John Barton, born circa 1820, appears in 1851 and 1861 censuses as simply born in Ashton, Lancashire. There appear to be two Ashtons in Lancs (plus 1 in Cheshire) and nailing down the right one would hopefully help me find a definitive birth record.
In 1851 he is 28 and living in Emma Ann Street, Liverpool; in 1861 he is is 39 and living in Old Hall Street. Is it possible to determine which Ashton is being referred to? I think his mother was Alice Barton but it would be good to be sure.