James Mitchell Ashley

Republican Representative of Ohio's 10th district

Congresses Served

House Terms

November 14, 1824 (71 years old)

Birthday

September 16, 1896

Death

Was an abolitionist and a leader among the Radical Republicans.
Served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Ohio during the Civil War.
Authored the resolution initiating the first impeachment inquiry against President Andrew Johnson.
Played a significant role in the passage of the Thirteenth Amendment, which abolished slavery in the United States.
Served as the Governor of the Montana Territory after the Civil War.
Became president of the Ann Arbor Railroad.
Was self-taught in elementary subjects and ran away at 14 to work on riverboats, where he began helping slaves escape.
Married Emma Jane Smith and had four children, with descendants including another U.S. Representative.
Was a Freemason.
Became a journalist and political activist in Ohio, where he was involved in abolitionist activities and the Republican Party.
Opposed the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and polygamy, influencing the territorial boundaries to limit Mormon influence.
Supported public education, including for Chinese immigrants, during his time as Montana Territory governor.
Returned to Toledo after his political career and was involved in the railroad business.
Suffered from diabetes and died of heart failure after a fishing trip.
Recognized for his efforts towards racial equality and remembered as a significant figure in civil rights history.
Portrayed by actor David Costabile in the 2012 movie “Lincoln”.