Richard:

I don't know when James' Father arrived in the U.S. Family stories have said that he arrived in Charleston.

Stories have also said that he worked for the Wright family who were in Lincolnton, GA. Many of the Wright children moved to Pine Level, Alabama where my family lived. I'm still trying to confirm this.

On the 1870 census James Pursavill's is listed as Jane Pursavill in Pine Level, Montgomery County, Alabama, Township 13.

Pursavill, Jane (James, Sr) - 28
Pursavill, Jane (Mary Jane) - 24
Alex - 6
Rose (Rosena) - 9
June (James, Jr.) - 4
Sarah (Laura) - 8

James is listed as being born in South Carolina and Missouri (1880 census). He died in 1920 - 1921 at 96 years old. Were death records kept for Mulattos/Negro in 1920? Would a death record list the names of his parents?

Thanks for the link. I appreciate all assistance.