Obituaries from Orange County
John Ashhurst, of Newburgh
from The Evening Gazette
Port Jervis, New York
Thursday, April 22, 1869
John Ashhurst, of Newburgh
The many friends of John Ashhurst, in this vicinity, will learn with heartfelt pain and sorrow of his sudden decease. He died of apoplexy, at his home in Newburgh, on Friday afternoon last, after a brief sickness. Funeral services were held on Sunday at St. Patrick's church, Father Briady officiating; and the mortal remains of the deceased were taken to their last resting place in St. Patrick's cemetery, escorted by members of the Orange County Bar, and an immense concourse of friends of the deceased. He leaves a wife and six children.
John Ashhurst, was born at Cheshire, England, in 1826. In 1854 he came to this country, and took up his residence in Newburgh. For several years he had charge of the schools attached to St. Patrick's church, and at the same time engaged in literary labors, publishing the "Catholic Library Magazine," and contributing freely to the local press. More recently he studied law, and for several years past practiced successfully in our courts. He was throughout his career in this country an active Democratic politician, and labored zealously with his pen and upon the rostrum in behalf of the party. Last fall, was the Democratic candidate for District Attorney of the county.
Mr. Ashhurst had intellectual abilities of a very high order, thoroughly cultivated by study and thought. There were few better or more effective writers and speakers upon topics which enlisted his attention.
He was a kind and affectionate husband and father, and a most genial companion and faithful friend. Those who knew him intimately, as did the writer of these lines, and learned to appreciate his many and shining virtues, will tenderly and faithfully cherish his memory in their heart of hearts.