James Scott was born in St. George Hanover Square, London, on 16th March 1829, he was the son of Henry Scott and Ann Brett. James had a sister, Anne, who was one year older.
No records have been found prior to the census of 1871 for any of the family, but they would appear to have been very well off, living in desirable areas of West London.
In 1871, James, 41yrs, and sister, Anne, 42yrs, were living at 32, Eccleston Street, Belgravia, James was a civil servant, working as a clerk in the admiralty, they employed 3 domestic servants.
Ten years later, aged 51yrs, James had retired and moved to Lower Belgravia Street, where he was a lodger.
In 1891, James had moved again, and was lodging at 149, Buckingham Palace Road. At some point he moved to Worthing, Sussex, where, in 1901, he was a lodger at Auckland House, Rowlands Road. On census night he had a visitor, Charles F. Brett, 71yrs, he was probably a cousin.
James died on 7th September 1908, aged 79yrs, in Worthing. Probate was granted to his sister, Anne Scott, effects, £1743 8s 0d. Value 2022 - £248,000.