Record of baptism for John Ashcroft, 26 May 1806. His entry is near the bottom of the page. The christening took place in Manchester Cathedral, Manchester, Lancashire. John was the second and last son of Joshua and Esther Ashcroft. Six weeks after his christening, his father, a slater, or roofer, fell from a roof in Manchester and died. It is not known if his mother, Esther, remarried. John married Maria Williams in Manchester Cathedral 2 October 1831. John and Maria had five children: Mary, Jane, William, George and Joshua. His first son was named William, after his older brother. William's first son was named John, after his younger brother. The author's line descends through John's older brother, William. Another researcher, who has been good enough to share his information, descends from John and Maria's son George.

Source: Parish registers for the Cathedral Church [Church of England], Manchester, Lancashire, 1573-1946. FHL MF 2357011: Baptisms, November 1798-January 1808.