Information on James is from DAR, that took testimony from the great grandsons of James. He was born in Scotland about 1737. He came to America with a brother, landed in Virginia, and he never saw his brother again.

In 1756 James was living in Albomarle Co. VA where he served in the company commanded by Captain James Neville in the French and Indian War. His name also appears in a list of those who contributed money to buy provisions for friendly Indians. In 1758 he served in the company commanded by Capt. John Quarles in Bedford Co. During the Revolutionary War he was in the company of Captain Quarles, second Virginia Regiment, commanded first by Col. Alexander Spotswood and afterwards by Col. Christian Febiger. It is said that this company was with Col. Febiger in the Battle of Bunker Hill.

James and wife Mary sold land in Bedford Co. VA on Feb 25, 1779. He moved to what is now Tennessee and settled first in Greene or Hawkins County, where he bought land on Aug 23, 1778. His sons, William and James Roberson were among the first settlers in Bledsoe County and in 1819, James Sr. bought land on the western side of Sequatchie Valley near his son, James Jr.with whom he probably lived., as there is no mention of his wife being with him. In 1827 he was alive and very agile and vigorous, according to the accounts of his great grandsons. His name was not found on th 1830 census so he died presumably in 1828 or 1829. The date is given as Jan 3 from a memorandum in the possession of a descendent. He was buried in "the old Indian Burial Ground" on the west side of Sequatchie valley, about 8 miles from Pikesville.500