James Barrow was born circa 1859 at
, St Helens, Lancashire, . He was the son of
Richard Barrow and
(?) (?). He appeared on the
1871 Census in
29 Watery Lane, Sutton, St Helens, Lancashire, and
Richard Barrow,
Ellen Barrow,
Nathan? Barrow and
Mary Ann Barrow were living in the same household; Richard the head was described as a labourer, as were the rest of the family. He appeared on the
1881 Census in
Chancery Lane Cloggers Shop, Parr, St Helens, Lancashire, and
Richard Barrow,
Mary Ann Barrow and
Richard Barrow were living in the same household; James was the head and was described as a clogger, his father Richard, a widow, was a general labourer, Mary was a housekeeper, a nephew to James was also present - Richard. Also in the household was a boarder John Hampten, a foreman shunter on the railway. He witnessed the marriage of
Henry Chaulk and
Mary Ann Barrow on 28 June 1882 at
Parr, St Helens, Lancashire; At the time of the marriage Henry was working as a labourer and both he and his bride gave their place of residence as Parr.