In 1871, John (5) was with his parents Thomas and Catherine at 1 Salt Pie Row, Bolton Emmanuel.
In 1885, John Mather married Clara Turner at Bolton Emmanuel.
In 1891, John and Clara (25 & 24) were living at Hill Side Street, Bolton with Clara Turner Mather (5), Thomas Turner Mather (2) and Gertrude Mather (2mo). John was a Cotton Spinner Operative.
In 1901, John and Clara (35 & 34) were living at 4 Rebate Street, Bolton with Clara (15), Thomas T Mather (12) and Gertrude (10), James (8), Maud (6), Margaret (3), Stanley (?months),. John was a Cotton Spinner Operative.
By 1911, John and Clara had been married 25 years and had 12 children, of which 5 had died (7 still living and all 7 with them).
In 1921 John and Clara (55 & 54) were living at 4 Amsdale Road, Gt Liver, Bolton.