James was born to parents Matthew and Anne (nee Richardson) at Seaham Harbour in 1895. The couple who married in 1878 had 12 children together but unfortunately Alice was born and died in 1901.

The 1901 census records the family living at South Railway Street Seaham Harbour. Also living with them at that time was Ann’s 68 year old father, Mansfield Richardson. The siblings included John William, Hannah, Thomas, Elizabeth, Mary A., Mansfield, Stephen, Edward, James and Joseph Richardson.

However, 5 year old James is not actually living with his family in 1901. For some reason, perhaps space, James is living with his uncle Patrick Hasley? nearby.

However, by 1911 the census showed 8 remaining family members living in a 2 roomed accommodation at 42 First Street Horden Colliery. Several of the young people had moved on to jobs and possibly been married. The girls have certainly moved by then.

Father Matthew worked as an underground shifter labourer in the mine as did most of his sons. Thomas as a labourer underground cleaner out, Stephen a coal putter, Edward a pony driver as was his younger brother, James. The 2 youngest lads Joseph and Matthew born 1902 were still at school.

James attested into the army at Sunderland on November 11th 1914. He is recorded as being 5’ 3” tall, 120lbs in weight.

Although James character was recorded as good he only served for 18 days. By 28th November 1914 he was discharged as not being likely to become an efficient soldier. He also had slight varicose veins in his left leg.

James Williams died in 1963.