Ashby - Thompson D - Montgomery InGenWeb Project

For over half a century Thompson D. ASHBY has been a resident of Otter Creek Twp, Lucas County and for the past 34 years has been a successful agriculturist, stock raiser and shipper of live stock. A man of acute observation, he has been an intersted witness of the changes that have occurred here, and there is hardly another person in the community who can so readily recall all the events that have brought about the present prosperous conditions. He is an interesting conversationalist, who in a ready flow of language can give a complete picture of the last 40 years of the county's history, being especially well acquainted with that part concerning western Lucas County. Born in Montgomery County, Indiana April 8, 1854, Thompson D. Ashby accompanied his parents on their overland trip to Iowa, starting on April 10, 1861, and reaching Otter Creek Township May 3, of that year. Both of his parents have passed away. The father, William H. Ashby, a native of Ky, was born Dec 1821, dying in Otter Creek Twp, on April 26, 1875 and the mother, Margaretta Boyer Ashby, a native of PA born Nov 28, 1 823 died in the same township Dec 30, 1902 in her 79th year. The latter became a resident of Indiana when a small girl, removing to that state with her parents. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. William H. Ashby were 9 children: Mrs. ELizabeth L. Yenawine, born Aug 10, 1846 died in Illinoois in March 1872; Mrs. Mary C. Long, born Dec 18, 1848 residing at Twin Falls, Idaho; A. C. Born July 21, 1850, a resident of New Market, Tenn; John B. who was born June 7, 1852 and died 1870; Thompson D. our subject; Newton B, born July 7, 1856, a resident of Des Moines, this state and for 8 years United States consul to Ireland, with residence in Dublin being appointed by President Grover Cleveland; George Lucky born Dec 18, 1858 residing at St. Pau, Texas; Lewis S, born Sept 7, 1861, engaged in general merchandising at Norwood, Iowa; and William E, born Feb 11, 1864, a resident of Des Moines, where he is interested in the telephone business, with which he formerly was connected in Chariton. The 7 oldest children of the family were born in Indiana and the remaining two in Lucas County, Iowa. Thompson D. Ashby was reared under the parental roof and received such educational advantages as the vicinity afford, there being but few pupils in the community in the early days when he went to school. At that time the post office was still at Tallahoma and most of the trading had to be done at that place and Chariton. As yet no railroads traversed this section. He early became acquainted with agricultural work, and acquiring the thorough methods of his father laid the foundaiton of his latter day success. Hw now owns a valuable farm of 120 acres on Sec 26, Otter Creek Twp, under high cultivation and well improved. All modern equipments and machinery can be found upon the home place. His barns and outbuildings are kept in good repair and his residence is comfortable and commodious. For the past 34 years he has divided his attention between farming, stock raising and the shipping of live stock and from these occupations has received gratifying returns. On March 18, 1880, Mr. Ashby was married to Miss Lel L. Pfrimmer, who was born in Indiana Nov 10, 1856. Her father George Pfrimmer was born in France Feb 19, 1825 and makes his home with Mrs. Ashby, having passed his 88th birthday. Her mother, Mrs. Lydia Ann Pfrimmer, who was born in Indiana in 1829, died in Otter Creek Twp, this county June 21, 1900. In their family were 5 children: Charles W, born in 1846 resides in Mena, Ark; Samuel, deceased; Francis M, born 1850 resides in Stratton, NEB where for a number of years he has served as postmaster; Mrs. Thompson D. Ashby and AC a resident of Otter Creek Twp. To Mr. and Mrs. Ashby were born 9 children, all of whom are living: Dr. Mary Edith born March 13, 1881, who practices osteopathy in Texas; Mrs. Iola L. Primm, born Nov. 8, 1882, residing in Otter Creek Twp; Thompson D. born Sept 16, 1884, a resident of St. Paul, TX; George E. born Sept 15, 1886, residing in Lucas County; Nina M. born April 2, 1889, a school teacher of Lucas County; Lydia M, born May 30, 1891, teaching school in her home district; William H, born Dec 29, 1893, also teaching school in his native county; Chalres F, born April 15, 1896 at home, and ALbert Olyn born Dec 16, 1899 attending school in the vicinity. All of the children received the best educational advantages. Edith and Nina attended school at BLoomfield and Thompson D. Jr and George attended Simpson college at Indianola, while Lydia took a course at the Chariton High School. Thompson D. Ashby preserves independence in regard to political matters and votes for whatever candidate and measure he considers of greatest benefit under the circumstances. He has efficently filled the office of assessor of Otter Creek Twp; and fraternally is connected with Independent Order of Odd Fellows, member of Norwood Lodge NO. 490, and is also connected with the Modern Woodmen of America as a member of Camp No. 5040 of Norwood. A man well read and well informed, Mr. Ashby is highly esteemed in his community, not only for his material attainments, but for his intellectual accomplishments. He possesses an extensive knowledge on a great range of subjects and is acquainted with the best literature of the present and the past. Of high qualities of character, he is a man who receives the confidence and good will of all who know him and his standing is high in the community, where he has not only been a witness of the changes that have occurred, but a helpful and cooperant factor in the general advancement.  

File Created: 13 October 2010 - kbz