Ashby, Robert Manderson 1857-1928

ASHBY, THOMPSON, FERGUSON, GAY

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 6/21/2011 at 09:28:17

The Grinnell Herald; Apr. 3, 1928

WAS A PIONEER OF RICHLAND TOWNSHIP

Robert Manderson Ashby, son of Thomas and Ann Ashby, was born in Mercer County, Ill., Nov. 29, 1857, and passed away at the farm which has been his home for so many years, about 9:00 Friday morning, March 30, 1928, aged 70 years, 4 months and 1 day.

He was the second son in the family of eight children--two of whom preceded him in death. Three brothers, Wm. of Chicago, George and Thomas of Des Moines, and his sister, Mrs. Martha Thompson, together with his immediate family were at his bedside during his recent illness. Another sister, Mrs. Robert Ferguson of Rockford, Ill., arrived after he had passed away and was present at the funeral.

His parents of sturdy English character anxious to enjoy the freedom offered in America, gathered together their few possessions and set sail for this country. Remaining but a short time in the east, they settled on the then open prairie in western Illinois. Here they reared their family, and the son, Robert, at the age of nineteen, seeking opportunity as his father before him had done, came farther west, settling in Richland Twp., Jasper Co., Iowa, 51 years ago, and which with the exception of two years has been his home ever since. On March 10, 1886 he was united in marriage to Mary Jane Gay, who seventeen years ago preceded him in death. To this union three sons were born--Henry M., Arthur W., and Robert T., all of the immediate neighborhood, and who were with him continually during his illness and death.

He also leaves six grandchildren to mourn his loss.

Since advancing age, and retiring from active service he has made his home with his son, Robert, who has had charge of the home farm. About three weeks ago he was stricken with a severe attack of the flu and while all had hopes of his recovery, he grew steadily worse, developing into pneumonia, and in spite of all that loving hands could do, he gradually weakened, and quietly and peacefully passed away Friday morning.

In the passing of Mr. Ashby, Richland Township loses one of its true pioneers. He was a loving father, a good neighbor, and a straightforward citizen. He was a man of few words, but always interested in the welfare of his family and the community at large. His life was an example of unselfishness and honesty as is represented by the number of friends he leaves to mourn his loss.

Services were conducted by Rev. Robert Lincoln Sabbath afternoon at 2:30, April 1, in Bethel Church, attended by a large company and the body laid to rest near by. A quartet of the neighborhood sang three beautiful selections. Pallbearers were: Frank Wilson, Buren Bailey, S.A. Devinney, E.S. Brown, A.W. Howell, Chas. Alford.