James was the son of Ralph, a soidier in the 23rd Foot Refiment.
In 1856, James (38) married Ann Dickinson (22). James was a musician, the son of Ralph Mather, a Private in the 23rd Foot Regiment. James and Ann were living at Hollingwood. Although James was a musician, he couldn't sign his name!
In 1857, James's son James was born in Ashtion-Under-Lyne
In 1861, James was 42 and a Professor of Music, living at Hyde, Cheshire. Wife Ann was 26 and they had James (4), Thomas (2), and Joseph (2 mo).
In 1877, James was at Newcastle Street, Manchester when his son James married Harriet.