William Caldwell

William Caldwell (c. 1750 – 20 February 1822) was an Irish-born Loyalist military officer and a colonial official in the British Indian Department. He fought against the Patriots during the American Revolutionary War, serving with Butler's Rangers based at Fort Niagara and Fort Detroit. After the war, together with other Loyalists, Caldwell was granted land in Upper Canada (now Ontario). He became a farmer and merchant, and is credited with the founding of the New Settlement east of the mouth of the Detroit River. During the War of 1812 he was authorized to recruit a unit of mounted volunteers known as Caldwell's Rangers that saw action at the Battle of the Thames. Caldwell briefly served as Deputy Superintendent of Indians for the Western District beginning in 1814.

Early life

Caldwell is thought to be the son of William Caldwell and his wife Rebekka of County Fermanagh, Ireland. He emigrated to Virginia in 1773, and in 1774, served as an officer under John Murray, 4th Earl of Dunmore during Lord Dunmore's War.

Revolutionary War

Following the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War, Caldwell again served under Dunmore at the Burning of Norfolk in January 1776. He was injured during this engagement and evacuated to New York. After recovering from his wounds, Caldwell went to Fort Niagara, where he joined the British Indian Department. He was present at the Siege of Fort Stanwix in August 1777. Caldwell transferred to Butler's Rangers upon its formation later that year. He was commissioned a captain on 24 December 1777 and given command of a company.