Thomas was born at Hawkshaw Lane, Bury. He was probably illegitimate as he named his father David Mangnall on his 1852 marriage record.
Thomas was baptised at Tottington, son of Betty Mather, a weaver. This is the only Mather baptism in Tottington (the nearest is Esther, dauter of Henry and Mary in 1840)
In 1841, Thomas (aged 9) was living in Nuttall, Tottington with Thomas and Betty Barlow and family.
In 1861, Thomas was absent from his family (who were living at Lower Park, Walmersley).
In 1871, Thomas (40) was a clogger with wife Mary A (40) and Mary (17), Robert (16), Isaac (14), Betty (12 and Maria (10) at 57 Lorel Street, S Bury.
In 1881, Thomas and Mary Ann (both 50) were at 32 Oxford Street, S Bury with Mary (27), Betty (22), Maria (20) and nieces Alice and Elizabeth Taylor (15 & 12)
In 1891, Thomas (60, born Nuttall) was at Holcombe with Mary A (61), daughter Mary (36) and niece Elizabeth Taylor (21)
In 1911, Thomas (79), born Hawkshaw, was with daughter (John and) Maria Fenton. He died later that year leaving £267 and John Fenton was the executor. The Ramsbottom Observer (27-Oct-1911) reports he was native to the village of Nuttall