From the Galloway Advertiser & Wigtown Free Press Thursday 29th April 1897

Another of our well known and highly respected resident has passed away in the person of James Kinna. The mournful event took place at his residence at Masonfield on Saturday morning after a severe illness of several weeks age 69.

Mr Kinna was a native of the district but his early years were engaged in business in Liverpool. Retiring from business some 30 years ago. He returned to his native parish of Minnigaff and some time resided in Machermore Castle but subsequently erected a hansom house known by the name of Masonfield, situated in it's own grounds on the Stewartry side of the Cree, in which he resided until his death. He possessed of a considerable amount of house property both in the town of Newton Stewart an in the Minnigaff side of the Cree. In his younger days he was fond of shooting and fishing and enjoyed the sport very much. He was a member of the Parochial Board of Minnigaff and Penningham, and took an active part in the business of both boards for a considerable number of years. He was also a member of the Minnigaff School Board.

In Policies he was an ardent and consistent Liberal and in both Stewartry and Wigtownshire did yeoman service for the cause in promoting the interest of the Liberal candidates - frequently occupying the position of chairman at public meetings and as a member of the Liberal Association and parish committees. Mr Kinna was a well-informed man of broad and liberal views and having the courage of his convictions was not afraid to state his opinion on any subject. he dispensed his charity. Being possessed of ample means he was every ready to help the poor and those in distress and many will miss him greatly for his liberality and the unostentatious manner - lways acting as he did, on the principle not to be his left hand know what his right hand did.

He was widely known and highly respected, and his genial presence will be greatly missed by his immediate friends and acquaintances and the public generally.

His remains were interred in Minnigaff church yard on Tuesday.