Thomas James

Huntingdon From 'The James, Pyne, Dixon Family Book' publ 1977, account by Alicia C Percival of the life of Dr Thomas James, Headmaster of Rugby:

This, the first known Thomas James (1725-1813), is reputed to have been a corn-factor, a leather-seller - 'or something of the sort' - and to have owned an inn in Holborn. (Perhaps these occupations were combined with a carriers' business for bringing up country produce.) He is said to have taken some interest in politics on the Whig side but having made money he returned (if he ever left) to his native Huntingdonshire and married Mary Wood, who had property at Swavesey in Cambridgeshire. He became, according to another family tradition, High Constable of Elsworth (Cambs) and St.Ives (Hunts). This officer, who was responsible for bringing forward local cases at the Assize, should not be confused with High Sheriff, which James definitely was not, but was reputed to have been by his more status- seeking descendants. However, the family were certainly on the up-grade. The son of Thomas's elder brother, the surgeon, married Ann Burleigh of Cambridge (their descendants becoming known as 'the Burleigh Jameses') and their son became Headmaster of Oundle and a Canon of Peterborough.