Isaac was born in Turton, late 1759 or early 1760, before his parents Ann and Richard were married. There are no other Richard and Ann marriages in Lancashire around this time! A 1760 birth is consistent with his 1842 death, aged 82.
16 Nov 1763, Isaac “child of Richard Mather & Ann (formerly Howarth)” was baptised at Walmsley Meeting House, Bolton le Moors. This was after his parents had married and also after the baptism of his older brother James at Bank Street (Presbyterian), Bolton.
4 Jan 1787, Isaac Mather, a weaver married Alice Fielding, a spinster at St Peter's, Bolton. Neither could sign their name.
About 1787, their first son James was born and was later a farmer at Entwistle. Solomon born 1798 is probably also their son (as know to be born at Toppings), and named after his brother. Neither have baptism records.
Daughters Ann, born Dec 1790 and Esther born March 1792 were baptised at Walmsley Presbyterian Meeting House. Parents “Isaac Mather and Alice (formerly Fielding)” were named and were living at Toppings, Turton.
From 1794 to 1815 the Walmsley baptism records are lost. However, Joseph born 1798 and Alice born 1801 are believed to be theirs and known to be born in Turton. They were neighbours farming at Higher Know Mill, and Isaac was also living there with Alice before he died.
In 1803, Nancy Mather was probably Isaac and Alice’s last child. Census records confirm Nancy was born in Turton and was living at Toppings Road, Turton in 1861, 1871 and 1881.
4 Jan 1815, Isaac Mather was witness to the marriage of James Grime and Jane Hardman. It was James Grime and Isaac's son Solomon (and others) that were transported for 14 years in 1819.
In 1841, Isaac Mather (80, weaver) was at Know Mills, Edgworth, with his married daughter Alice Settle (b.1801). He died the following year. Neighbours at Higher Know Mills were farmer Joseph & Elizabeth Mather (40 & 35) and family (his assumed son).
Isaac died of Old Age 19 Feb 1842. He was still with his daughter and son-in-law Abraham Settle, Occupier, who reported his death.