In 1841, John (15) was with his parents James (a cordwainer) and Betty and siblings at Valley, Atherton
25 June 1848, John Mather, a fly maker, son of James Mather a weaver, married Margaret Baxter (illegitimate) at St Mary, Leigh. Both were living at Atherton.
In 1851, John and Margaret Mather (both 24) were at West Leigh with Margaret's parents Thomas and Betty Melling, and Selena and Allen Mather (3 & 1) and others.
In 1871, John and Margaret (both 44) were at 147 Brackley Street, Farnworth with Thomas Mather (23), James (16), Edwin (9) and John (14). Peter and Ellen Charlton were lodgers
In 1881, John and Margaret (both 54) were at 147 Brackley Street, Farnworth with Thomas Mather (12), James (6) and John (4). . Pheby Yates (66) was a visitor.