James Ainscough was born in 1836 in Aspull and was the son of John Ainscough (1810) and Mary Benson. He married Mary in 1860 in Leeds. In 1861 he was working as a millwright and living at 14 Bottling wood in Wigan. In 1871 he was living at 48 Ashmoor Street in Preston and working as a millwright.

Sources
• 1. Deborah Ainscough's data. James Ainscough. Born 1836, Wigan. Father: John. Mother: Mary Benson. Married Mary, 1860, Leeds. • 2. 1861 Census. 14 Bottling Wood, Wigan. James Ainscough. Head. Age 25. Millwright. Born Aspull. • 3. 1871 Census. 48 Ashmoor St, Preston. James Ainscough. Head. Age 35. Millwright. Born Haigh. • 4. 1841 Census. Haigh Foundry. James Ainscow. Age 5. Born Lancashire.