Reuben D. Ashmun is a descendant of one of the oldest families of sault Ste. Marie. In 1824, when Michigan and Wisconsin were wild and undeveloped, the home of the Red men and the haunts of wild animals, Samuel Ashmun, the grandfather of our subject, took up his residence on the site of this city, having come to the West as the representative of the American Fur Company. He located a tract of Government land of 160 acres extending from the river back toward the bluff, all of which forms a part of the original plat of Sault de Ste. Marie, and through it now runs Ashmun street, named in his honor. Samuel Ashmun was born in New York, in the later half of the 18th century, and was a son of Jedida Ashmun, a minister of English birth, who was sent out by a missionary society to "Darkest Africa" and some years later came to America, taking up his residence in N.Y. There the grandfather of our subject was born and reared, making his home in the State of his nativity until 1812, when he came to the West in the interest and employ of John Jacob Astor, Sr. having charge of the business of that shrewd old German in the Minnesota regions immediately prior to his advent in the little Indian village of St. Mary's Rapids. He was a man of fine business ability, and by the successful management of his affairs became quite wealthy and gave all of his children a collegiate education in Eastern institutions of learning. He married the daughter of an Indian Chief, of the Chippewa tribe, and their children were Henry, a prominent lawyer of Saginaw MI; Mary, the wife of James Van Ranselaer; Eliza, the wife of Captain John Spalding; Samuel, engaged in the butchering business in this city; Fred who died in youth; Tecumseh, educated as a printer; and Edward the eldest, the father of our subject.

The last named was born in Minnesota in 1825. He was educated in Potsdam NY, graduating at what was then a popular institution of learning in the east, and on completing his school life he returned to his father's home in Sault Ste. Marie and with him entered into business. While at school he had the distinction of being the room-mate and a warm personal friend of Schuyler Colfax, afterward vice president of the U.S. After joining his father in business Mr. Ashmun had charge of all the catches on the Upper Peninsula and as far west as Fond du Lac, WI, which country he covered accompanied by his band of Indians and Frenchmen. He could speak both their languages fluently and was an invaluable aid in conducting the fur business, then one of the leading industries of this section. He was very fond of the water and traveled over hte lakes and rivers far and wide, on one occasion following hte Mississippi from its head to its mouth. Like his father, he was a thrifty, industrious, energetic man and became well-to-do. He was also one of hte historic characters of this region, which he aided greatly in opening up to civilization. Having traveled over nearly every foot of the country in the Badger and Wolverine States he well knew their advantages and the best places for location, and aided many people in securing homes. He served as Postmasterof Sault de Ste. Marie, also as Justice of the Peace, was Government interpreter at this point, lighthouse keeper at White Fish Point, and Lake Superior customs inspector. He was also elected and served as Sheriff of Chippewa county for two terms and he was ever faithful and true to his duties and the confidence reposed in him. His political views were in harmony with the principles of the Republican party.

On one of his trips Edward Ashmun met at Mackinac island, Miss Amanda Chapman who was born in Fond du Lac, WI and whom he wooed and won. Her father, Bela J. Chapman was born in Vermont and settled in Wisconisn during its infancy, but afterward changed his residence to Mackinac island, from which county he was elected to the Michigan Legislature, serving for a number of years. While serving in the House, he was one time returning from Lansing and about to take the boat to Detroit, when a little boy accosted him, begging Mr. Chapman to take him home with him. Thinking the boy a resident of that place Mr. Chapman dismissed him and the subject from his mind by saying that if the boy would be at the wharf at 10 o'clock that night he would take him along. On going aboard at the hour mentioned what was his surprise to find the lad awaiting him. It was found that he was a little orphan and no amount of persuading could convince him that he ought not to go to that far-off region; so he wsa finally taken aboard and at length reached Mackinac island. He said his name was Peter White. He remained with Mr. Chapmanuntil he wsa grown, and in company with James Chapman left the island one spring to look up a location. James located in Bayfield and Peter in Marquette MI where he began business, becoming a prominent insurance man. He is still living in that city, aged and wealthy. The care and kindness which he received from Mr. Chapman showed forth what was one of the striking characteristics of that worthy and honored pioneer.

To Mr. and Mr.s Edward Ashmun wer born nine children - Lucy, wife of Charles Ripley; Reuben D.; Edward G., who died in San Francisco; Amanda wife of James Kelly; Ella now Mrs. Heacox; Mary; Annie; Jennie wife of Peter kelly and Grace, deceased.

We would now call attention to the personal history of the gentleman whose name heads this record - one of the leading merchants of Sault ste. Marie and a worthy representative of an honored family. he engaged in the boot and shoe business as a member of the well-known firm of Anthony & Ashmun, who dealt iin coal and had stores both in this city and Detour. Their business assumed extensive proportions and they commanded the patronage of a large class. Carrying a full and well assorted stock, while their transactions were marked by fairest dealing, they won the confidence of the public, and the standing of the house in the community was among the best. May 1, 1895, Mr. Ashmun retired from the boot and shoe business and now devotes his attention to his coal interests.

On the 15th September 1881, Mr. Ashmun was united in marriage, in this city, with Ellen Anthony, a sister of his partner and a daughter of Thomas C. Anthony, Sr. Their only child, Thomas edward G., is now eight years of age. In politics Mr. Ashmun is an active Republican. On the 1st of April 1895 he was elected Alderman and is now a leading and valued member of the city council. Socially he is connected with the Knights of Pythias and in religious belief is a Presbyterian. His life has been well and worthily spent, and his many friends esteem him highly for hismany excellencies of character.

Northern Peninsula of Michigan 1895 Pg 132