In the 1850 Census William (James James) is listed as 6 years old, which puts his birth at 1844, that to me is the accurate birth year. William J. James appears twice in the 1870 Census, once at age 25, another at age 20, absolutely the same person. The 1880 Census having William J. James as 30 is a mistake...he should be at least 35...if you noticed the age of his wife Ellen...she is 21...doesn't make sense...she was listed as age 20 in the 1870 Census...When the Civil War broke out in 1861 William J. was about 17 years old based on the 1850 Census when he was a child living at home. Thanks.