James Buckton was born about 1799 in Whitley, Yorkshire. He married Elizabeth and had the following children:
- John (1826-1884)
- Henry (1828- )
- Thomas (1833-1896)
- Louisa (1837- )
- Ann (1843- )
- Mary Buckton (1845-1922)
The 1841 Census shows that James was living in Chapeltown and working as a labourer.
The 1851 Census shows that James was now a widower living with his five youngest children in Chapel Allerton and working as a Quarryman.
James died a year later aged 53 and was burried on 5 September 1852 in the churchyard at Chapel Allerton.