Research
tells us that John Caldwell who married Mary Holmes was born in
Londonderry, Ireland on 16 Sep 1630 and died 18 Nov 1692. This
was during the time of Cromwell. Joseph, son of John and Mary
was also born in in January of 1657, almost two years before Cromwell's
death. Joseph was the father of Cub Creek John who married Margaret
Phillips.
It
is possible that these Irish Protestant Caldwells were Tories
(royalists intent on preserving the king's authority over Parliament),
however keep in mind that the Irish Protestants under the command
of Baron of Inchiquin joined the Catholic Confederates against
Cromwell.
If
the stories of Caldwells seeking freedom from religious prosecution
ring true, then it stands to reason that our Caldwells fought
Oliver Cromwell on the side of the Irish to defend their Presbyterian
beliefs and be free of the Church of England.
It
is possible that Caldwells fought against the Catholics in Ireland
as the county was divided, but keep in mind that neither side
of that division trusted Cromwell. Since "Cub Creek John"
was a founder and elder of the First Presbyterian Church of Virginia,
and in light of Cromwells invasion of Scotland to battle the Kirk,
it is highly unlikely that a Caldwell rode into battle for Cromwell
and more likely rode in battle against him.
Caldwells
coming to America from Scotland or England around 1655 might have
been of those captured at the battle of Dunbar.
Since
our line of Caldwell, descendant from John Caldwell and May Holmes,
were Presbyterians who came to America from Ireland it is hard
to conclude whether our Caldwells stood on the side of Cromwell
or against him. If a Caldwell was a backer or supporter of Cromwell,
then it is safe to conclude that any support was short-lived as
Cromwell turned on his backers and supporters after declaring
himself "Lord Protector" and any relationship would
have quickly disappeared.
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