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James McKain, my 4 x Great Grand Uncle, was the eldest son of James and Ann (nee Honeywood) McKain and was born in 1781 at Bungay, Norfolk.
On the death of his father, James senior, in 1828, James succeeded him as the 17th Chief of Ardnamurchan (source: "History and Genealogy of the Ancient House of Ardnamurchan" by C.A.Mackain)
James junior married Kate Lewis, daughter of Captain William Dobbin R.N. of the ancient family of Carrickfergus, on 4th January 1821 at Steynton, Pembrokeshire
James and Kate had nine children.
In his career in the Royal Navy, James saw action in 1801, as a Midshipman, at the Battle of Copenhagen and in 1807 at the Battle of the Dardanelles. Henceforth he served for 25 years as Purser (Paymaster), Naval Storekeeper and Clerk of the Cheque at His Majesty's Dockyards during the following periods:-
Lisbon 1808-1815, Pembroke 1815-1822, Sheerness 1822-1827, Woolwich 1827-1832
Note:- I have in my possession an original letter written by James in August 1813 at Lisbon to Sir Charles Stuart, K.B.* The letter reads: "Sir, In reply to your Excellency's letter of yesterday's date I have to inform you that I have since my communication of the 6th made every enquiry for a Diver to ascertain the state of the Raphael's Guns but have not yet been able to find one adequate to that task: and I have not used any other measure, this appearing to me to be the first possible step. I have the honor to be, Sir, Your Excellency's most obedient, humble Servant. James McKain Naval Officer"
* 1st Baron Stuart of Rothesay and member of the Regency of Portugal during the Peninsular War
James retired on 27th June 1832 and later went to Bordeaux, France where he resided until his death.
(source: "History and Genealogy of the Ancient House of Ardnamurchan" by C.A.Mackain)
James McKain died in 1845.
PROVED at London 23rd June 1845 before the Judge, by the oath of James Dobbin McKain.