James Bewers was born on 20th February 1826 in Great Baddow, Essex. He was baptised at St Mary the Virgin church, Great Baddow on 6th March. His father was William Bewers, a tailor, b.1783, and his mother was Elizabeth, b. 1789, both from Dorset. In 1841 they were living in Cowland Yard, Chelmsford, Essex.
In 1855, James married Martha Morgan of Clerkenwell, Middlesex, on 15th March at Christ Church, Southwark, his occupation was given as a linen draper. They had 5 children, Charles 1856, Charlotte 1857, Alice 1858, Martha 1860 and James Robert 1866.
In a business directory 1856, James Bewers was listed at 139, Lambeth Walk. He continued to run his successful Linen/Drapery business, assisted by his wife and later, his son Charles. They lived at 70, Blackfriars Road for many years, later moving to 41, Seven Sisters Road, Holloway. In 1887, aged 59yrs, James sold the business to Beecroft and Sons of Luton, and then moved, with Martha and his family to 22, Freegrove Road, Islington.
In the late 1890s they moved to Worthing, living at "Irene", Manor Road. James died here on 5th May 1912. Probate was granted on 27th July to Martha Bewers widow and James Robert Bewers bank manager. Effects £7323 14s.
James was buried under the Burial Laws Amendment Act 1880 which meant there was no funeral service.