James Atherton (May 6, 1819 – March 4, 1879)[1] was a 19th-century Massachusetts businessman, a boot and shoe manufacturer, and a leather merchant.

In 1852 he entered into a partnership with his older brother Samuel Atherton and Caleb Stetson[5] At the time, “Atherton, Stetson and Company”, dealers in leather, were one of Boston's most successful business.

Atherton suffered poor health most of his life and he retired from the business in 1867.

[6] He married Phebe Reed (1831–1868) and had 3 children who died at the age of 37 when her youngest son, Walter was just five years old.

He died on March 4, 1879, and was buried at Evergreen Cemetery, Stoughton, Massachusetts.