Hi Aprile,
I don't know whether you have this information. I have been trying to track down your James Thomas. I have found Maria Thomas in the 1881 and 1891 census. In them she states that she is the Head of the family and married, which is unusual there is no sign of James. In 1881 her children are Herbert Pilling, Elizabeth Pilling, Thomas, Joseph Harold and Granville Shepherd. In 1891 she is with Herbert, Elizabeth, Thomas and Granville. In the 1901 census she the Head of the family and a widow. She has Thomas living with her. So if the information is correct it would appear that her husband James died between 1891 and 1901. I did wonder whether he had left her or perhaps was working away.
I tried to find information on James Thomas who died in Bolton in 1911. I could not find a marriage entry for James and Rachel, although I found a birth entry for a Samuel Thomas with the mother's name as Jones. What was interesting is that Samuel was the name of your James' father. I found a James Thomas in the 1871 census living in Haslingden with his wife Mary Jane. He was a cotton mill mechanic and his children were Ellen, Elizabeth and Richard. In 1881 there is no sign of his wife. He is the Head, married and down as a cotton mill manager. His children are Ellen, Richard and Fred Whittaker. I did wonder whether this James with the one living in Bolton. I found a marriage for Fred Whitaker Thomas to Mary Rothwell in Bury. Also an entry in the 1891 census for them in Bury. Fred was born in Rawtenstall and Mary in Ainsworth. Fred is a stationery mill engine driver. Richard Thomas is also married and in the 1891 Census with his wife Eliza living in Lorne St, Farnworth, Bolton. He is a steam engineer (tenter) cotton mill. It is possible that this James Thomas moved and worked in the Bolton Bury area as his wife Rachel was born in Bury.
If you don't mind me asking, where any of the children mentioned, your ancestors? It seems to throw up more questions.
Susan
