Henry Ashmore is a native of Jo Daviess County, born here July 2, 1842, the son of a well-known, prominent pioneer of this region. Our subject is closely connected with the extensive agricultural interests of his native county, and his farm on section 25, Elizabeth Township, in point of cultivation, neat buildings and other valuable improvements, is classed among the best estates in this locality.

Our subject is a son of Joseph and Phoebe (Bloore) Ashmore, natives of England, who emigrated to America in 1832, coming to Jo Daviess County in 1833. When the land in this vicinity came into the market the father purchased a half of section 25, Elizabeth Township. He was among the first settlers who settled here permanently, and for a number of years carried on lead mining in connection with farming. He accumulated a comfortable property, being a man of shrewd judgment and good business ability, and was a man of consideration in his community. Having but little means when he came here he had to contend with many hardships and privations, such as are incidental to pioneer life. He was a Whig in politics, and was true to his party as long as it was in existence. At his death, July 17, 1867, his community was deprived of a good citizen. His wife survived him until March 9, 1886. They were the parents of six children, of whom the following four are living: Charles; Sarah, wife of John McCoy; Henry and Bowman.

Henry Ashmore grew to a stalwart manhood amid the scenes of pioneer life, and he has himself done much pioneer labor. He received his education in the public schools of his day, and has since kept himself well-informed on every subject that is of interest to the general public, he having a natural taste for reading. He has devoted the most of his time to agricultural pursuits since attaining man’s estate, with the exception of occasionally engaging in mining. He settled at his present place of residence in 1869. He owns one of the finest farms in the vicinity, containing 286 2/3 acres of exceedingly fertile land, and in its management he has met with more than common success, and enjoys an excellent income as the result of his well-directed toil.

Mr. Ashmore was united in marriage with Miss Belle Claypool Oct. 20, 1868. She is, like himself, a native of Jo Daviess County, her birth occurring here Nov. 22, 1850. She is the daughter of James and Mary Claypool, who are now residing in Adair County, Mo. Her father came to Jo Daviess County with his parents when he was about ten years old, they having been among the earliest settlers of this county. Mr. Claypool was reared to manhood in this part of Illinois, and was here married to Mary Shelton, who bore him nine children, six of whom are living – Sarah, wife of Philip Thompson, of Schuyler County, Mo.; Mrs. Ashmore; Nora, wife of Silas Dodge, Lyons, Iowa; Katie, wife of Henry Rodgers, of Scott County, Kan.; William, a resident of Sumner County, Kan.; and Frank, residing with his parents in Missouri – they having removed from here to that point in the spring of 1875. Mr. and Mrs. Ashmore are the parents of seven children, five of whom are now living, namely: Cora B., Joseph S., Nonie E., Walter, and Arthur. Willie and Carrie are the names of two children that died.

It has been the good fortune of our subject to bear a part in the development of his native county, which at the time of his birth had not far advanced from its primitive wildness. He is well-known here, where his entire life has been spent, and he is justly considered a man of honor and unimpeachable integrity; and for his pleasant and kindly disposition is regarded with feelings of friendship and esteem by a large circle of acquaintances. He has ably served the township of Elizabeth as Road Commissioner for five years, and in various ways has materially aided in forwarding various plans for local improvement. In politics, he strongly advocates the policy of the Republican party. He and his good wife are faithful and consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Transcribed & Contributed by Carol Parrish Portrait and Biographical Album of Jo Daviess and Carroll Counties, Illinois (1889), p. 711