Lamont, James, Sir, 1st Baronet (1828 -1913)

James Lamont of Knockdow, of Inverchaolain in Argyllshire, was born 18 November 1880, the only son of Alexander Lamont of Knockdow and his cousin, Jane, daughter of Alexander Chrystie of Balchrystie in Fife. James was an adventurous young man, he tried the army, and his uncle's sugar plantation, but preferred to use the fortune he inherited from his uncle in exploring Africa, North America, Scandinavia and the Arctic, and in satisfying a prodigious taste for hunting. He commemorated his exploits in books, Yachting in the Arctic Seas and Seasons with the sea horses and sporting adventures in the northern seas (1861). He succeeded his father in 1861. He married, 10 March 1868, Adelaide Eliza, elder surviving daughter of Sir George William Denys, 2nd Baronet, of Draycott in Yorkshire. He was created a Baronet 16 July 1910. Sir James was succeeded on his death in 1913 in the Baronetcy by his younger son, Norman. The elder brother, Alexander was killed on the North West frontier in 1897. Sir Norman never married, and the estates passed on his death in 1949 to his sister Augusta, and on her death in 1958 to a cousin. The contents of Knockdow including the library were sold in Glasgow by Phillips on 3, 4 and 5 July 1990.