James Macgregor

James Macgregor (1 August 1808 – 5 September 1858) was a British banker, railway chairman and politician.

Early life James Macgregor, Esq. (sometimes spelled Mac Gregor or M'Gregor) was born in Liverpool, England on 1 August 1808, the son of Alexander Macgregor, Esq. of Bloomhill in Manchester, England.

Business career James Macgregor began his business career as a banker in Liverpool, serving as the manager of Liverpool Commercial Banking Company. In September 1845 Macgregor was elected chairman and managing director of South Eastern Railway. The position gave Macgregor full autonomy over the railway's operations. After nine challenging years dealing with the line's expansion and acrimonious relations with other railways, Macgregor resigned in 1854.

In addition to his private business responsibilities, Macgregor served as MP for Sandwich, England beginning in 1852 until his defeat in 1857. at St Marylebone Parish Church

Macgregor secondly married Catherine Pendarvis Lochner at St Mary on Paddington Green Church on 11 August 1849, and with her had an additional five children, including Lt.-Col. James Pendarvis Macgregor.

A grandson was John Cecil Currie (1898 – 26 June 1944).

James Macgregor died in London on 5 September 1858, aged 50.