Canon Kewley was one of twelve children born to James and Elinor Kewley at Castletown, on the Isle of Man. His father worked in the Rolls Office there and the family lived in a house within the castle walls that was originally built for Lord Derby. James William was their second son; he was born on 2 February 1846 and baptised 13 days later. He was the elder of two sons who survived their childhood and he had five older sisters. Several sisters came to Matlock to live with James at various times.

James was a pupil at King William's College on the Isle of Man and then studied at Lichfield Theological College. In 1881 he was the Curate of St Werburgh's Church, Derby and was living in Friar Gate. He was also the Principal of Derby Diocesan Theological College. By 1887 he'd moved to a house at 73 Uttoxeter Road in Derby, which was close to where one of his sisters lived and worked. It was in the same year he transferred to Matlock and became the Rector. He became Hon. Canon of Southwell.

The above photograph was taken in the garden of The Gables, probably between 1900 and 1905.

Benjamin Bryan, writing in 1903, said that 'the present rector having provided the means, the basement of the [church] tower has been opened into the nave by the erection of a four-centre arch of old oak under the front edge of the ringing chamber floor.' (p.30)
Details of Bryan's book

When he retired Canon Kewley did not leave Matlock, but moved not far from the Rectory to Cronk Beg on Church Street. He died on 25 January 1935 and is buried in St. Giles' churchyard together with three of his sisters. Another sister, Fanny Dodd, is also buried in the churchyard and his brother in law Thomas is commemorated on the headstone.