Background
James attended the common schools, and worked on his father"s farm.
politician member of the New York State Senate
James attended the common schools, and worked on his father"s farm.
The family removed to Madison County, New York, in 1817. In 1832, he became a merchant"s clerk, and in 1836 opened his own business in Fayetteville, Onondaga County. In 1838, he removed to Peterboro.
He entered politics as a Democrat. Became a friend of Gerrit Smith and was a member of the Liberty Party. And joined the Republican Party upon its foundation.
He was Supervisor of the Town of Smithfield in 1846 and 1847.
And a member of the New York State Assembly (Madison Company, 2nd Doctorate) in 1860. He was elected a Justice of the Peace in 1860.
And was a member of the New York State Senate (23rd Doctorate) in 1866 and 1867.
