Full Name:	Captain Thomas Mayne Reid
Born:	4 April 1818
Died:	22 October 1883
Place of Birth:	Ballyroney Manse
Place of Rest:	Kensal Green Cemetery, London
Claim to Fame:	Famous writer
Link to the Area:	Born in Ballyroney, he was the son of Reverend Thomas Reid. His maternal grandfather was the Reverend Samuel Rutherford, a descendant of the 'hot and hasty Rutherford' mentioned in Sir Walter Scott's poem 'Marmion' which would account for Mayne Reid’s fiery temperament. He was educated for the church, but a love of adventure drove him to America. There he tried various callings and travelled widely as a hunter and trader. He also served in the US army in the Mexican War. Thomas Mayne Reid served well during this war with prominent parts played in the capture of posts of strategic importance. Afterwards he came to London where he made his home for the next 34 years and gained a reputation as a writer of thrilling adventure stories. Many of these stories were based upon his own experiences. Mayne Reid's unique experiences coupled with his knowledge of men and of the world stood him in good stead in the early portion of his literary career. Some of his stories include 'The Boy Slaves', 'The Boy Hunters', 'Scalp Hunters', 'The Rifle Rangers' and 'The Headless Horseman'.