William Ash and Martha Matthews

Sue, you might want to check to see if he arrived with Martha or married her later, in Canada. The census records indicate she was a bit younger than he as, probably too young to have been married by 1840.  I hope this helps.

Suse:

The surname Ash/Ashe was not that common in Ireland in the mid-19th century. Co. Kerry had the most Ash/Ashe households and some other counties had a few as well. 

You did not mention the religious denomination of the couple. I assume Church of Ireland.

I searched the subscription site Roots Ireland and did not find an Ash/Matthews marriage record. There were two 1812 William Ash baptismal records one in Co. Meath, the other in Co. Donegal. However, without knowing his parents names there is no way to confirm any record found.

Have you considered DNA testing?

Roger McDonnell

Thank you for responding Roger.  The following is the information I have on William James Ash born around  1841-1816 in Ireland as per the Canadian cenus filed in 1851 - 1861 - 1871-1881with religious donomation listed as presbyterian or in 1 case free church. He died May 5, 1881 in Wakefield, Quebec, Canada.    His occupation is listed as teacher on the Canadian census. 

Williams wife Martha Matthews was born July 7, 1824 in Ireland and died March 28, 1906 in Wakefield, Quebec, Canada.

Family lore has it that they married in Ireland and then came to Canada.   Their first child Thomas Jackson Ash was born in 1944 in Osgoode, Ontario, Canada. Other childrens names are Letitia, Samuel George, Sarah Ann, William Henry, Robert, Martha, Elizabeth Jane, Mary Isabella and Joshua.

Again through family stories so no documentation his father was also named William and his mother Sarah maiden name unknown.

Yes I have done DNA testing on ancestry and so far I have only matched up with descendant of the children of William and Martha not any of their siblings which is why I turned to Ireland Reaching Out.

Thank you again Roger for all your help.  Take care and keep safe.  Suse.

Patricia, Thank you for responding.   Check the information I have given Roger McDonnell which gives more information on William James Ash and Martha Matthews.  Take care and keep safe.   Suse.