Mary was born in Cumberland, at Bothel (north of Bassenthwaite Lake). They married in 1831, in Liverpool, where all their children were born. John's origins are unknown - in his only census entry (1841) his occupation is given as a shoe maker, but where he was born is not given. In 1851 Mary, now a widow, is shown as a Boot and Shoe Manufacturer, employing a number of staff.