Asa was born August 4, 1818 in TN. His mother was a Cherokee Indian, Charlotta from North Carolina. Legend says that Asa fought an Indian, won, and took his name, Black Hawk. Since Asa's own mother was Indian, the name stayed with him. During the Civil War, Asa led the Volunteers 7th Cavalry Company C. Two of his sons, Isaac and Samuel Leon, fought under him. Samuel was killed at Union City when this company was captured by the Confederates. Jack, one of his nephews died at Andersonville, but another nephew fighting with him survived the ordeal of Andersonville Prison. Asa managed to escape before reaching the prison. After the war, feelings were strong against those who had fought with the Union. Asa was ambushed by Henry Eliot on the Rosson Town Road. He was shot, but survived and lived some time after this.

Asa married first, Abigale Shipman born December 25, 1816 and died November 17, 1876. Their children were : Charlotta ( Lottie ) born 1836 and married Hardy Davis; Isaac Martin Columbus born 1836 married Mary E. Stephens who was born 1839 , the sister of Sarah C. Stephens; Samuel Leon born 1842 married Sarah C. Stephens; Alsey Jane ( Janie ) born 1847 married Tom Ledford; Sarah Malinda Elizabeth ( Bett ) born 1850 married William ( Bud ) Gilbert; Elias Ann born 1860 married Marion Bradberry Hays.

His second wife was Martha Vernon Martin who was born in 1848. Their children were : James PoTan born 1879 and died 1899 in MO; Adda PoHaton ( Pat ) born 1880 married Elias (Liz ) Reeves; Bide V. born 1885 and died 1887. James never married and was buried in MO. Bide was buried at Bear Creek beside Asa.

Asa had the following children by Rachel Davis, but never married her. He recognized and raised these children as his heirs. They were : George Davis; Clint Davis ; Jim Davis ( Black Jim ) who married Matt Watson; Tom Davis. These children left Decatur CO with their mother and lived for some time in MO.

Asa also had a child by a woman whose last name was Shoemaker. Asa brought Matte Hays to his home to live when her mother died. Matte married first Jesse Rosen and then Harm Arnold.