James was an original proprietor of Tisbury, on Martha’s Vineyard, and was one of only two of those proprietors who remained as a settler. He married about 1662, possibly in Braintree if that’s where he’s fron. His first three children are recorded at Sandwich, from 1663 to 1667. He probably met James Skiffe and other Martha’s Vineyard proprietors in Sandwich. “Takemmy” was purchased from the Indians in the summer of 1669.

No more children are recorded at Sandwich after that, and James became one of the largest landholders on the Vineyard. He lived in Tisbury for about 20 years before moving to Chilmark. He began purchasing a large estate there in 1677, and moved there sometime before 1687. The estate eventually amounted to more than 250 acres. He gave the land to his sons Ebenezer, Samuel and Ichabod before his death, and did not leave a will.

James did not have many public offices, but he was prominent through his holdings in the area. He was the first to serve as a justice of the King’s Bench who was not related to the powerful Mayhew family. He held this position for six years or so. [1078]

In March 1699, James received 5 lots in what appears to be a re-division of lots granted in Tisbury in 1678, 1 with Israel Luce, 1 with John Manter, and 3 by himself. He was also involved in surveying the areas. (Records of Tisbury, where James' last mention is in 1704)

Banks also says James is the son of Samuel of Braintree, who died in 1669 and named son James in will.

Savage’s: JAMES, Sandwhich, perhaps s. of George the first, had Amey, b. 22 Dec. 1665; and Abigail, 28 Sept. 1667, and prob. sev. others, yet it may be that some were b. after rem. to Tisbury, had w. Elizabeth and d. 20 July 1714, aged 77, leav. many descend.

Named as Elizabeth Allin in her mother's will.