John James (16 February 1772 – 31 July 1826), was an attorney and resident manager of the Caribbean estate of

Christopher Bethell Codrington Christopher Bethell-Codrington (until 1797 known as Christopher Codrington; October 1764 – 4 February 1843) was a British politician, planter and amateur cricket player who served as a MP in the British Parliament. In 1792, he inherited from ...

, on the Island of Barbuda 1805-1826.

Early years

Born in Marazion, Cornwall, England, John was the son of Captain John James (1725 - 1803) of

St Michael's Mount St Michael's Mount ( kw, Karrek Loos yn Koos, meaning " hoar rock in woodland") is a tidal island in Mount's Bay, Cornwall, England, United Kingdom. The island is a civil parish and is linked to the town of Marazion by a causeway of granite se ...

, Cornwall, a liquor merchant and sometime privateer Captain. His mother, Elizabeth Millett, was the daughter of a prominent local merchant.

Personal life

On 6 February 1797 John James was married to Elizabeth Wingfield at St Hilary, Cornwall. Elizabeth came from a prominent family, her brother was William Wingfield a Judge and Member of Parliament. She was also a cousin of Sir John St Aubyn, 5th Baronet. John and Elizabeth had three children together including: * Elizabeth Prideaux James (b.1798) * John Wingfield James (b.1800) * Mary James (b.1801)

Career at Barbuda

John James left England on 20 May 1804 and arrived in Antigua on 5 July, but was unable to get to Barbuda until 21 July 1804. He was appointed by

to the position of Attorney for Barbuda in a letter to his superior, Samuel Byam Athill, dated 5 June 1805. Barbuda, at the time of John James’ arrival, consisted of 314 slaves about 500 head of cattle and 20,000 – 25,000 sheep.

Death

John James died on 31 July 1826, at the age of 52, in St John's Antigua. His death was reported to his employer, but no hint is given as to its cause. There are several references to regularly returning, debilitating fever in his letters to Christopher Bethell Codrington, so it is likely that he suffered from

malaria Malaria is a mosquito-borne infectious disease that affects humans and other animals. Malaria causes symptoms that typically include fever, tiredness, vomiting, and headaches. In severe cases, it can cause jaundice, seizures, coma, or death. S ...

. Yellow fever was also prevalent in the Caribbean at this time.

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:James, John 1774 births 1826 deaths People from Marazion People from Barbuda