James My wife Mrs Mary James having left home nearly a fortnight ago without provocation of any sort, this is to caution the public that I will not be responsible for any debts she may contract. Signed by William James of Wargiela 10.4.1865. Yass Courier 12.4.1865.

William arrived in the Yass District in approximately 1849 and by 1859/60 he was living at Reedy Creeek and was listed in the Electoral Rolls as a Freeholder. William owned four parcels of land with a total of 192 acres
 At the time of his death William was the owner/licensee of the North Yass Inn and also owned four houses situated in Mount St,Ford St,Glebe St and a second in Mount St, Yass
The four houses were sold and the Inn was transfered to his son Thomas James.  a Motel is now built on the site

An article that appeared in the Yass Gazette on 2 November 1867 indicates that William James may have been guilty of Domestic Violence.
An inquest into the death of his last wife  Mary James indicates that he may have baeten Mary often and badly when they lived in the bush and was the reason she left him.
A quote from the Inquest Jury states "The Jury desire to express their opinion that the conduct of the deceased's husband, both to deceased herself and their children has been most inhuman and deserves their highest censure.".

Headstone reads: In Memory of William James Sen. Who Died Dec 11 1878 Aged 70 Years Native of Seven Hills Parramatta Erected by His Affectionate Children.