James G.C. Bothwell mentioned in 1827 partition of estate of his grandfather, Henry Machen, as recipient of one share of the estate, paid to his guardian, Miss Margaret B. Machen, his aunt. Implication is that his father was dead.

In 1855, adminstrators of the estate of James j. Bothwell, noted that James G.C. Bothwell, a lunatic, was the heir of James. Ja. bothwell. (Jacksonville Republican 10/9/1855).

In 1870 Census, James was enumerated in the household of John German in Bartow Co., GA, and noted as insane.