1860: James Pollard Lea baptized 5 Aug 1860 in Saint Swithin, Worchester (= SW of Birmingham). Parents: James Lea and Elizabeth. (England Select Births)

1881 census Lyncombe and Widcome (= Bath) Somerset: James P Lea, Lodger, 20, b. in Worcester, Pupil Mechanical Engineer.

1886: James Pollard Lea married to Caroline Matilda Wilson (England & Wales marriage index)

1890: <There has probably been better play between individual members in the club championship matches than in some of the inter-club encounters. In these Mr. J. P. Lea headed the list with twelve wins and three draws - a formidable score. ... The first partie to be finished was that of Mr. J. P. Lea, probably his sturdiest opponent. The blind-fold player preferred the king's gambit, which Mr. Lea cautiously declined. Mr. Blackburne was early in difficulties, and began to ejaculate, as the amateur announced his moves, "Yes, I don't like this game." His opponent secured a very sharp attack on the king's side before he had time to castle, and a check with the queen placed him in a precarious position. At the fifteenth move Mr. Lea was a pawn ahead, and at the seventeenth he pinned Mr. Blackburne's queen with a bishop, forcing an exchange of the two major pieces, and indirectly winning a rook. Thereupon Mr. Blackburne, recognising the hopeless state of his game, resigned, amid hearty applause for the home player.> (Birmingham Daily Post, 29 Oct 1890)

1891 census Kings Norton Worcestershire (= SW of Birmingham): James P. Lea, 30, b. in Worcester, Gas Engineer --- Manager, Caroline M., 30, Dorothy, 3 mo. (Family trees: their daughter Dorothy died in august 1891)

1893: <We may almost claim as a local success, too, the victory of Mr. J. P. Lea, of Bath, for he was once a prominent player of the Birmingham club.> (Birmingham Daily Post, 30 Jan 1893, p. 7)

1895: Lea James P., engineer, Northgate st.; res., 16, Park rd., Lower Weston (Somerset, Post Office Bath directory)

1907: <THE MECHANICS INSTITUTE. ... The fascinating game of chess maintains its hold on the number, and it is a great pleasure to see so many frequent the room. The recent visit of Mr. J. P. Lea, chess master, and his playing along with his advice was of great interest.> (Burnley Gazette, 19 Jan 1907)

1911 census North Bromsgrove Worcestershire: James Lea, married 16 years, 49, b. in King’s Norton Worcestershire, Invalid, Jane Lea, married 16 years, 49, General House work. (this may not be him)