He was born in Cripplegate, London around 1790.
He entered a mark at Goldsmiths Hall in 1819 as a watch case maker from 4 Prujean Street, Old Bailey.
The christening in 1821 of Maria Ann, daughter of James and Maria Bigg of Shaftsbury Place, was recorded at St Giles, Cripplegate.
The christening record at St Leonard, Shoreditch in 1826 for their son John Barclay shows their address as 23 Bridport Place, New North Road.
The 1841 UK Census for King Street, Clerkenwell recorded James aged 50 years.
His wife Maria’s burial aged 56 years, late of Lower Charles Street, Clerkenwell, was recorded in 1849 at St James, Clerkenwell.
He was shown in the 1851 UK Census at St John Street, Clerkenwell as a widower aged 62 years.
All christening and UK Census documents referred to him as a watch case maker.
His death in 1854 was registered in Clerkenwell.