Michael S. Ashton - G.A.R., Bishop Post

Born in Indiana about 1848, Michael Ashton was residing with his family in Crane Township, Paulding County, when the census enumerator made a visit in 1860.  Michael was 13 and surrounded by older brothers William, Samuel and Charles and younger sisters, Hester and Laura.  His father, Zachariah, was a farmer.

When the war broke out in 1861, Michael had to sit back and wait awhile until he could enlist.  On February 1, 1864 - at 16 or 17 - Michael joined up with Company G, 14th Ohio Infantry.  He served a total of 1 year, 5 months and 10 days, being discharged on July 11, 1865.

About a year after returning home, he married Melissa (Malissa) Schooley in Paulding County on August 17, 1866.  The couple would go on to have thirteen children, seven of whom were alive at the time of the 1900 census. Names on the censuses available were Annetta, Charles, Royal, Alvin Coe, Harry B., Pearl and Olive.

The Ashton family stayed in Paulding County through the 1890 Veterans Census where Michael was listed.  On that special census, he reported that his right foot had been crushed during his service.  But by the time of the 1900 Federal Census, Michael, 63, and Melissa (Melina on the census) were living at 308 Ralston Avenue in Defiance.  Living with them were their youngest daughters, Pearl - 28 and single, a teacher in the city schools, and Olive - 21 and single, a clerk in a dry goods store.  Drusilla M. Schooley, 78, Melissa's mother, was also living with them.

By 1920, M. S. Ashton, 72, and Elisa (Melissa), 79, were still at home on Ralston Avenue.  Michael was not working, but Pearl, single and 38, was at home and still working as a public school teacher.

Michael died on February 12, 1922, at the age of 76.  Notices appeared in the Crescent-News on both February 13 and February 14, the day of his funeral.

Michael S. Ashton was buried in Riverside Cemetery.

Michael S. Ashton - www.findagrave.com

(This is part of a series on Civil War veterans of Defiance County who were part of the G.A.R., Bishop Post, that headquartered in the city.  Formed in 1879, the post was named after a local man, Captain William Bishop, Company D, 100th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Army who died as a result of wounds received in battle.  The veterans' photos are part of a composite photo of members that has survived.  If you have other information or corrections to add to the soldiers' stories, please add to the comments!)