WI BIO - Dodge Co - ASHTON, William
History of Dodge County, Wisconsin. Chicago: Western Historical Company, 
1880, p 573

William ASHTON [Beaver Dam Township, Dodge County, Wisconsin], blacksmith, 
was born in England on 30 July 1820, and came to Wisconsin 17 July 1849, 
locating at Beaver Dam. [Wisconsin became a State on 29 may 1848.] He 
served an apprenticeship of seven years at his trade in England, and then 
went to New York City and worked as a journeyman for three years. He then 
came to Beaver Dam, and bought out Shaw & Haskell's wagon and blacksmith 
shop, and carried on blacksmithing until the breaking out of the [Civil] war.

In the fall of 1862, in connection with William KEIEGER, under the firm name 
of Ashton & Keieger, he [William ASHTON] bought out John THOMPSON, and 
continued for three years. He then sold out, and in partnership with Mr. 
HANSON, firm of Hanson & Ashton, bought a backrupt stock of dry goods and 
groceries and continued in this business three years. He [William ASHTON] 
then bought a lot of Mr. BOWER, on Front Street, built a blacksmith shop, and 
is now carrying on the business at this place. In 1878 he was elected 
Alderman of the 3rd Ward, which office he now holds.

William ASHTON enlisted on 10 May 1861 in Company D, 5th Wisconsin Volunteer 
Infantry, Colonel COBB, and was engaged in the battles of Lee's Mills and 
Williamsburg. He was then detailed into the brigade blacksmith shop, in the 
shoeing department. On account of rheumatic fever, he received his discharge 
on 21 June 1862.

On 12 August 1847 he [William ASHTON] married Mary FERON [a maiden name?] of 
New York City. He has three children: William G., Mary E., and Isabella E. 
Mrs. ASHTON is a member of the First Presbyterian Church.

Submitted by: Cathy Kubly