Born in County Cork, Ireland with the surname O’Flynn. Left Ireland for England, possibly for political reasons, and changed his surname to Abraham. Accompanied to England by some of his brothers, some of whom went on to America and Australia. Went on to South Africa and settled in Durban.
Married Gertrude Elizabeth Lillywhite and fathered 10 children. From Durban, he moved to Dundee, where, at one stage, he had a jewellers store in what was the Masonic Hotel, now El Mpati. In Dundee he formed and commanded the Northern Districts Mounted Rifles (N.D.M.R.) which was later absorbed by the Natal Mounted Rifles. There is a signed photograph in the Dundee Museum. The horse he rode during the rebellion was named “Bambata”.
There is a story told by a Mr. Labuschagne who lived on a farm near Wasbank. Apparently, Mr. Labuschagne was dismounted when two Zulus with assegaais went for him. Major James Metcalfe was on horseback and fired one bullet killing both Zulus. His revolver, a .45 Webley, is in the museum on Old Fort Road in Durban.
James Metcalfe told his wife before his death that he had mining concessions with a Mr. Calverley in Zululand; no one knows anything about these concessions and there are no goldmines in Zululand.

Grandpa’s second in command in the N.D.M.R.
James and his horse were struck by lightning during a storm near the Nqutu Post Office.