When James Maston was born on 22 February 1847 in Otley, Yorkshire, his father, William, was 26 and his mother, Sarah Ann, was 28. The 1861 census tell us that William was a builder, he employed two men and two boys, James (14) is listed as a scholar.

Within a few years James and Mary had made the voyage to the colonies with their family of four children, arriving in 1884, where their youngest daughter Ethel was born and completed their family.

James obituary would later tell of his time in Australia, “He was a master stonemason by trade, and had charge of the stonework of such important works as the Hotel Australia, Town Hall, Sydney Hospital, Norah Head and Byron Bay lighthouses, besides numerous others. He selected his present home at Karangi 29 years ago. and was one of the Orara’s early pioneers. A man, of splendid physique and strength, he soon carved out a home for himself and family, and by his sterling upright character, won the respect of all who knew him.”

James and Mary sadly lost two of their daughters Hettie and Lizzie within a few years of each other in 1905 and 1907 respectively. Hettie had married George William Hoschke and passed away a few years later aged 28 from acute pericarditis and recurrent attacks of rheumatic fever. She is buried with George’s youngest brother who passed away the same year.

Two years later Lizzie would pass away, her obituary stated “It is with deep regret we have to chronicle the death of Miss Lizzie Maston, second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Maston of Karangi, which sad event took place on Tuesday last. Deceased had been ailing for the past three or four weeks. From then until death supervened the sufferer endured excruciating pain, and although the best medical aid was obtained there seemed to be no hopes of her recovery. Deceased was well-known and highly respected by all classes of the community, taking active steps in connection with the Prebyterian Church, and was ever willing to assist in any movement where help was required. Deceased was only 26 years of age. – Coffs Harbour Advocate (NSW : 1907 – 1942; 1946 – 1954), Tuesday 19 March 1907, page 2

James passed away shortly after celebrating his golden wedding anniversary with Mary on 1 July 1922 in Karangi, New South Wales, having lived a long life of 75 years.