Hi
Not sure if I can suggest anything at the moment other than Cheshire R.O.
Do you know if Thomas married at all and where? I have a Cheshire Marriage index, you say that his father died in Ashton is that A-on-Mersey or A-under- Lyne??
It would seem that you have searched some parish records to have got as far back as you have,can you tell me which ones.
regards
peterbennett