R. G. Ash , one of the prominent citizens of Elk Township, was born in the State of New York, Jan. 16, 1824. He came West in 1844, locating in Illinois, where he resided until 1849, when he removed to Delaware County, Ia. Ten years later he went to Nemaha County, Kan., where he engaged in farming one year, then returned to Delaware County. He removed to Clayton County in 1877, where he has resided since. He purchased a farm on section 28 and 29, Elk Township, of ninety-six acres, which he now has under excellent cultivation, and thoroughly stocked. He was married in 1847, to Mary A. Bell, who was born in Ohio in 1826. Their union has been blessed with seven children-- G. W., born in 1848; John E., in 1850; Francis M., in 1853; I G. in 1856; Rose Alice, in 1858, Emily I., in 1860; Clarence A. in 1863, and Charles A., in 1866. In politics Mr. Ash is a Republican. He was appointed Postmaster at Wood Centre, in 1880, a position he still retains. source: History of Clayton
County, Iowa, 1882, p. 759 |