Ashton, James 1840-1908

ASHTON, MARTIN

Posted By: Linda Ziemann, volunteer (email)
Date: 6/30/2012 at 20:01:29

LeMars Semi-Weekly Sentinel
July 14, 1908

IOWA PIONEERS PASS AWAY
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JAMES ASHTON DIES OF PARALYSIS
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Never Recovered Consciousness After the Fatal Stroke and Succumbed Four Days
Later. Came to the West Nearly Forty-Five Years Ago.

James Ashton, a well known old resident of LeMars, died at the city hospital
on Thursday night shortly after eleven o’clock. On Sunday, July 5th, while
sitting in front of the Farmer’s Home on Eagle street he was stricken with
paralysis. He never regained consciousness.

James Ashton was a native of England, being born at Holbeach, Lincolnshire,
on August 14, 1840. He attended school in his native parish and when a lad
worked on farms. He was married to Miss Jane Adelaide Martin in May, 1861.
In 1866 he with his wife started away from the old home surroundings to find
their fortune and hence came to America and took up their residence in Green
County, Wisconsin. They remained there for six years and then moved to
Stevenson County, Illinois, where they lived for two or three years, coming
then to Plymouth County which has been their home since with the exception
of a few years when he farmed in Sioux County. In 1890 he took up his
residence in LeMars, and for the past twelve years he has been employed by
the city. His wife died two and a half years ago. He is survived by two
daughters, Mrs. Michael Ferguson and Mrs. George Flickinger, both of this
city, and also leaves a brother in England. The Funeral services were held
on Sunday afternoon at the First M. E. Church, the pastor, Rev. G. F.
Whitfield, officiating, and was largely attended.

While living in Illinois, Mr. Ashton joined the United Brethren Church and
was a faithful and ardent member for many years and on coming to Plymouth
County he and his family joined the United Brethren class at Follet’s school
house. During the pastorate of Rev. Joel A. Smith, he became a member of
the First Methodist church in this city. James Ashton had a wide
acquaintance owing to his long residence here and was well liked. He was
pleasant and companionable and loyal to his friends.