James Caldwell, Sr. came to SC with widowed mother about 1770; bore no active part in the Revolution until 1780, after which he commanded a company of militia. On 17 Jan 1781, as company commander under Gen. Pickens, he was severely wounded by Tarleton's Dragoons at Cowpens; was incapacitated for further service. After the war, he abducted the notorious Tory Matthew Love
from the courtroom at Ninety Six, SC and helped to hang him. He served one term in the House of
Representatives and resigned. In Dec 1807 he was elected Sheriff of Newberry Dist., SC by the Legislature. He joined Little River Presbyterian Church.