James is one of the first known individuals to be enslaved by the Hasbrouck family in New Paltz, NY. According to Jean Hasbrouck’s 1712 will, he intended to bequeath two enslaved men, James and Gerritt, to his son Jacob. James is also referenced by name in Jacob Hasbrouck’s 1720 will, which also names another enslaved man named Hendrick. Since Jacob lived another 40 years, James and Hendrick no doubt contributed to the construction of his 1721 stone family house.