One of the founders of the Old South Church, Boston. Purchased property in Boston known as Pemberton Square which was part of the Pemberton Estate or Pemberton House.
Arrived in the United States from Wales in 1646. Lived a short time in Newbury, Mass. then moved to Boston. Was made a freeman in 1648.
The parents of James and John Pemberton may have been John and Catherine (Angell) Pemberton who were married in St. Thomas Church - London, England January 21, 1609. This needs to be verified.
In 1709, James purchased from the executors of the estate of the Rev. Henry Harris, a tract of land which being afterwards included in Pemberton Square, gave to that the family name as well as to the hill which was first called Cotton Hill at the easternmost extremity of the Square. The Square was not laid out until 1835.
References: "Records of the Pemberton Family", principally from "Memorials of the City of Boston" - 1890
New England Historical Genealogical Register - Vol 46, p. 392
Also, family letters and recollections.
Source:
http://murraysmithgenealogypage.bravehost.com/PEM.HTM
