18 Facts About James Macrae

James Macrae was a Scottish seaman and administrator who served as the President of Fort St George from 1725 to 1730.

James Macrae is known for naval exploits against the pirate Edward England and for reforming the administration of Madras Presidency.

James Macrae's father died when he was barely five years old and the family moved to the town of Ayr, where they lived in a thatched hut.

James Macrae did not have any formal education of his own, but picked up bits and pieces of knowledge on the world around him.

James Macrae added his own to the family's meagre earnings by delivering messages.

Tired of poverty, James Macrae soon ran away from home and sailed to India.

James Macrae worked as a seaman in service of the British East India Company and rose to become captain.

James Macrae enlisted the support of the king of the island and engaged the pirates once more.

The East India Company, impressed by the James Macrae's abilities, appointed him Superintendent in 1723, to investigate and end the chronic corruption that affected the English settlements on the west coast of Sumatra.

In 1723, James Macrae was appointed Deputy Governor of Fort St David.

James Macrae restored decrepit buildings, strengthened fortifications, and promoted the first Protestant mission to the city in 1726.

James Macrae sent a small army which restored order in the city.

Back in England, Walsh launched several charges against James Macrae thereby prompting a detailed investigation.

James Macrae returned to Great Britain in 1730 and settled in the London suburb of Blackheath.

At Blackheath, James Macrae researched on his clan McGuire and traced their ancestry to Ayr.

James Macrae himself moved to Ayr, a couple of years later.

James Macrae financed an equestrian statue to William II of Scotland at Glasgow.

In 1736, James Macrae purchased a property belonging to Hugh Bailie of Monktown, renaming it Orangefield.