James Low, son of John Low and Elizabeth Cloudsley, was born 16 April 1825 at Kirkhill, Dun, Angus, Scotland. In 1841 at the age of 16, he was described as a wright's apprentice, living with his parents at Dun, Angus. By 1849, he was married to Isobel Donaldson and living in Montrose. In 1856 he was described as a Joiner (journeyman). By 1861, the family was living in two rooms in a two family dwelling at 13 India Lane in Montrose where he was described as a Cartwright. In 1870 and 1880 he was described as a Cartwright (master).

From at least 1884 until James' death in 1902, the family lived at 31 Market Street, Montrose.

James Low died without a Will. The Calendar of Confirmations and Inventories reads:

LOW, James, Cartwright, Market Street, Montrose, died 15 November 1902, at Montrose, intestate, Confirmation granted at Forfar, 23 March, to John Low, Cart and Wheel Wright, King Street, Montrose, his son, Execute dative qua next of kin. Value of Estate 760 pounds 1 shilling. Eik granted 8 May, to the above Executor, Value of Additional Estate 30 pounds 18 shillings 10 pence.


His wife Isobel or Isabella Donaldson was born at Craig, Angus, probably around 1822, but records conflict by several years. She died 19 November 1864, probably at Montrose.

There may have been additional children born to this family between 1861 and 1864, but the records for those years have not been searched.

The gravestone for this family is located at Dun, Angus, and is inscribed:

Erected by John, James and Catherine Low in memory of their father James Low Cartwright, Montrose who died 15th Nov 1902 aged 78 also their mother Isabella Donaldson died 19th Nov 1864 aged 41 also Elizabeth William who died in infancy.