He and his 1st cousin and brother-in-law DeWitt Clinton McCain, went to the California Gold Rush by way of Panama in 1851.
Farming in Talledega County in 1860.
He served in the Civil War and died on May 6, 1865.
His grave is at the head of his father's grave and a stone crypt like his father's was erected over his grave. "Yet a season, and you know, Happy offering will be given, All our sorrows left below, And earth exchanged for Heaven." Mason insignia. A duplicate of his stone in the Jemison Cemetery is located in the Oak Hill Cemetery in Talladega.
His cousin DeWitt Clinton McCain, was appointed administrator of his estate which included half interest in 480 acres of land, a steam mill, a storehouse and tan yard in partnership with B.F. Burns. The estate also included a 3/4th acre house and lot in Eastaboga, Talladega Co, AL.
Talladega Co, AL, Minute Book H, p 221, October 9, 1865, Dewitt Clinton cousin and brother-in-law petitions the court to administer James estate, heirs include widow Sarah Ann and two minor sons, David A and Calvin
p 230-31, October 14, 1865, petition court to sell personal and perishable property
p 273, November 29, 1865, continuance on sell order
p 275-76, November 30, 1865, day of continuance to sell property held jointly with BF Burns, continued until Dec 2
p 280, December 2, 1861, court gives permission to advertise sale in Democratic Watchtower newspaper
Talladega Co, AL, Minute Book I, p 593, June 3, 1868, half interest in 485 acres, steam mill and fixtures which sold to Wm C McCullough and a tan yard and fixtures which BF Burns bought
p 730, January 2, 1869, petitions court for final settlement date
p 756, January 20, 1869, continuance till February 26 to advertise
p 796, February 1869, accounting for estate and Dewitt Cinton no longer administrator, new administrator Thos Henderson
Talladega Co, Al, Minute Book, J, p 334-36, November 5, 1869, court gives estate order to issue title Deed to land, steam mill and tan yard to Wm McCullough and BF Burns
p 474, December 5, 1871, petition court to sell land owned by James McCain (one house and lot in Eastaboga) and distribute to heirs
Talladega Co, AL, Minute Book L, p 32, January 15, 1872, order to sell, Sarah Ann Jones, releases her dower right to sell with the land
