James Polkinghorne is a person, just like you and me! He's a man who did lots of different things in his life. He was born a long time ago on October 20, 1838.
When he grew up, James became a lawyer. That means he helped people with legal problems and went to court to fight for their rights. He also worked for the government, which is like the big bosses who run our country.
But did you know James was also a soldier? He fought in a war called the American Civil War that happened a long time ago. He was very brave and even got hurt in battle, but he kept fighting for what he believed in.
James had a family too - a wife named Mary and four kids. He loved spending time with them and went on lots of adventures with them. He even took them on a trip to Europe, which is a place really far away from where he lived in America.
James did many things in his life, and people still remember him today because he was a great leader and helped make a positive impact on the world.