James C. Bolton
James Calderwood Bolton | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Alexandria, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Died | September 10, 1974 (aged 75) |
| Occupation | Banker |
| Known for | President and chairman of Rapides Bank; civic leadership in Alexandria, Louisiana |
James Calderwood Bolton (April 18, 1899 – September 10, 1974) was a distinguished banker based in Alexandria, Louisiana, continuing the professional tradition established by his father and brother. He received his education through public schooling and attended Culver Military Academy in Indiana before serving in the United States Army during the First World War.
Biography
Bolton obtained a Bachelor of Science degree from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania in 1920. Following this, he gained experience in the credit department at the National Bank of Commerce in New York City from 1921 to 1922. Subsequently, he joined his father’s institution, Rapides Bank in Alexandria, where he advanced through various positions: assistant cashier (1922–1925), vice president (1925–1936), president (1936–1955), and eventually chairman of the board from 1956 until his passing.
In addition to his banking career, Bolton held board memberships including a directorship at the Delta Cotton Oil and Fertilizer Company located in Jackson, Mississippi. His public service included membership on Louisiana’s Board of Public Welfare under Governors Robert F. Kennon and Jimmie Davis, as well as chairmanship of the Alexandria Civil Service Commission between 1944 and 1970. During his tenure as president of the LSU Foundation from 1964 to 1965, he contributed significantly to the establishment of Louisiana State University at Alexandria; the university’s library is named in his honor. Bolton was also active within the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce, serving as president during 1930–1931 and later chairing industrial development efforts from 1965 to 1974. His leadership extended to professional associations such as the Louisiana Bankers Association (president, 1933–1934) and the state division of the American Bankers Association (president, 1935). His civic engagements encompassed leadership roles within Baptist organizations and participation in Kiwanis International.
In 1924, Bolton married Frances Sample from Shreveport; together they had two daughters named Mary Eleanor and Frances.
Legacy
In 1979, descendants of Bolton gifted their grandparents’ Queen Anne–style residence from the late 1890s, situated downtown Alexandria, to the city. This historic property was repurposed as the River Oaks Square Arts Center and is recognized on the National Register of Historic Places.