Caleb Bradham
Caleb Davis Bradham | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Chinquapin, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Died | February 19, 1934 (aged 66) New Bern, Craven County, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Pharmacist, businessman |
| Known for | Creator of Pepsi-Cola |
Caleb Davis Bradham (May 27, 1867 – February 19, 1934) was an American pharmacist and the creator of the Pepsi-Cola Company, renowned for developing the soft drink Pepsi.
Early life
Bradham was born in Chinquapin, North Carolina and descended from English and Scots-Irish ancestry. He completed his education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and pursued further studies at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.
Bradham Drug Store Company
Following his father's business failure around 1890, Bradham left medical school and returned to North Carolina. He briefly worked as a public school teacher before establishing the "Bradham Drug Company" in New Bern, North Carolina, which featured a soda fountain. It was at this location in 1893 that he formulated a drink blending kola nut extract, vanilla, and "rare oils," originally named "Brad's Drink." On August 28, 1898, this beverage was rebranded as Pepsi-Cola. The term combines "dyspepsia" with "cola," highlighting Bradham’s aim to promote it as a digestive tonic. The first person to sample the drink was his assistant James Henry King.
Pepsi-Cola
Bradham officially founded the Pepsi-Cola Company in North Carolina on December 24, 1902, assuming the role of president. The inaugural Pepsi-Cola trademark was registered on June 16, 1903. That same year, production shifted from his drugstore to a nearby leased facility. By 1905, Bradham began marketing Pepsi-Cola in six-ounce bottles instead of solely as syrup and issued two franchises to bottlers within North Carolina.
In addition to overseeing his drugstore operations, Bradham held the position of president at the People's Bank of New Bern and served as chairman of the Craven County Board of Commissioners. He was once considered a potential candidate for governor of North Carolina. His naval reserve service spanned 25 years, during which he rose from lieutenant in the North Carolina Naval Militia to captain by 1913, ultimately retiring with the rank of rear admiral. In 1914, Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels appointed him to the General Naval Militia Board.
Success and buy out
At its height, Bradham's Pepsi-Cola Company had franchising agreements across more than 24 states. Nevertheless, on May 31, 1923, it filed for bankruptcy due primarily to fluctuating sugar prices following World War I: Bradham had purchased sugar at 28 cents per pound (a significant increase from pre-war prices of three cents), but prices subsequently dropped drastically. As a result, the company's assets were acquired by Craven Holding Company for $30,000. After this financial setback, Bradham resumed managing his drugstore.
Personal life
On January 4, 1901, Bradham married Charity Credle in New Bern, North Carolina. He owned the Slover-Bradham House from 1908 until his death in 1934; this residence was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. Bradham passed away on February 19, 1934, in New Bern, Craven County, North Carolina.