James Paragreen was born at Radclive BKM in 1863 and came to Rushden about 1898 with his wife Mercy Ann, son James Herbert John (b1886), daughter Cicely (b1888), and son Robert William (b1895), who were all born at Northampton.

They lived in Upper Queen Street, Rushden when their son Frederick was born in 1900.

Both James and James Herbert John were clickers by trade, and James was also a local preacher.

By 1908 they were living at 71 Duck Street, and James traded as a coal and coke merchant but did not advertise in the trade directories. The paddock where the horse was stabled was backing onto Carnegie Street.

The family attended the little Primitive Methodist Church in Fitzwilliam Street, where James became the assistant secretary in 1903, and he continued in the post until he took over as secretary in 1932. The church closed in 1935 and was sold.

James also had land in Irchester Road, and that entitled him to an entry in the Electoral Roll 1925. His abode was still 71 Duck Street.

A keen gardener, he was particularly fond of flower growing.

The business was Nationalised during WWII.

Son James Herbert John Paragreen married Elsie Peacock of Higham Ferrers. He became Chairman of Rushden Council in 1948.

Robert William married Ida L Brown in 1920, and he became a partner in a transport business, as Paragreen and Mitchell, at Irthlingborough.

James died in 1944 aged 81 and Mercy died in 1945 aged 84 and they are buried in Grave E1176 at Rushden Cemetery.