During the American Civil War, James enlisted in the 76th New York Volunteer Infantry, was wounded in Gettysburg and Antietam, was mustered out and re-enlisted twice, and was killed in the Battle of Fort Fisher.
[2] Sloane grew up in Springfield Center, and until his father died he attended the local schools and academy.
He then moved to Fulton County and began working in the carriage shop of his brother-in-law Moses L. Stockley for the next six years.
After his marriage in 1873, he formed a partnership with his father-in-law James Newton in the glove manufacturing business in Johnstown.
In 1897, Sloane was elected to the New York State Assembly as a Republican, representing Schuyler County.