Congressman William A. Ashbrook (1867-1940)
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William Albert Ashbrook was born to William A. Ashbrook (Uncle Billy) and Lucy Helen Pratt on July 1, 1867. William and his five siblings were raised at the home at 168 N. Main Street in Johnstown, Ohio.
In 1885, at age 17, William became the publisher and editor of theThe Johnstown Independent newspaper after his brother Burton Guy, the original owner, had died unexpectedly. On December 24, 1889 William married Jennie Belle Willison. The couple had a three story brick home built at 190 N. Main Street in 1899. Although William and Jennie had no children, their extended families and friends were always welcome.. Jennie died on January 22, 1919. He entered politics as a Democrat and won a seat to the Ohio House of Repre-sentatives in 1904. |
Congressman William A. Ashbrook
Early Ashbrook Home at 168 N. Main Street in Johnstown, Ohio.
Ashbrook Home at 190 N. Main Street in Johnstown, Ohio.
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In 1906 he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, where he served until he was defeated in the 1920 elections.
Returning home, he resumed his newspaper publishing and banking career in Johnstown.In November 1920, William married his second wife Marie Swank. They had 5 children: William Albert., Lucy Marie, Leah Abbie, John Milan, and James Howard. Mr. Ashbrook ran in a successful come-back campaign for Congress in 1934, and served there until his death in 1940. He was buried in Green Hill Cemetery in Johnstown, Ohio. William's son, John Ashbrook, would later succeed him in that congressional seat from 1961 to 1982 as a Republican. |
