Source: "Portrait and Biographical Record - Published 1894 by Excelsior Publishing Co., Chicago" Page 436

James Mathew McNair, a well-known citizen of the town of Plymouth, dates his settlement from 1861, though he has owned the place where he now lives since 1852. Mr. McNair is a native of Glasgow, Scotland, his birth having occurred June 26, 1811. His parents were also natives of Glasgow, as were several generations preceding them. Mathew McNair, Sr., was a weaver by occupation, and our subject learned that trade, becoming an expert in all branches of cotton-weaving. He was at one time overseer in a factory of sixty looms. The father died at the advanced age of ninety-five years. The paternal grandfather of Mr. McNair was James McNair, and one of the first events of his life that he remembers was his attending the funeral of the old gentleman. In his father's family there were seven children, four sons and three daughters. James Mathew is the eldest; Robert, a prominent and respected citizen of Glasgow, is next in order of birth; and John resides in Brooklin, N. Y. These three sons are the only surviving members of the family.

The subject of this article was married in Glasgow, in 1831, to Miss Mary Stewart. In 1848, Mr. McNair emigrated to this country, and located at Wappinger's Falls, N. Y., where he operated a sizing-machine, preparing warp for the loom. Later the factory at that place was destroyed by fire, and our subject then removed to Rochester, of the same State, where he engaged in the same business for John Vickery, remaining in his employ for some six years.

In 1861, as stated above, he came to Wisconsin. Mr. and Mrs. McNair became the parents of six children, three sons and three daughters, four of whom are living, namely: Mary, Agnes, James and Mathew. Margaret and Mathew died in childhood, in the old home in Scotland.

In 1888, Mr. McNair was bereft of his wife, who had for so many years shared the joys and sorrows of life with him. She was a woman of many excellent traits of character and was beloved by all who knew her.

Mr. McNair has seen much of the world, and has added to the knowledge that he has acquired through observation by extensive reading. He possesses much general information, and is a man of more than ordinary intelligence. While he has reached his eighty-third year, he is still mentally and physically active.

Return to the Sheboygan Page

Return to Bios page