James Drysdale, Kincardine

The grave of Captain James Drysdale in Tulliallan Old Kirkyard, Kincardine, West Fife.

My father, James Drysdale Young, was named after this man, and never knew the story behind his name. He only knew that, according to family tradition, James D. was "a great man".
What was it that bestowed greatness on James in our family's eyes? That's what I'd like to find out.
The memorial inscription tells us that James died at sea in 1889. His wife Euphemia was the sister of my great-grandfather, John Young, who was a ship's carpenter. Perhaps John sailed with James. Perhaps it was some incident at sea that earned James the gratitude of his wife's family.
If anyone with Drysdale connections knows more of Captain James I'd be grateful to hear from them.