James' early years were spent on a South Carolina plantation and at the age of sixteen he began clerking in a store, which occupation he continued until he had attained his majority. He then engaged in the mercantile business for himself at Greenville, South Carolina, and there continued the business for five years. From that time until 1842, he carried on merchandising in his native county and then came to western Tennessee, settling at Troy, where he opened a general store, and continued business with much success until 1862 when he was compelled to leave Troy by the Federals, who took possession of his goods. His losses during the war amounted to about $150,000. In 1866 he again opened a mercantile establishment and has been doing an extensive and lucrative business. His stock at the last invoice amounted to $20,000. His store house is 56x100 feet and a two-story building. Mr. Moffatt owns 3,000 acres of land in this county and his success is due to his unceasing energy and devotion to business life. Mr. Moffatt is a Democrat and a member of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church.
James was born at
Chester Co., South Carolina, on 10 March 1808. He was the son of
John Moffett and
Elizabeth Strong. He married
Martha Moffatt at
Chester Co., South Carolina, on 1 March 1829. He migrated in 1840. Moved from Chester Co., South Carolina to Troy, Obion Co., Tennessee in 1840.. He married
Martha J. (?) at
Troy, Obion Co., Tennessee, in 1860. James died on 18 December 1890 at
Troy, Obion Co., Tennessee, at age 82. His body was interred in December 1890 at
Troy, Obion Co., Tennessee, at Troy Cemetery.