According to local directories and the census for 1871, 1881 and 1891, James owned 100 acres in Euphrasia Township - Lot 23, Concession 4. James was listed as a Town Councillor on page 54 of the Farmer’s Directory of the County of Grey 1890. An undated newspaper story had this to say about him:

“An Orange Veteran

L.O.L. No. 140 entertained one of the finest Orangemen in this country last 12th of July in the person of Bro. James Lougheed of Euphrasia, County Grey. The venerable brother was initiated in L.O.L. No. 148 in Macville, Albion Township (Peel County), fifty-four years ago last 12th of July and went to Euphrasia in 1858. ZHe was a ruling master of one lodge ten years, and of L.O.L. No. 973 twenty-three years, of which he is still a member. The Wor. Brother was a school trustee thirty-one years continuously. An English Churchman, he has been a church warden, an Orangeman, and a pioneer farmer, he is looked up to with love and respect in his part of the country. He can tell many stories of wolves, bears and hardships of pioneer days.

There are some six of his relatives, of the younger generation, in city lodges.”