8 April 1828, John Walmsley maried Margaret Walmsley at Church Kirk, Clayton-le-Moors. Census records show they were both born at Clayton-le-Moors. Other marriages between John Walmsley and Margaret Greenhalgh (1827, Bolton); Margaret Duckworth (1829, Blackburn) and Margaret Yater (2826, Walton-le-Dale) are less likely.
In 1827, daughter Ann was born at Adlington. The family then moved to Sharples where James and Charles were born in 1828 and 1829.
In 1841, John and Margaret (both 35) were at Lee Gate Lane, Harwood with Ann, James and Charles (14, 11 & 10). John Walmsley (60, labourer), possibly John's father, was living at Bradshargate.
In 1851, John and Margaret (49 & 50) were at Harwood, Bradshaw with Ann, James and Charles (24, 21 & 20).
In 1861, John and Margaret (both 59) were still at Harwood with daughter Anne (34, born Adlington)