James might be named for his maternal grandfather, James Patterson.

James is enumerated in the 1850 household of Hiram Mason at Wells Twp., Bradford Co., Pennsylvania. James is aged 14 years and born in Pennsylvania. His family is farming. The 1850 census data follows:
Mason Hiram 43 M NY Farmer $1500
Mason Jane 39 F PA
Mason Emily 17 F PA
Mason Furman 16 M PA
Mason James 14 M PA
Mason Walter 13 M PA
Mason Helen 7 F PA
Mason Larua 2 F PA

James married Mary J PATTERSON, circa 1860, likely in South Creek Township where both families resided. Mary gave birth to at least 1 child, a son named James H Mason, in 1863.

James is enumerated in the 1860 household of Hiram Mason at South Creek Twp., Bradford County. James is aged 24 years and born in Pennsylvania. His occupation is Farm Laborer. Also, enumerated in the 1860 household is Mary Mason, believed to be James' wife. The Mason family is farming. The 1860 census data follows:
Hiram Mason M 52 NY
Jane Mason F 50 NY
Walter Mason M 22 PA
Helen Mason F 16 PA
Laura Mason F 12 PA
Sidney Mason M 6 PA
James Mason M 24 PA
Mary Mason F 22 PA

James is enumerated in the 1870 household of Hiram Mason at South Creek Township. James is aged 34 years and his occupation is Home. Also, enumerated in the Mason household are James' wife Mary and their son James.

James is enumerated in the 1880 household of Hiram Mason at South Creek Township. James is aged 44 years and his occupation is Farm Laborer. Also, enumerated in the Mason household are wife Mary and son James H Mason. The 1880 census data follows:
Mason Hiram 72 M hus NY Eng CT
Jane 68 F wife housekeeper PA NY NY
Mason James 44 M hus PA NY PA
Mary J. 42 F wife housekeeper PA Irelnd Irelnd
James H. 17 M son at home PA PA PA

James died aged 52 years.