The Biographical Dictionary of America/Ashley, William H.

ASHLEY, Willam H., representative, was born in Powhatan county, Va., about 1778. He was educated in the schools of Virginia and removed to Missouri in 1808, where he settled near the lead mines and was appointed a brigadier-general of militia. He engaged successfully in trade with the Indians. When Missouri became a state in 1820 General Ashley was elected the first lieutenant-governor. He was a representative in the 22d, 23d and 24th congresses, 1831-'37. He died near Boonesville, Mo., March 26, 1838.