Born in Carroll County, Illinois, November 5, 1840, and grew to manhood there. In 1859, went to California, remaining there three years, then returned to Carroll County, Illinois, living there until 1869, and from there moved to Montgomery County, Iowa. He was married April 1864, to Elizabeth A. Baker. Mr. Ashby was elected to the legislature of Iowa in 1877, and served his term with credit.