James is the son of James Mather, a weaver.
James was from Golborne (see 1851 census), so that explains why he married Elizabeth Cook at Winwick. COOK is confirmed by the 1838 birth record of son John.
In 1841, James Mather and Elizabeth (35 & 30) were at Foggy Lane, Wigan with Sarah (10), Isaac (5) and John (2).
Elizabeth Mather died 1844, aged 36 and James Mather Widower, Weaver) married Mary Tong 1st Jan 1847. He is described as married to Mary in 1851.
In 1842, James and Elizabeth had a daughter Alice, who also died in 1844, about the same time as her mother.
In 1851, James and Mary (45 & 38) were at Lyon Street, Wigan with Sarah (19), Isaac (15) and John (13).
In 1860, when daughter Sarah of Byron Street married John Leigh, James Mather was decessed. Sarha has a son "Matthew Lea" before John died. In 1871, Sarah and Matthew lived with her married borther Isaac.