W. H. H. ASBURY, who for a quarter of a century has been engaged in the real estate business in Ottumwa, was born in Parke county, Indiana, April 4, 1841. This was the day upon which General William Henry HARRISON died and Mr. ASBURY was named in his honor. His parents were Benjamin and Polly (PORTER) ASBURY, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Kentucky. They were married in the Bluegrass state and started overland to the Wabash valley, establishing their home in Vermilion county, Indiana, whence they afterward removed to Parke county. In 1850 they came to Iowa, settling in Monroe county, where they spent the greater part of their lives, although the father died in Ringgold county. He was a blacksmith by trade, having served an apprenticeship of nine years. In later life he engaged both in blacksmithing and in farming. During the Civil war he served with the Thirty-seventh Iowa Regiment, known as the Gray Beards — a regiment which was largely engaged in guard duty. His father, Joseph ASBURY, was a soldier of the Revolutionary war and was with WASHINGTON's army during the memorable winter at Valley Forge. For five years altogether he was on active duty under WASHINGTON. His birth occurred at Fairfax county, Virginia, and his entire life was passed in that state. The mother of our subject was a granddaughter of Robert PORTER, who served as a sergeant in the Revolutionary war under General BROADHEAD. In the family of Benjamin and Polly ASBURY were five children: Emily, who is the widow of Leonard CLARY, of Keokuk county, Iowa, and is now eighty-one years of age; Thomas Payne, of Ringgold county; W. H. H.; Mary Ann, the widow of Harrison NEIDIGH, of Ringgold county, and Benjamin F., of Albia, Iowa.

W. H. H. ASBURY spent his youthful days in his parents' home, remaining with them until he enlisted in response to the country's first call for three months' troops. He did not go to the front, however, until August, 1861, at which time he was a member of Company E, Third Iowa Cavalry. He enlisted at Bloomfield and was honorably discharged in October, 1862.

Mr. ASBURY then returned home and farmed for awhile. He then went to Blakesburg, where he entered the drug business with his older brother, continuing in that line for three years. He next came to Ottumwa and on the 1st of January, 1870, was made deputy sheriff, which position he capably filled. Later he was made deputy treasurer, and at the close of the term was elected county treasurer for four years. Subsequently he again accepted the position of deputy treasurer, remaining for ten years in the court house. In 1880 he entered the insurance and real estate business and in 1889 he was appointed internal revenue collector for this district. When his term in that office expired he resumed active connection with the real estate business, in which he has since been engaged. In 1910 he was again called to public office, when he was made supervisor of the census for the sixth congressional district, in which position he had 160 men and women under him. He has always given his political support to the republican party and has been most loyal to its principles. Commandery, No. 31, K. T.; and the Mystic Shrine. He is likewise identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Loyal Order of Moose, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Country Club. His entire career has been characterized by high ideals and noble principles and in every relation - of life his record has ever measured up to a high standard of honorable manhood.

SOURCE: WATERMAN, Harrison Lyman. History of Wapello County, Iowa Vol. II. Pp. 248-57. S.J. Clarke Publishing. Chicago. 1914.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, June of 2009