James Elliman Junior was born in 1846, the year after the Elliman family moved to Slough. His father, James Elliman Senior, founded the company which produced the famous Elliman's Embrocation. On Elliman Senior's death in 1870, his sons James and Samuel took over the business. Following Samuels' death in a hunting accident in 1884 James Elliman Junior took sole charge of the company, which he retained until his death, when it was taken over by members of his family.
Elliman was well travelled during his lifetime, and visited countries in all corners of the globe. In later life he moved to Hove, which is where he died in 1924.
Today, Elliman is best remembered for his generosity, and gave much of his wealth back to the community. In 1885 he donated land and money towards the building of the Public Hall in the High Street, a project for which he was also a trustee.
In 1897 he provided the site for Slough's first fire station in Mackenzie Street, and also the funds to build the station. Two years later he provided the fire service with a steam fire engine.
In 1902, Elliman gave £9,000 for the building of a drill hall and club room in Wellington Street, for the use of the Oxford & Bucks Light Infantry Battalion, 'C' Company.