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File contributed to the Fulton County ILGenWeb Project
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Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Fulton County
Biographical Publishing Co., Chicago, 1890

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The Biography of John W. ASHBY 

Pages 558-559, transcribed in full by Danni Hopkins 

[Surnames: ASHBY, CAVELL, COOPER, FIDLER, HURST, STORM] 

    
JOHN W. ASHBY, a retired farmer living at No. 708 Fourth Street, Canton, has been an important factor in advancing the agricultural interests of this county. He was born in Burlington County, N. J., in the city of Burlington, November 6, 1836. He is the only son and fifth child of William and Jemima (Cooper) Ashby, both natives of England. They grew to maturity and married in the land of their birth and soon after came to the United States and landed in New York, and for a time lived in Burlington, N. J. In 1842 the family moved to Logan County, Ill. Mr. Ashby was an experienced and skillful millwright and he built many mills in different parts of the State. In 1847 he moved to Mason County and built several sawmills in that county that were operated by steam. In 1857 he took up his residence in this county; he built the Smith mills in Banner Township, and also remodeled the Wagonseller mill in Tazewell County and many other mills in different sections in this State. He subsequently removed with his family to Peoria County, and erected the Kingston flourmills putting in the machinery. His busy life was brought to a close at a ripe age June 13, 1869. His wife and five children survived him. Lucy is the wife of William Cavell a resident of Iowa; Emily lives in Fulton County; Jamia lives with her sister Elizabeth, who is the wife of J. W. Hurst of Canton; Susan E. is deceased. 
    
John W. Ashby spent his school days in Mason County in the district schools. He worked on a farm, and remained with his parents until he was twenty-two years old. He was then married to Miss Nancy A. Fidler, their wedding taking place March 24, 1859. Mrs. Ashby is next to the youngest in the family of George and Mary (Storm) Fidler, natives respectively of Virginia and Ohio. They were pioneers of this county coming here in 1838. Both died on the homestead in Banner Township. They were the parents of twelve children, six boys and six girls, of whom the only one of the daughters now living is Mrs. Asbhy. 
    
After marriage Mr. Ashby settled on a farm in Banner Township, and there he and his wife spent the first three years of their wedded life. He then purchased two hundred and forty acres of choice well-improved land and was quite extensively engaged in agricultural pursuits. He raised a good deal of grain, which he fed to hogs and cattle, and in that way accumulated a good deal of money and was at length enabled to retire from farming. In the month of February, 1889, he left his farm and took up his residence in Canton, where he has since made his home, and is living in the enjoyment of the income he derives from his fine property. He is a man whose character and personal attributes are such as to win him the confidence and friendship of the people by whom he is surrounded and he is greatly respected both in and out of the church. While a resident of Banner Township, he was one of its prominent civic officials. He served as School Director and he was School Trustee six years. He was Assessor of the township two years, and in every office was faithful to the trust imposed upon him. He is a member of the Methodist Protestant Church, and is one of the leaders in all its good works. He has held some of the church offices, such as that of Steward and Trustee and has been Superintendent of the Sunday-school for some time. He has strong political opinions and gives his support to the Republican party. Among other choice treasures in his pleasant home, Mr. Ashby has a fine collection of Indian relics, many of which he has picked up on his own farm. He has the largest Indian axe ever found in the State which is still in good preservation. His other relics are rare as well as new.