Ash-McGrath House (Trinity)
Ash-McGrath House (Trinity)![[Ash-McGrath House: Image]](026.jpg)
"Anchorage", as this property was later named, was purchased by Richard Ash, Sr., from Thomas Dampier, a Trinity merchant, in 1831. According to the deed Of sale there was a house on the property which Dampier had occupied until the time of his death. It is difficult to tell whether or not the present ouse is the Dampier house because many of the in- terllal features that might provide some clue have been altered in this century. While its basic form -- a central-chimneyed structure with high hip roof -- has counterparts in St. John's dating from the period I830-1850, one cannot be certain that this house would have been built by Dampier at the end of his life. It is mole likely that Captain Ash or his son (also Richard and also a Master Mariner) took down the Dampier house and built the present structure. Despite the doubt, it would appear to be one of Trinity's oldest houses and about the same age as the Catholic Church. Richard Ash, Jr., was succeeded as owner by his son Francis, a successful sea captain who owned considerable property in St.John's. In 1937 the property was purchased by Samuel Hefferton who sold it in 1941 to EJ. Ryan, one of the principals in the Ryan firm. The McGraths, who currently occupy the house, bought it from Mr. Ryan at about the time of Confederation.