John Ashton Ramsgate?

[johnna j]

Hi Everyone,
I've been trying to find family information about my Great-Great- Grandfather, John Ashton without any success and I'm hoping Forum members in Kent can help me.
My only "Hands On" information to date is a Marriage Cert of his son, William Ashton, dated 9th Feb 1895, William aged 28 Married, Margaret Jane Rutherford, William's Profession was a Fisherman and they were married in Newcastle-Upon- Tyne, this Cert states his Father, John Ashton, Labourer, was Deceased.
In the 1901 Census in Newcastle-upon-Tyne William states that he was born in Ramsgate, Kent, this information is also stated in other Census reports.
However, apart from this I have no other details concerning his Father John.
If anyone can help it would be greatly appreciated.....Regards
Elaine J

[nigelo]

That does seem to be a tough one. No obvious birth registration, and no sign of him (as far as I can tell) on any census earlier than the 1891. You mentioned "... born in Ramsgate, Kent, this information is also stated in other Census reports.", does this mean you have been able to trace him back earlier than 1891?

My guess would be a change of name at some point. Many reasons why that could happen.

What about the witnesses to his marriage? Any clues from their names at all?

[johnna j]

Good Day Nigelo,
I agree, this is a hard one and I've tried to locate William Ashton's Dad, John for years, without any luck may I add.
To answer you questions Nigelo, I found William Ashton in the 1891 Census as a Lodger at Trimdon (Co Durham) aged 24(unmarried) and born in Ramsgate, Kent. Likewise, in the 1901 Census he is married. aged 34, and living with his family in Tynemouth, Northumberland. and stated as born in Ramsgate, Kent.  I'm afraid there are no clues from there marriage witnesses as they are his wifes relatives. However, I accept your point that there may have been a name change along the way, it's worth considering.  I need to do more "Digging" I'm afraid.    Thanks for your time and thoughts Nigelo it's appreciated. Regards
Elaine J