OBITUARY FOR CARY ASHLEY
Clifton, NC
Nov. 16, 1914
Cary Ashley was born May 19, 1845 and died August 31, 1914, having lived 69 years, 3 months and 13 days. He was born, lived, and died on the Ashley farm near Warrensville, NC. In 1865 he was married to Miss Martha Campbell. Of this union eight children were born, two of which are dead. Six and his wife survive his death.

When a young man, he was converted and joined the Methodist Church at Ashley, at which place his membership remained as long as he lived. He was an accommodating good neighbor and a good citizen. He was of genial nature, fond of the company of young men and even in old age the young men sought his company, as he was one of their number.

He died of paralysis and was sick only fourteen to sixteen hours. Before he died, the last day of his life was Sunday and he seemed the happiest he had been in several years. When the deathly disease struck him, he never spoke anymore. He lost consciousness and woke up in eternity. His friends and loved ones think he is happy in Heaven. A great number of his friends and relatives attended his burial service which was conducted by the writer, assisted by Revs. Elihu Tucker and T. C. Blevins, after which his body was laid to rest in the Ashley Burying ground.

Written by D. C. Ballard

Following submitted by Carole Conrad (#46532185), Jan 2014

Enlisted 12/1/1863 Co C2 21st Cav.
Deserted 3/15/1864 (They did not know he had joined the Infantry)
Enlisted Co A 26th NC Regmt Inf 2/12/1864 in Iredell Cty NC
WIA in leg according to family tradition
Taken POW Spotsylvania Courthouse Va 5/12/1864
Sent to Point Lookout POW camp MD
Transferred to Elmira, NY (the worst Northern POW camp) 7/27/1864
Held until taking the oath 6/12/1865
His brother William also enlisted.