Jefferson Ashley, was a son of Deacon Abraham Ashley, and grandson of William Ashley. Their home was in Freetown, where they owned land. Abraham Ashley married (first) Phebe Taber and (second) Hannah Crapo.

Jefferson Ashley was a landowner and farmer in Freetown, where he lived all his life. His wife, Hope Collins, was a daughter of Richard Collins, granddaughter of Jonathan Collins, and great-granddaughter of Thomas Collins.

They were married in 1831 and had four children:
1. Olive C. b. 1831, d. 1924, married Capt. Marcus W. Taber, and had three children: Edward G., a civil engineer of Spokane, Wash.; Charles B., a civil engineer in Forsyth, Mont.; and Jessie, who died young. Captain Taber died in September, 1904, in New Bedford.
2. Elizabeth Edminster, b. 1833, d. 1919, married Capt. Hudson Winslow.
3. Sarah C. b. 1835, d. 1866, unmarried.
4. Lovisa W., b. 1840, d. 1916, unmarried.

From “Representative men and old families of southeastern Massachusetts : containing historical sketches of prominent and representative citizens and genealogical records of many of the old families VOL. 2” Beers and Co., J. H. (2012-10-11).


He was named in his father's will as follows:

"I give and bequeath to my two sons Leonard and Jefferson Ashley, my homestead farm lying North of my son Taber Ashley's farm, on which he lately lived East of the road first mentioned South of the road leading from the head of the lane aforesaid to the sawmill East on land bought of Joshua Crapo, and the Mill river containing one hundred ten acres more or less together with all the buildings thereon.

Also the other two thirds of the land bought of the Winslows, and Taber Ashley, excepting the said twenty acres aforesaid.

Also the land which I bought of Andrew Ritchie bounded West on the proprietors way Northerly on land owned by Benjamin Crapo and easterly, on the Mill River, Southerly on land owned by Michael Reynolds, containing fourteen acres more or less.

Also another piece of land which I bought of Joshua Crapo lying East of the Mill river containing ten acres more or less.

Also a piece of land which I bought of Joshua Crapo and which was once the homestead of Noah Borden, and all the buildings thereon.

I also give to the said Leonard and Jefferson Ashley, all the money on hand and due at my decrease to enable them to pay my debts; and the legacies hereafter mentioned.

Also the livestock or horses, cattle, sheep and swine excepting one cow reserved for my widow.

Also all my farming utensils and outdoor moveables.

It is my will that the cow reserved for my widow, as aforesaid, is to be chosen by her from the number on the farm at my decease and shall by kept winter and summer by my three sons, Abram, Leonard, Jefferson Ashley, equally between them and to supply her with a succession of cows, as one fails or is lost to furnish her with another as long as she remains my widow."

Deacon Abraham Ashley's will courtesy on FAG member goose (#47534920)