James and Catherine had 6 infants, all buried at Ashworth near Middleton. James is a possible son of Ralph Mather (1777-1843) and Ellen (1774-1837) who are also buried at Ashworth.
3 June 1833, James and Catherine were married at Wigan All Saints.
In 1836 James had a son James baptised at Bolton. He was an organist.
In 1839 living at Richard Street, Rochdale. An Organist when son John was baptised.
In 1841, James an organist and Catherine (both 25) were at Back Richard Street, Rochdale with son Ralph (7).
In 1847, Thomas's birth was registered in Sheffield.
In 1849 James, organist and Catherine had a son John Thomas while living at Haslingden. He died the next year.
In 1851, James and Catherine (39 & 38) were at Oswaldtwisle with Ralph (17) and Mary Ann (7). James was an Organist, and BLIND !
In 1861, James was missing and Catherine (69, head) was at 8 Back Margaret Street, Ashton Town with daughter Mary Ann (17).