Ashby, William Short 1855-1929

ASHBY, THOMPSON, FERGUSON, CREWS, HARRINGTON, HENLEY, ASHELMAN

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 6/21/2011 at 09:46:45

The Grinnell Herald; Nov. 22, 1929

WILLIAM S. ASHBY DIES IN CHICAGO

William Short Ashby, son of Thomas and Ann Ashby was born in Mercer County, Ill., Oct. 30, 1855, and passed away at his home in Chicago, Ill., about 11 o'clock Sunday evening, Nov. 17, 1929, aged 74 years and 18 days.

He was the eldest of eight children, three of whom have preceded him in death. Two brothers, George and Thomas of Des Moines, two sisters, Mrs. Martha Thompson of Grinnell and Mrs. Jane Ann Ferguson of Rockford, Ill., together with his immediate family were at his bedside during his recent illness.

His parents, of English ancestry, came to America about 1853. They remained in the east only a short time and then moved to Illinois which was then a new and open country. Here they remained until the father's death. In 1876 William accompanied by his brother, Robert, came to Grinnell, Iowa. Here was spent his early manhood. In 1882, he was united in marriage to Alice Crews of Lynnville. To this union was born one daughter, Mary Jane, who reached his bedside a few days before he passed away. After only a few short years his wife was called from him and he and his little daughter were left without a mother's comfort. He then made his home with his mother for a number of years, in the meantime moving to Oskaloosa. On Dec. 24, 1897, he was married to Mrs. Mary Harrington of Oskaloosa who has been a loving and constant companion to him ever since, and who has added much comfort to his happy home.

To this union three sons were born, George of Charles City, Iowa, Floyd and Raymond at home. Three stepchildren, Mrs. Bessie Henley and Loren Harrington of Chicago, Ill., and Mrs. Mamie Ashelman of Los Angeles, Calif., also survive him.

Mr. Ashby was of a generous, kind and loving dispostion. He loved his home. His thoughts and cares were for the welfare of his family and loved ones. He was never without friends and many times he had helped a friend in trouble and discomfort with encouraging words and respect. His motto was "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you," and was characterized throughout his later life.

Only a few months previous to his last illness, Mr. Ashby had enjoyed a visit to his birthplace in Illinois which has been a source of joy and pleasure ever since.

A few weeks ago he was stricken with pneumonia. He gradually grew weaker and gently and peacefully passed away in slumber.

Funeral services were conducted by a boyhood friend, the Rev. Robert Lincoln of Grinnell at Bethel church Wednesday afternoon at two o'clock, and the body laid to rest in Bethel cemetery.

Bearers were: S.A. Devinney, V.B. Bailey, Luther Stanley, F.G. Brown, W.G. Poots and John Thompson.