William Shepperd Ashe facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Shepperd Ashe
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from North Carolina's 7th district |
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| In office March 4, 1849 – March 3, 1853 |
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| Preceded by | James Iver McKay |
| Succeeded by | Francis Burton Craige |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from North Carolina's 3rd district |
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| In office 1853–1855 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | August 12, 1813 Rocky Point, North Carolina |
| Died | September 14, 1862 (aged 49) Wilmington, North Carolina |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Sarah Ann Green |
| Alma mater | Trinity College |
| Occupation | Lawyer |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Confederate States |
| Years of service | 1861-1862 |
| Rank |  Colonel |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
William Shepperd Ashe (born August 12, 1813 – died September 14, 1862) was an important politician from North Carolina. He was a member of the Democratic Party. He served as a U.S. Representative for North Carolina from 1849 to 1855.
Contents
Early Life and Education
William Shepperd Ashe was born in Rocky Point, North Carolina in 1813. He went to school in Fayetteville. Later, he studied at Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut.
Becoming a Lawyer
After college, Ashe studied law. He also grew rice on his land. In 1836, he became a lawyer. He practiced law in New Hanover County.
Political Career
William Ashe was very active in the Democratic Party. He helped choose the president in 1844.
Serving North Carolina
Ashe was elected to the North Carolina Senate. He served there for two years, from 1846 to 1848. He was elected to the North Carolina Senate again later, from 1859 to 1861.
In 1860, he attended a big meeting for his political party in Charleston. In 1861, he went to a meeting to discuss North Carolina's rules.
Working in Washington D.C.
In 1848, Ashe was elected to the U.S. House. He served three terms, from March 4, 1849, to March 3, 1855. During his time in Congress, he led a special committee about elections. He decided not to run for re-election in 1854.
Railroad Work
From 1854 until his death, William Ashe was the president of the Wilmington and Weldon Railroad Company. This was a very important job, helping to manage trains and transportation.
Role in the Civil War
During the American Civil War, Ashe became a leader in the Confederate Army. He was in charge of all military transportation between Virginia and the rest of the Southern states. This meant he managed trains and supplies.
Later Life and Death
William Shepperd Ashe died in a railroad accident. This happened near Wilmington, North Carolina on September 14, 1862. He was buried in a family cemetery in Pender County, North Carolina.
