John Ashton (architect)

John Ashton was born September 15, 1861, in England.^[1] He immigrated to the United States in 1875, where he settled in Lawrence.^[2] He worked as a mechanic with Joseph James through at least 1889,^[3] about the time be appears to have begun to study architecture.^[2] In 1892 he enrolled in a special course in architecture in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and opened an office of his own in 1893.^[4] He quickly rose through the profession, and became a major competitor of the more-established George G. Adams, the city's leading architect.^[5]

He was a sole practitioner until 1909, when he established a partnership with Albert Senter Huntress. The firm was expanded in 1920 to include John F. Alter.^[6] Ashton, Huntress & Alter was dissolved in 1933, when Alter opened his own office.^[7] Ashton and Huntress practiced together until 1943, when Ashton retired.^[5] Huntress continued the firm, admitting Clarence A. Pratt to the partnership. Ashton, Huntress & Pratt was dissolved upon Pratt's death in 1955.

Ashton was married to Rebecca Woodworth, and had at least two children. He died September 30, 1953.^[1][8]

Several buildings by Ashton and his firms are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.