James Black (September 23, 1823 – December 16, 1893) was an American temperance movement activist and a founder of the Prohibition Party.

In 1836 the family moved to the city of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, which would remain his hometown for the rest of his life.

[1] In addition to his home in the city of Lancaster, Black also had a residence in Fulton Township, Pennsylvania.

In 1844, Black began the study of law, passing into the Pennsylvania state bar in 1846 and setting up a legal practice in Lancaster.

[1] Black was initially a member of the Republican Party but was also deeply committed to anti-alcohol activism, having joined the Washingtonian movement while still a youth.