Though James calls himself a “farmer” in the censuses, his diary details his life as a lay preacher in the South Lake, Eagles Lake, Rye and Commanda Field, and later in the Emsdale, Novar & Sprucedale Field.  He details his challenges in travelling to these remote areas and in ministering his congregations who are often too preoccupied with wrestling a living from the land to attend to their spiritual welfare.  More can be learned about James in his wife’s diary.