James was a Coal Miner, born in Ireland. His father was George Brooks, a coal dealer (in 1844) and later (in 1864) a weaver.
18 Sep 1836, James Brooks married Margaret Mather. Margaret already had two illegitimate daughters who may be James's.
In 1841 James and Margaret Brooks (25 & 30) and daughter Hannah Brooks (2) were at the Smithy, Darcy Lever. In the same household was Alice and Mary Mather (aged 10 and 8). Also Betty Aldred (8) was with them.
In 1842, Margaret died In Jan 1842, and 5 Aug 1844, James married Sarah Mather (widow), of Little Bolton, the daughter of John Bailey.
In 1851, James and Sarah Brooks (36 & 47) were living at Lever Smithy, Darcey Lever with his daughter Hannah (13) and Sarah's two children Ann and John Mather (24 & 10).
In 1861, after James married Mary Haslam, he had 4 of her children with him. None of them were his!