William was the only son of John Mather (a weaver and widower) and Jane Ashworth of Rooden by Heaton Park, Prestwich.
In 1823, William's mother Jane, wife of John Mather died at Prestwich, aged 35.
In 1839, William Mather, a Dyer and son of John Mather a Weaver married Alice Ashton at St Mary's, Prestwich.
In 1841, William and Alice (both 25) and son Richard (1) are at Rooden Lane, Prestwich with Jones and Ashton family members
In 1861, William, a green grocer, and Alice (both 45) and other families are at Grocer's Shop, Rooden Lane, Prestwich with John (18), Henry (16), Samuel (14), Joseph (10, Alice (8), Edwin (3) and William (6mo).
In 1874, "William son of John Mather of Rooden Lane" died and was buried 7 Feb, aged 58.