Jr., later became the CEO of Callaway Mills, continuing his father's work. Callaway Plaza at the Georgia Institute of Technology is named after him. His other son, Cason Jewel Callaway, founded the famous Callaway Gardens.
