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The beginning of the Ash line that we have researched is John Ash. He was born in 1744/45 in Pennsylvania. History books say they are of Welsh heritage. John was married twice. His first wife, Elizabeth died in 1782. He married again to Arabella Anderson. John wrote his will on October 4, 1799. He left his wife, Arabella, a third of all his real estate and a third of his personal estate. She was also to be the executirx. To his son, Reuben he left one dollar for he said he had given him his share when he married. To his other sons, Sylvester, George, Joseph, Henry and Abraham three pounds each to be paid in cash or a cow of that value. The remainder of his real estate and personal estate divided between the two younger children, John and Elizabeth, to be held by their mother until they came of age or they married. He also stipulated that should his son, Isaac, return, he could claim his share like the five other males. At a County Court held for Nelson County on May 13, 1800 the will was proved and recorded. So John Ash died between October 1799 and May 1800. Our line continues through John’s son, Joseph Ash. Joseph Ash is listed as being an original pioneer in Butler County, PA and a soldier in the American Revolution. A story is told that Indians captured Joseph and his brothers, Sylvester and George, along with his mother and sister. His mother and sister were killed. Joseph and his brothers were eventually set free but only after their ears were slit to identify them as having been prisoners. It is said George tried to return to his father's home earlier but his stepmother would not have him so he returned to the Indian camp and lived with the Indians for seventeen years. He finally left the camp when the Shawnee gave him a big strip of land on the Ohio in Indiana near where the Kentucky River empties into the Ohio, in Switzerland County. Later on we find the Joseph and Sylvester living together in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Sylvester was an Indian spy, soldier, interpreter and courier in the service of the United States from the years 1791 to 1800. Joseph was one of the early settlers of Forward Township, Butler Co., PA (1792). It is said he came from Kentucky to Butler Co. and was a native of Wales of or Welsh parentage. We also know he spent some time in Westmoreland Co., PA before coming to Butler for that is his place of residence on the deed to his Butler Farm, located on the west side of the circular valley. He was one of the first mail carriers between Pittsburgh and Erie. He is the father of Rachel Ash, Robert McKinney's wife. Their daughter, Mary McKinney married James B. Wilson. Family Group Record |