Jordan Ashley -  A Baptist Preacher2009

Somewhere, somehow along the line Grandpa Jordan got a wonderful education. This could be another clue. I want to share with you a true story. A story that will touch your heart.

The Big robust carpenter, Elder Jordan Ashley had settled on Irishman Creek of Carr in then Letcher County, KY. His farm would later straddle the Knott and Letcher Counties. By 1860 he owned a little over 400 acres. This farm joined the William M. Smith farm of about the same size. Two of Jordans daughters married two of William Smith's sons.

The 1860's were a particularly bad time for Jordan. During the time of Jordan's arrival in Kentucky he had been active in church organizations. He had developed friendships with a father and son, John Adams Caudill and his son Benjamin E Caudill. The three of them were a power among the Baptist movement being established at the time. The three were members of churches in the New Salem Association of Baptist. After some time, they had organized a group of churches to pull away from the New Salem Association and formed the Union Association of Baptist. They were also involved in the establishment of Mates Creek Association of Baptist. [By the Way, I have been a long time member of the Union Association. It is still alive and well.]

Now the rest of the story. Our country was having real trouble in the 1860's, particularly Kentucky. It was a border state and was having some strong feelings on both sides of the Unpleasant Business. To make a long story shorter, Jordan's friend and fellow clergy, Benjamin E Caudill became a Colonel in the Conf. Army and raised an Army in Whitesburg, Letcher Co., KY. Most young men in the counties around joined his army, this included Hillard J Ashley and Larkin S Ashley sons of Jordan and maybe Alexander Smith. That is two sons and one son-in-law from Jordans family. In a little while 200 of the army was captured at Gladeville, VA(today Wise). Among the captured were Hillard, Larkin, and Col Caudill. Col Caudill was later exchanged and returned to the battle field. Hillard and Larkin were taken to Camp Douglas, Ill and died there as POW's. Ashley, H. J. Private Sept. 15, 1862 Whitesburg,KY Captured at Gladeville, Va. July 7, 1863Ashley, L. S. Private Sept. 15, 1862 Whitesburg,KYBoth Died as POW at Camp Douglas, Ill

Jordan then sold his land, some to Francis M his son, and moved to Wolfe County along with sons Jesse and William and daughter Nancy and her husband William Johnson. William ended up in Powell County a neighboring county to Wolfe. Today, it is the well known Red River Gorge.

Then, little Jesse and most likely Alexander joined the army. Neither of them returned. Jesse's wife remained in Wolfe County and Mary Ashley, wife of Alexander,

remarried about 1870 to William Martin. I am pretty sure Alexander and Mary went along with Jordan and Barbara, because a son of Mary and William Martin says in his marriage record that he was born in Powell County.

So, I am thinking Jordan died too young, way too young, perhaps he died of a broken heart. Just think, four sons gone and his best friend was partly responsible. His grandson Jordan, son of William S and Christina, was kidnapped during the civil war at age 12 and never heard from again.

I do believe I have found the record of Alexander and Jesse. Notice that both enlisted at the same place only one month apart. Alexander Smith: Alexander C. Smith

Residence was not listed; Enlisted on 9/14/1861 at Camp Burnett, TN as a Private. On 9/14/1861 he mustered into "G" Co. KY 4th Infantry (date and method of discharge not given) He was listed as: * Wounded 6/25/1864 Kenesaw Mountain, GA. A note of interest: Alexanders brother-in-law Jesse Ashley was also missing during the same time frame.

Here may be his war record and notice they enlisted at the same place: Jesse Ashley: J E. AshleyResidence was not listed; Enlisted on 10/1/1861 at Camp Burnett as a Private. On 10/1/1861 he mustered into "B" Co. KY 7th Infantry (date and method of discharge not given) Promotions: * 2nd Lieut

7th Infantry Regiment was assembled in September, 1861, at Camp Burnett, near Clinton, Kentucky, with men from the western section of the state. This regiment reported 14 casualties at Baton Rouge, then was assigned to Rust's and Buford's Brigade, Department of Mississippi and East Louisiana. It was active in various conflicts around Vicksburg and Jackson and during the spring of 1864 was mounted and attached to General Lyon's Brigade in Forrest's Corps. The unit saw action in the expedition from Memphis into Mississippi, June 1 - 13, and reported 39 casualties. During July there were 73 disabled at Harrisburg. Later it skirmished in Alabama and surrendered on May 4, 1865.

Now here is the history of Jordan and his church activity both in NC and Kentucky:

Ref. "Early Settlers of Reddies River," by Paul W. Gregory, published by Wilkes Genealogical Society 1976, Wilkes Co., NC. This reference on pages 49 and 50 lists establishment of New Hope Church in the Deep Ford Hill area of Reddies River near present day North Wilkesboro, NC. This church was established June 26, 1830 and among the original and early members of this church was Jordan Ashley. Jordan was ordained minister in 1835 and became Pastor and served the church as pastor 1839 - 1840. (Paul Gregory is the grandson of Jordan's friend, Jordan Ashley Shepherd).

Ref. "The Dixon Story, A Family History," by Dexter Dixon. Elder James Dixon, My wife Mable's G,G, Grandfather, was ordained minister first Saturday in

January 1851. The presbytery for the ordination consisted of Elder John A Caudill, Elder David Maggard, and Elder Jordan Ashley. This church work was done at the Indian Bottom Church, Letcher Co., Kentucky. A note of interest, this Elder John A Caudill is father of the Col Benjamin E Caudill of Civil War fame and Elder of the Primitive Baptist Faith in his own right. Elder Benjamin had an Evangalistic calling and traveled over North Carolina, Virginia, and Kentucky. This Elder David Maggard was aka 'Long' David per Kenneth Maggard, author Maggard Family Genealogy.Ref. "History of Perry County Kentucky," written and published by DAR Hazard Chapter. This reference lists establishment of Liberty Church in 1852 and Jordan Ashley was Minister (page 122). This church was made up of 10 members from the Old Carr Chruch in Knott Co., Ky. This reference also lists Swift Camp Church, Wolfe County, Kentucky as hosting the Mountain Association of Old Regular Baptists on Friday before the 2nd Saturday in Sept, 1860 and Liberty Church is listed as one of the Mountain Association Baptist churches.End of Story

JB Francis

PS. You may have seen the letter by Jordan corrupted by someone. Called a Sermon of Love. The doc I sent you is in my file as I have transcribed. Any Old Regular or Primitive Baptist Minister who would write out a sermon would be out of work that day. They just don't do that. This is an actual letter, and the Circular Letter is still used today in our churches of that faith. Believe me, I am one of them.