Evidence from the 1850 Utah census, militia, and church records prove that James traveled to Utah by 1850. His father and siblings came to Utah in the 1850 David Evans Company, but we do not have a roster for that company and have not been able to confirm that James traveled with his family. Further research is needed to confirm his year of travel and the name of the company he traveled with.

The 1850 Utah, Iron County Census lists his name as "James Fahrer."

James was rebaptized in Salt Lake City on 29 June 1850 while living in the Salt Lake City 15th Ward.