James Chaine facts for kids
James Chaine (born 1841, died 1885) was an important Irish businessman. He worked in shipping and was also a politician. He represented County Antrim in the British Parliament from 1874 until his death.
James was born to James Chaine and Maria. His family lived in places like Ballycraigy and Carncastle. He went to school in Blackheath, London. In 1863, he married Henrietta Creery from Newcastle, County Down.
Building Important Connections
James Chaine played a big part in connecting places. He helped create important travel routes. These routes linked Larne in Ireland with Stranraer in Scotland.
He also worked to connect Larne Harbour with the United States and other parts of Ireland. He was a director of the Larne and Stranraer Boat Company. He was also the main person behind building the port and harbour in Larne.
Chaine also helped fund and build railway lines. These lines connected Larne to Ballyclare and Larne to Ballymena. This railway was known as the Ballymena and Larne Railway. These connections made travel and trade much easier.
His Time in Politics
In 1874, James Chaine was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP). He represented the area of Antrim. He kept this job until he passed away in May 1885. He was 43 years old when he died.
Chaine was one of a few Irish MPs who came from the world of big business. Most other MPs at the time were landowners or from old land-owning families. James Chaine himself became a large landowner. He bought big estates in Carncastle and Killead. He also owned a very large estate called Ballycraigy.
Remembering James Chaine
James Chaine made many great contributions to the people he represented. Because of his work, a special monument was built for him. It is located in Larne Harbour. This monument is known as the "Chaine Memorial Tower".
His Death
James Chaine died after catching a chill. This chill turned into pneumonia. His belongings and property were valued at £62,681. He was buried near Sandy Point, overlooking Larne Lough. The Chaine Memorial, which looks like an old Irish round tower, was built in Larne in 1888 to remember him.
