The third son of John McCreath  and Agnes Lochead, James McCreath, was born in 1790 at Lochanhill, Maybole.

A cotton hand loom weaver to trade, James married Margaret Craig.  They had 9 children – three boys and six girls. 

Two of the girls died in infancy; the names of these two children – Margaret and Marion – being given to two later-born children. No biographical information about Mary McCreath has yet been found. She does not appear on the 1841 Census.

The three males – John (the first-born), James (the second last) and Robert (the last born) – all established thriving lines. John remained in Scotland while James and Robert emigrated to the USA with at least three of their sisters – Margaret, Marion and Anne.

John McCreath (1817 – 1869) married Elizabeth Walker.

Margaret McCreath (i) (1818 – before 1823). Died in infancy.

Mary McCreath (1822 – ??). Died young, before 1841?

Margaret McCreath (ii) (1823 – 1906). Married William Lyle at Stark County, Illinois.

Marion McCreath (i) (1826 – before 1828). Died in infancy.

Marion McCreath (ii) (1828 – 1923). Married George W. Baker at Henry County, Illinois on 15 February 1860. Died 22 May 1923 at Neponset, Bureau, Illinois.

Anne McCreath (1833 – ??) Married name Lester. Lived in California

James McCreath (1835 – 1919) married Mary Ann Graham (1837-1916)

Robert McCreath (1837- 1922). Married Taletha Hamilton.

Obituary Notice for Margaret McCreath lists other siblings

Reference: Kewanee Star Courier, Wednesday, 25 July 1906 obituary, transcribed 27 Jun 1997, Kewanee Public Library, 102 S. Tremont St., Kewanee, IL 61443.