James married three times. He could sign his name.
His first wife was NOT Martha Whitaker as that is another Radcliffe family.
In 1833, James Mather married Alice Lord.
4 Nov 1840, James (farmer of Radcliffe, Widower), son of Samuel Mather (Farmer) married Alice Brownlow of Church Gate, G.B. (illegitimate).
In 1841, James (32) and Alice (24, F.S.) were farming at Black Moss, Radcliffe. They had James (16), Sarah (10) and Samuel Lord (8) with them. He was still farming there in 1861 and 1871, with neighbour Samuel Lord also a farmer there.
In 1851 James and Alice (44 & 34) were farming 9 acres at Black Moss with sons Samuel (9) and James (5).
6 Mar 1853, James Mather (46, Wid) a farmer at Radcliffe, son of Samuel married Sarah Wallwork (51, Wid), daughter of Moses Crossley at St Thomas & St John, Radcliffe.
In 1861, James and Sarah (54 & 58) were at Blaclk Moss fatming 4 acres with Samuel (20) and James (15)
In 1871, James (63, Farmer) and Sarah (69) were at Black Moss, Radcliffe with James (23, son) and Walter Hardman (19, Grandson)