John was the son of John Mather, a Weaver.
In 1841, John (from Breightmet) and Ann were at Ladygate, Tonge with Haulgh. John was a dyer, and they had their first child Mary (aged 2).
About 1840, John and Hannah moved to Pilkington, where their third son William also died, followed by Hannah in 1846.
3 Dec 1848, John (37), living at Deansgate, then remarried Elizabeth Holland nee Bostock (30). Richard Mather was a witness. They had a daughter Sarah 9 months later, and John later became a Slater (see 1861 census).
In 1851, John, a Dyer, and Elizabeth (38 & 34) were at New Jerusalem Street, Stand with Mary (11) and Sarah Ann Mather (1).
In 1861, John, now a slater, and Elizabeth (49 & 42) had John Hampson (54), a coal miner, boarding with them at Little Ireland, Pilkington. Also their daughter Sarah A Mather (11).