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CONGRATULATING MR. FRANCIS MARION ASHE ON THE CELEBRATION OF HIS NINETIETH BIRTHDAY AND WISHING HIM WELL IN THE FUTURE.
Whereas, Francis Marion Ashe was born June 14, 1920, in the family's ancestral home in McConnells (ville), South Carolina, a small village located in York County, and is the second of six children of William Elias Ashe, Sr., and Macie Kirkpatrick Ashe. His brothers and sisters were Calvin, Billy, Lois, Eliza, and Edwin; and
Whereas, Mr. Ashe was nineteen years old when his father died in 1939, leaving him the responsibility of being the family's principal breadwinner. The Depression was still affecting the economy of rural York County, and Mr. Ashe took on many jobs, willingly and with a cheerful heart, doing his part in supporting the family; and
Whereas, the Ashe family ancestors were pioneers, having arrived in the "New Acquisition" District of South Carolina before 1760. They were of Scots-Irish decent and traveled down the Great Philadelphia Wagon Road, settling on the upper waters of Fishing Creek in present day York County; and
Whereas, two of Marion's great-grandfathers, John Jackson Ashe and Marcus Hafner, served in Company C, 27th Regiment, South Carolina Infantry during the War Between the States. John's father James and grandfather, Robert, served in the War of 1812. Robert Ashe also served in the South Carolina Militia during the Revolutionary War. Robert participated in the Battle of Huck's Defeat at Williamson's Plantation near present day McConnells in York County. Robert Ashe's father, John, is also listed as a "Patriot" by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) for service provided to patriots; and
Whereas, Mr. Ashe is married to the former Eleanor Wilkerson of Hickory Grove, S.C. and they have a beloved daughter, Robin Ashe Flood (Stephen) of Manasquan, N.J. Mr. Ashe also has a beloved daughter, Beverly Ashe Pierce of Charlotte, N.C. Mr. Ashe has six much adored grandchildren: David Pierce of Charlotte, N.C., and Shea, Quinn, Keely, Ian, and Colin Flood, all of Manasquan, N.J.; and
Whereas, Mr. Ashe attended public school in McConnells, high school in York, and graduated from the Textile Industrial Institute (Spartanburg Junior College, now known as Spartanburg Methodist College). Mr. Ashe proudly served his country in the United States Navy in the Pacific Theater during World War II at Saipan, Tinian, Guam, the Philippines, and Japan; and
Whereas, Mr. Ashe was employed in many various roles associated with the farming of cotton, brokering, and manufacturing of cotton in the Upstate of South Carolina for over forty-five years. His father, Bill, was considered to be one of the leading farmers in York County before the Great Depression. His Uncle John R. Ashe was president of the York Cotton Mill and his Uncle William N. Ashe was the president of the Ashe Brick Company in York and Lancaster Counties; and
Whereas, Mr. Ashe is a faithful member of the Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Greenville. He is an avid golfer and still enjoys several rounds of golf a week. Mr. Ashe also enjoys gardening, spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren, and sharing his great sense of humor with everyone he meets. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate:
That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, congratulate Mr. Francis Marion Ashe on the celebration of his ninetieth birthday and wish him well in the future.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Mr. Francis Marion Ashe.
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