Joseph appears aged 11 in the 1881 census for England and Wales, living at Woodcock Street 9 House 4 Court, Aston, Warwick with his parents and siblings

Joseph ASHMEAD Head M Male 40 Bgham Bricklayers Labourer
Ann ASHMEAD Wife M Female 35 Bgham Bricklayers Wife
Ellen ASHMEAD Daur U Female 15 Bgham Nail Cutter
Fanny ASHMEAD Daur U Female 13 Bgham Scholar
Joseph ASHMEAD Son U Male 11 Bgham Scholar
Maria ASHMEAD Daur U Female 11 Bgham Scholar
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Joseph and Sarah appear in the 1901 census for England and Wales, living in Birmingham, Warwickshire
Joseph Ashmead, 31, Cycle Polisher, Warwick Birmingham
Sarah Ashmead, 29, Grocer Shopkeeper, Warwick Birmingham
Rose Ashmead, 8, Warwick Birmingham
James Knibbs, 13, adopted son, Warwick Birmingham
Clara Knibbs, 24, boarder, cycle chain maker, Warwick Birmingham
Caroline Knibbs, 16, boarder, Metal Button Presser, Warwick Birmingham

James is identified as an adopted son. He is in fact the younger brother of Joseph's wife Sarah Knibbs. His father died in 1891 and his mother in 1889.

Clara and Caroline Knibbs are sisters of Joseph's wife, Sarah.

Also living with Joseph and Sarah were Frederick and Mary Lawley, boarders, both aged 34