James YORK, 1865 - 1919

James Masterton York was the third son of James York and Anne Macgregor. He was born on 24^th October 1865 at Middle Parish, Greenock.

His father was a harbour contractor in Greenock. In 1881 James was at 56 Union Street with the rest of his family, he was still studying.

In 1887, when James was 22, his mother died, but by that time James had already left home.

It is not clear the family changed its name from York to Yorke between 1881 and 1891. There is a story of a York family rift that caused the change. Whatever, James remained a York.

James moved to South Africa and became a Master Builder there. He married Elizabeth Angus Ward in Johannesburg, Transvaal, South Africa, but they had no children.

He died at Somerset Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa, on 15^th January 1919, aged 53. He was interred at Marland cemetery.

He left less than £300 to his wife, who was living with Guard Williams at Plumstead Station, Capetown, South Africa.

FAMILY TREE