General Notes

It appears that John was an orphan, so with no family he joined the Army.

In 1841, John Mather (7) was with his pareents at Barlow Street.

In 1851, John Mather (16) was living at Barlow Street, Little Bolton with parents John (an overlooker) and Jane Mather.  This may be him!

From 1863 to 1866 John, 4721 Private, was in the 50th Queens Own Regiment serving in New Zealand. In 1869 hewas awarded a New Zealand Campaign Medal for his part (as a Private) in the WarRats and West Coast Campaign from Nov 1863 to Sep 1866.


In 1871, John (36), born Bolton was a sergeant in the 50th Queens Own Regiment of Infantry at Frimley, Aldreshot with wife Catherine (33, born Ireland) and step-children Margaret and Edward Murphy (9 & 7) born in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka).

21 Apr 1874, John Mather, Sergent of 50th Foot (Roll Number 4721) and born Little Bolton was admitted to the Royal Hospital, Chelsea

John received his discharge from the army just prior to Catherine's death. He was discharged 8th April 1874. age 39. His intended residence at time of discharge was  Kingston upon Thames.

Q4 1877 John married Martha Brierly at Bolton RO.  They were widow and widower.

In 1881, John and Martha (45 & 25) were at 29 Bury Old Road, Haulgh (Lane Ends area) with their son J R Mather (12mo).

In 1891, John and Martha (53 & 40) were at 4 Back Mill Street, Little Bolton with 5 children.

In 1901, John Mather (64, Wid), a general labourer, was living at 5 Bk Lum Street, Little Bolton with 4 daughters.