Background
James Howe McClure was born on 8 July 1851 in the Barony district of Glasgow, the son of James Howe McClure (1812–1891) and Grace (née Buchanan).
James Howe McClure was born on 8 July 1851 in the Barony district of Glasgow, the son of James Howe McClure (1812–1891) and Grace (née Buchanan).
His father remarried in 1872 to Charlotte Russell, sister of the Welsh entrepreneur James Cholmeley Russell. James played his club rugby for West of Scotland Football Club. He was capped once for Scotland in 1872.