LEAD BELT NEWS, Flat River, St. Francois Co. MO, Jan. 2, 1920

"Bonne Terre News" column:

William Christopher Ashburn was born in Hickman County, Kentucky on December 11th, 1839 and departed this life at his home in Bonne Terre on December 27th, 1919, aged eighty years and sixteen days. He was a son of the late Dr. W. C. and Frances (Dallam) Ashburn and was the last of the family of eleven children. He came with his parents to Missouri in 1846. A year later the family moved to his home in Bonne Terre resided until four years ago when he moved to his home in Bonne Terre. He was married to Miss Martha McHenry on April 28th, 1891. To them 2 children were born, Frances, who died at the age of eleven years, and Allen Pope, [who] with his bereaved mother, survives to mourn the death of a devoted husband and a loving and indulgent father. Mr. Ashburn was converted early in life and joined the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, at the Stone Church. When the Marvin Chapel church was built his membership was transferred to it. Later when he moved to Bonne Terre he had his membership transferred to the Centenary Church. The funeral services were conducted at the residence by Rev. Linus Eaker Monday morning at 11 o'clock and he was buried in the family cemetery on his farm. Mr. Ashburn was a man of sterling character and had a great number of friends by whom he will be sadly missed.