James McCreath (1785-1865) married Isabelle Dinnan (c1811-1887)
James, the son of Robert McCreath (Flesher) and Mary Montgomerie, was a Shoemaker. He died in Ayr, age 79, on 23 March 1865. He was survived by his wife, Isabelle. The informant was his son-in-law, Joseph Gray.
James married Isabelle Dinnan (Dinning) on 20 January 1833 at St Quivox, Ayr, when he was 48. She was some twenty years his junior. James’ military service may account for his late age of marriage.
In the 1851 Census, James is listed as a ‘Pensioner of Chelsea of the 91st Regiment of Foot’.
Raised in 1796, the 98th (Argyllshire Highlanders) Regiment of Foot was re-named the 91st Regiment of Foot in 1809. The Regiment lost its Highland status and no longer wore the kilt or tartan but instead the same uniform as other Regiments of the line. From 1812-1814, the 91st fought in the Peninsular War in Spain and Portugal. Thereafter to Ireland, before seeing action in Holland in the Napoleonic War. The Regiment took part in the Battle of Waterloo as part of the combined British, Dutch, Belgium and German force under the command of the Duke of Wellington.
It is not known when James enlisted. Yet to be substantiated, it is more than likely, however, that James served at Waterloo – since eligibility for a pension was either injury at age 30 or over, or twenty years service. In terms of age, James was just eligible.
In 1841 James is listed as a Shoemaker and Army Pensioner at Dunure Castle.
According to the 1851 Census, James, then 61, was a Shoemaker and Innkeeper employing 2 men, living at the Fisherton Inn. His wife Isabella was 42.