....  born in Berkshire he was married in 1880 when he was employed as a baker’s porter.  

In 1891 he operated his banjo retailing business out of 174 Friar Street, Reading, Berkshire at the peak of its popularity,  he was recorded in the census as James S  living with his wife Harriet E and four daughters at no. 127 Friar Street..  No doubt he was a contemporary of AW Deane.

Ten years later he had three more children and was employed as an Engineers Fitter, living at 736 Harrow Road, Kensal Green, London.