William Caldwell (ranger)

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William Caldwell (c. 1750 – 20 February 1822) was an Irish immigrant to North America who fought in several conflicts as a British soldier. In 1774, he served in Dunmore's War. With the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War, Caldwell served with Lord Dunmore's forces in the attack on Norfolk, Virginia, and was injured. Afterwards, he was appointed a captain in Butler's Rangers. Based out of Detroit, he led a force of about 50 rangers in many battles and expeditions in Kentucky and the Ohio Country. In 1782, he led his rangers and American Indians in victories over the Crawford expedition, and at the battle of Blue Licks.

After the war, he settled in the Detroit region. He became a merchant; his partner was Matthew Elliott. With the outbreak of the War of 1812, he was given command of a group called Caldwell's Rangers (or the Western Rangers). He fought at the battle of the Thames and the battle of Longwoods, among many other actions.