IN REMEMBRANCE OF CHARLES AND MARY ASHBY FAMILY
In remembrance of our dear father and mother, Charles and Mary Ashby, and family, we have met together today in a family reunion hoping that we have met in love and peace with one another and in the fear of God, as our dear father and mother did and wished that their children would do the same.

I remember when I was but a small girl, of our dear father coming to America, leaving us nine children in the care of our dear mother to battle through the trials and troubles of this world.  But He who has power overall flesh guided and directed her through life.

I also remember when she started for America.  We went to London and stayed all night.  Then we were taken to the dock where the large sailing boat was anchored and waited for those that were going.

Just think of the burden of that dear mother's heart as we all walked up the plank to the large vessel which was all surrounded with water.  After the boat was loaded, the plank was taken away and we were all shut in; as those that went into the ark.  And the same God that saved them saved us from going to the bottom of the sea.

We soon were out on the deep waters driven only by the wind.  Sometimes the sea was calm; and then it would be rough again.  I have seen the waves higher than the ship.  You could just see the sky above.  We were shut down below until after the storms would pass.  Through the kind mercy of God, we were saved.

We were driven by the wind on the sea for about eight long weeks.  During all that time our dear mother was sick and not able to be up, but she trusted in God, whom she knew was able to save.

When we got off the boat at New York, mother had to be helped, she was so weak.  We all had to learn to walk again, for we had gotten use to the motion of the boat, so that when we got on the ground we could hardly walk.

>From the boat we were all taken to the Castle Arden, there we all marched under the glorious Old Stars and Stripes of America.  The Flag to which we have tried to honor and cherish as our home.

Here our dear mother had troubles again, for there was no one to meet her and no money.  Our dear father had failed to send money; not knowing when we would come.  He had read in the papers that our boat was lost at sea.

So she got a way to take part of us children up to Wisconsin, where father was.  Six of us children had to stay behind until we were sent for.   That was a hard trial for our dear mother to go and leave us, her small children, in the hands of strangers.  I well remember hearing her talking to those men
with whom she left us.   She told them if they were good to us God would reward them, if not, they would have to suffer for the wrong.

They went to Wisconsin, and we were taken to Wards Island.  William and Hannah went out in the city to work, but us smaller children stayed on the Island until we were sent for.  We had to stay there 6 months, as near as I can remember, before we were sent for.

We all got sick, each one of us were taken to a different hospital and we did not know where the others were.  Joseph and I were not treated so bad, but Job and Sarah were treated shamefully.  None of us had enough to eat, but God gave us the strength to endure all.  Through the kind mercy of our Heavenly Father, we all were permitted to meet together with our dear Father and
Mother.  As we are sailing down the stream of time, we are dropping off one by one, till there are but 4 of us children left.  We are drifting near the shore of time, and may we all be permitted to meet in the sweet by and by.  It will be a happy reunion meeting, to part no more.

In memory of our dear ones that are gone.

Forgotten - - Oh could they but know
How we have missed them day by day
Since that sad hour so long ago
Their spirit left its home of clay
Could they but know how oft we long
To catch one glimpse of their sweet face
To hear again their voice in song

One feel once more their winsome grace
Could they but know how sore we miss
They who forgotten ne'er can be
For our affliction now is this
Their sweet presence no more we see
Forgotten? No, Turn where we will
We feel their loving presence still.

The Ashby Family Record:
Charles Ashby was born Dec 12, 1804 in Rotherfield, Sussex County, England
Mary Ashby was born Feb 23, 1810 in Rotherfield, Sussex County, England
      They were married August 28, 1831 and started to America December 1854
and landed in New York City, January 30, 1855.
       They united with the Honey Creek Church and were baptised August 12, 1861 by Elder Louis Sites
Charles Ashby died March 19, 1872, Pulaski, Indiana
Mary Ashby died December 1, 1877 at Benton, Ohio
They both died in the triumph of a living faith in Christ our Lord

Children:
Charles Ashby died April 24, 1850 in England;   was born Feb 1, 1834
Mary Ashby died  January 18, 1855 in England;  was born Aug 3, 1832
John Ashby died December 10, 1852 in England;  was born Jan 31, 1851
Lucy Ashby  the wife of John Evans died February 21, 1875;  born April 1, 1844
Elizabeth Ashby the wife of James Feltis died February 7, 1890;  born Oct 31, 1853
Nancy Ann Ashby wife of C H Robinson died Feb 24, 1907 at Star City, Indiana
Hannah Ashby wife of Thomas Williams died April 3, 1919 at Logansport, Indiana
William Ashby died                                      was born Dec 12, 1838
Charlotte Ashby Anthony died Jan 9, 1932;   was born Oct 19, 1846
Joseph C. Ashby died Oct 30, 1933 at Royal Center, Indiana;  was born Aug 7, 1849
Nancy Ann Ashby was born Sept 1, 1840
Hannah Ashby was born March 8, 1842
Job Ashby was born May 21, 1849,  a grandson
Sarah Jane Ashby was born May 14, 1851, a grand daughter
           They were adopted by Charles and Mary Ashby